A couple shares their birth story, which was a 40-hour long saga. The mother's water broke after eating spicy Ethiopian food, and she experienced intense back labor due to the baby's position. The couple had planned for a natural, unmedicated birth using hypnobirthing techniques, but the mother's back pain was excruciating, and she needed her partner's help to breathe and relax.
After a chaotic car ride to the hospital, they encountered a broken garage arm and were redirected to the emergency room entrance, where they were met with signs warning of a measles outbreak. The mother was eventually admitted to a room, where she had affirmations posted on the walls to help her through labor.
As labor progressed, the mother's condition worsened, and the doctor decided to perform a C-section. The mother was relieved and grateful for the medical intervention. The couple's relationship was strengthened by the experience, and they expressed gratitude for their healthy baby boy. They encouraged expectant mothers not to be scared, emphasizing that every birth story is unique and that medical advancements can help weather any challenges that may arise.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The speaker is a woman who is about to give birth.
2. She is woken up by her partner, Kate, at 2:30 am because her water has broken.
3. The speaker's doula, Rebecca, is with them to help during labor.
4. The speaker experiences back labor, which is more intense than typical contractions.
5. She uses a hypnobirthing technique to try to relax and breathe through the contractions.
6. Her partner, Joey, helps coach her through the labor process.
7. After 40 hours of labor, the speaker's doctor decides to perform a C-section.
8. The speaker is relieved that the C-section is successful and she can finally meet her baby.
9. The baby is healthy and perfect, and the speaker is grateful for the medical advancements that made the birth possible.
10. The speaker's relationship with her partner and sister has become stronger as a result of the birth experience.
11. The speaker is gay and is grateful to have such a supportive partner and family.