07/27/2026
Beth was a 3rd time mom who had 1 previous medicated birth and 1 previous unmedicated birth. In our prenatal meetings she shared having a strong desire to go unmedicated, however, she had an even stronger passion for her golden hour to be preserved (1 hour immediately after giving birth).
At about 38 weeks pregnant, after a couple of higher blood pressure readings & her baby having a couple of decels, her care team suggested she go to the hospital for prolonged monitoring. I was able to join Beth and offer emotional & educational support to her as she ultimately made the hard decision to be induced that evening. She decided to go home first to: gather her belongings, shower, and bond with her little family one last time before welcoming a new addition.
She settled in her labor room for the night, and around 3am the next morning, she had 1 round of cervical cytotec. After laboring pretty hard throughout the night, Beth and her care team decided it would be best to do another round of cytotec and place a foley balloon. After the balloon was placed, her contractions began to feel much more intense, so Beth declined the second round of cytotec. At 10:48am, Beth’s water broke on its own, and I arrived shortly after to begin comfort measures. Upon my arrival, Beth was laboring in the shower, so her husband and I observed from afar, offering support when needed.
Things began to feel much more intense as the balloon was making its way out. Beth started to think of an epidural. She felt she hadn’t had time to mentally and physically prepare for an unmedicated birth, and the idea of getting to relax for the rest of her labor, have her a sense of comfort. After chatting more, she ultimately decided that was the right move for her. By 1:15pm you were out of the shower, and had decided to get the epidural. Her partner and I offered physical emotional support as she waited for her epidural.
Beth’s balloon came out at 2:18pm, her cervix was 5-6cm 70% effaced -2 station. After some much needed rest and to EVERYONE’S surprise Beth was complete and ready to push at 4:48pm! Only 10 minutes later, Beth had brought her daughter earthside. She was able to have immediate skin to skin, delayed cord clamping, and a completely undisturbed first hour with her daughter on her chest. 🤍