Tyler Jayne’s Story: A first time mom’s powerful birth at 38 weeks.

Hey Tyler Jayne, tell us your birth story!

Contractions started at 12am on the dot. I was only 38 weeks, so I wasn’t convinced it was labor. They were only 20 minutes apart, so I could sleep through them. By 5am they were 5-7 minutes apart, I woke my partner up to have him get stuff done around the house. I was able to get the place cleaned and some tasks done, to be honest I still didn’t think it was labor. I just leaned into each contraction, breathing deeply, and they seemed to pass quicker than I thought they would. I went the whole day cleaning and still in denial it was labor. Finally at 5pm the contractions were 2 minutes apart, and it hit me that it was happening. We went to the hospital, but I was only 1 cm dilated, but I was fully effaced and she could touch his head. After an hour of them having me walk around, I only progressed 1 cm more. I was tired at this point (I should not have been so active the whole day, but I truly think that’s what helped me progress so fast), and they told me it would be another 24-48 hours. I felt defeated (I wish I wouldn’t have even allowed a check looking back on it). They wanted to send me home. Then within the span of 30 minutes, I went from 2 cm to 10 cm and he was coming fast. I still didn’t know I was 10cm and had progressed so fast (I just knew it was so intense and so painful). I felt in my gut he was coming, but as a first time mom I listened when she said “no you have about another day left”. I then begged for the epidural (lol), because another 24 of what I now know was the transition period felt impossible. As I had the needle in my back for the epidural, I couldn’t help it and felt the urge to push, I reached down and I felt his head! I told my nurse and then she finally realized I was much further along than she thought. She told me it wasn’t safe to push with the needle in my back, so I had to squeeze and not push. It was the worst part of the whole birth. (Hindsight: I will listen to my gut and my body, and do what feels right in the moment. As soon as I listened to the hospital staff, the birth became more difficult and I became more defeated.) Finally the epidural was in, but not kicked in yet, and I was crowning. Then after 2 pushes he came out extremely quickly. Staff respected my requests: don’t rub the baby down, leave the room for our first hour to bond, calm voices and only letting us talk to our son to allow his transition to our world be peaceful.

What surprised you most about your conception, pregnancy, and/or birth journey?

How much it changes you, in the best way. I thought my sons arrival would be that turning point, but the confidence that emerged in me during pregnancy was inspiring!

What tips or advice would you like to give other Mamas?

Listen to your gut. You know far more, yes even more than the nurses and doctor, what your body needs. Lean into that intuition and follow it. Have your partner help advocate for you, too.

What 3 words best describe birth for you?

Surreal, empowering, life-changing

What does being a mother mean to you?

Everything. I’ve never stepped into a role and felt more at peace and home. It’s exceeded all that I thought it would be. There will never be a more important role to me.

Are there any classes, courses, books, or other resources you'd like to recommend that helped you with your experience?

Don’t be scared. It’s the most raw, beautiful, and empowering experience. Remember each contraction is bringing you closer to meeting your baby. Focus on your breath. Lean into each contraction instead of fighting them, remember the contractions are there to help you meet your baby.

How did you prepare for pregnancy and birth?

I watched a lot of unmedicated, peaceful births. I did daily affirmations to remind myself I could do it. I used my sister in law, Brooklynn, as a resource for questions, advice, and podcasts!

Do you have any postpartum advice for mothers?

Listen to your body! Rest, but if your body wants you to stretch and take easy walks, do that. Eat really nourishing, warm, healthy meals. The more minerals you get, the easier your hormones will adjust!

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