Kelsey's Story- 10 lbs., 12 oz.- Birth Center
Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 11:06PM 
10 lbs., 12 oz.
23 inches long
38 cm head
Birth Center
Mother’s height: 5’8”
How was your pregnancy?
Fairly good. I had some morning sickness at first, and was so huge and heavy in the last trimester. I gained a lot of weight, but want add that I did not have gestational diabetes, just grew an insanely large child. I feel like I had a relatively normal pregnancy when compared to other stories I have heard.
How did you feel about your upcoming birth?
I was excited, and nervous. I knew I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like no matter how much I had prepared. I had chosen to use a midwife at a birthing center, largely to feel like I had more control over how I gave birth, especially to not be pushed to have any unnecessary interventions, especially a c-section.
Description of your birth experience:
The short version is that it was amazingly painful, difficult, and long, but in the end the most wonderful thing I have ever done, and I am SO glad I chose to do it that way.
The full story is here.
How did you feel after the birth (first month)?
My body was still in so much pain from such a big baby coming out, and I could not sit for long periods of time, and especially not on anything hard. Mentally I was so happy that I had accomplished what I had wanted, that my son had come into the world in such a beautiful way was really meaningful to me. My family gave me a lot of grief for “what I had put them through” and I spent a while processing that. In the end my husband and I determined that our experience was so amazing and wonderful (and safe! there is also risk at a hospital!) that it didn’t matter if most other people thought it was insane.
How did you feel six months after the birth? One year? Now?
At six months my body was better, and that made life even better. Right now it’s only been nine months, but I feel the same about the experience and am actually planning on doing it again… I loved what I gained from the experience so much and I am having another baby, and hope to have her come into the world in the same way.
What did you learn from this birth?
That I am stronger than I thought.
Any words of wisdom to impart?
Be aware that you have a choice. I think all women are a lot stronger than they think, and sometimes they feel like because someone is telling them that they “have” to do something they should. Don’t be bullied by family, doctors, or popular trends. Get a second opinion, and listen to your heart.
Reader Comments (2)
Wow - congratulations on your beautiful big boy! Thanks for sharing your story, too! I especially like the words of wisdom that you gave at the end ... I agree totally!
I just read the birth story. It seems I read it a few months ago because the comment from Kelsey's mom, Abuela/ Mommree really stuck with me. 'your birth was so traumatising for ME, please go to the hospital next time so I feel better etc.'. This really resonates with me because I have often struggled with regret and guilt over doing or not doing as others would have me do. I know how hard it can be to deal with the drama others sling at you for listening to your heart, Kelsey. Listen to your heart, and trust that others can deal with it no matter how big of a fit they throw. After all, their drama is their problem, your children our yours. You know in your heart what is right for your path, and your children. As an added benefit, the science and statistics very clearly support natural unhindered birth as consistantly having the healthiest outcomes for both mother and child. But I'm guessing you already know this :)