Following Michelle’s first baby’s unmedicated hospital birth, which she shared in Episode 86, Michelle is surprised to be told at around 39 weeks that she needs to go straight to the hospital to be induced due to gestational hypertension. She advocates to go home to say goodbye to her son and grab her bag. Once she checks into the hospital for the induction, it goes much more efficiently than anticipated and she’s able to give birth again without pain medications and this time without tearing, using all kinds of proactive comfort measures with the support of her husband and doula. She also describes some of the guilt she felt and grief she experienced in having a second baby at different points in pregnancy and beyond. This story will be particularly supportive to folks who have hypertension, are being induced, and/or are having a 2nd baby or are thinking about it for sometime down the road.
Resources:
Sponsor links:
Free “Pack for Your Best Birth” Packing List (with free mini-course option)
East River Doula Collective (find a doula, attend our free “Meet the Doulas” event)
Birth Matters NYC Childbirth Education Classes (Astoria, Queens and virtual)
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Episode Topics:
1. Introduction and Background
Michelle’s previous appearance and first birth story
Family update: children’s ages, living in Astoria, marriage, and family plans
Reflections on having children close in age and future family size
2. Transition to Motherhood and Family Planning
Decision to become a stay-at-home mom
Experiences with two children under two
Thoughts on age gaps between children and future pregnancies
Personal experience with large sibling age gaps
3. Conception and Early Pregnancy
Conception story after a trip to Greece
Nursing, return of menstrual cycle, and casual approach to conception
Surprise and excitement at positive pregnancy test
Immediate feelings of guilt about having another baby so soon
4. Emotional Adjustments in Early Pregnancy
Processing emotions about expanding the family
Navigating guilt and emotional challenges
Early OB appointments and confirmation of pregnancy
5. Pregnancy Experience
Differences between first and second pregnancies
Fatigue and challenges with a toddler at home
Husband’s work schedule and solo parenting
Gender reveal: process and family reactions
6. Prenatal Testing and Medical Concerns
Nuchal scan and genetic counseling referral
Decision-making around CVS and amniocentesis
Monitoring baby’s growth and measurements
Concerns about baby measuring small, especially limbs
Emotional impact of ongoing medical monitoring
7. Coping with Medical Anxiety
Michelle’s history of medical anxiety
How motherhood changed her approach to medical situations
Support from her OB and confidence from previous birth experience
8. Birth Preparation
Working with a doula (Chana Diamond)
Securing support and backup plans
Physical discomforts: back pain, chiropractic care
Late pregnancy symptoms: itching, Braxton Hicks, prodromal labor
Emotional preparation and feelings of grief/guilt about changing family dynamics
9. Managing Toddler’s Transition
Planning a night away before birth to prepare toddler for separation
Toddler’s emotional reaction to parents’ absence
Strategies for managing the transition for the older child
10. Final Weeks of Pregnancy
Rising blood pressure and monitoring
Preparing for possible induction
Balancing medical advice with personal birth preferences
11. Labor and Delivery
Details of the 39-week OB appointment and decision to go to triage
Emotional response to possible induction
Hospital experience: monitoring, staff interactions, and decision-making
Induction process: Foley balloon, Pitocin, and labor progression
Managing labor without an epidural
Support from husband and doula during labor
Rapid progression to active labor and delivery
Pushing and birth of baby Ivy
12. Immediate Postpartum Experience
Golden hour and initial bonding with baby
Emotional complexity: missing her son while bonding with newborn
Hospital stay: sleep challenges, baby’s hearing test, and minor medical concerns
13. Coming Home and Early Postpartum
Reuniting with toddler and introducing new baby
Toddler’s adjustment to sibling
Early postpartum challenges: balancing care for two children, fatigue, and limited support
Physical recovery: bleeding, passing tissue, and follow-up care
14. Breastfeeding Journey
Breastfeeding experiences with both children
Challenges with clogs and mastitis
Self-weaning of second child and emotional impact
Reflections on the end of breastfeeding and reclaiming her body
15. Reflections on Parenting Two Children
Differences between first and second child
Adjusting expectations and embracing each child’s uniqueness
Sibling relationship development
Looking forward to time with both children
16. Postpartum Health and Recovery
Blood pressure monitoring at home
Slower physical recovery compared to first postpartum experience
Importance of rest and support
17. Final Reflections and Advice
Emotional journey of expanding the family
Reassurance for parents about love expanding with each child
Encouragement for those facing induction or unexpected birth scenarios
Importance of supportive care providers and flexible expectations