As a community of support, we love to share real life birth stories with you, our Third Coast family. We hope that these stories will encourage and inspire you! Today we hear from Cassandra, Mama of three. Thank you for sharing your story with us, Cassandra!
What would you like to tell first time expectant parents about birth?
I think that the biggest thing I can share is to trust your body and know that you can do this! I think that having the right support is so vital so that you don’t need to think of anything except your own needs. Talk to anyone who can be supportive and helpful for you. Knowledge is power when it comes to your birth.
How was your doula most helpful to you and your partner?
I can’t count the ways. We needed a sense of direction and to stay busy especially in the very beginning. She was so helpful just keeping my mind off the clock. Shawna helped my husband in so many ways as well. Giving him ideas on how to help me and to stay focused, making sure we had everything we needed..I guess that is the most helpful thing..she helped make sure that my husband never had to leave my side.
What was the most unexpected part about your birth?
I would have to say I found how quickly transition came and went. It was so intense. I felt like there was such quiet in the room. I was concentrating, seeing my husband, seeing Shawna and the rest of the world was gone in those moments. It was such a crazy blur. I remember bits and pieces, but I can’t believe it all happened. I don’t know exactly what I expected, but it wasn’t that!
What was the most empowering part about your birth?
The most empowering part of my birth is easy. I did it! I was fighting all the odds of what my doctor told me. A VBAC after two Cesareans. Just WOW! It totally heightened that feeling because my husband looked at me like I was a superhero. I felt such a sense of pride in the fact that my body knew exactly what to do and I succeeded. We got everything that we wanted that day.