When Elena decided on a homebirth at 37 weeks pregnant with her first baby, many people questioned her choice. Then, when her waters broke and the fluid was stained with meconium, it seemed to confirm everyone's fears.
But Elena trusted herself.
Despite advice to head to the hospital, she chose to remain at home with her birth team. Her baby was posterior, then became caught with a hand beside her face, leading Elena to spend labor doing squats on the stairs to help her baby find the best position to be born.
Surrounded by positive birth affirmations, squeezing a comb through each contraction, and supported by her husband, midwife, and even her mom quietly documenting the journey from the hallway, Elena welcomed her 8 pound, 13 ounce daughter into the world at home.
The story didn't end there. After the birth, the umbilical cord tore, resulting in a trip to the hospital and a brief NICU stay that brought moments of fear and uncertainty.
Now, 18 months later, Elena reflects on a birth that wasn't pain-free or perfect, but was deeply empowering. She believes that preparing thoroughly, advocating for herself, and trusting her instincts made all the difference.
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Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net
Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard
Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto
