Born at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota | A Preview of a Unmedicated, Empowered Birth in Photographs
This beloved repeat doula family had a traumatic first birth related to provider abuse and violence. For their second birth, this family chose a different provider and really felt confident that this birth would be different. Prenatally, we created an individualized trauma-informed birth plan. While supporting them during labor, it was my mission to communicate that with each staff person involved in their care. Care should always be trauma-informed, however it can easily get lost in the everyday tasks of hospital staff if not directly communicated in real time.
During her first birth, she chose to have an epidural for comfort/pain management and thoroughly loved that choice. As she envisioned her second birth, she felt very safe in choosing to have an epidural again - while also holding curiosity for what unmedicated birth would be like. Doulas support all births (epidural/medicated, unmedicated, cesarean, loss), and our team is skilled in navigating the intricacies of all types of births.
As she progressed from early to active labor, I remember distinctly, in between contractions she turned to me and declared, “you know what, I think I’ve got this!”. It felt so good as her doula to tangibly see and hear the confidence in herself, her body, her baby, and this birth in general. My response was, “absolutely you do!”.
She powerfully birthed her baby girl in hands-and-knees, with an OB provider, with a distinctly hands-off approach through the crowning, birth of baby’s head and restitution (baby’s shoulders turn as they are born). It was so impactful to witness my client have an entirely empowering birth experience. It can and does happen in the hospital setting, too!
Welcome to the world, little one!
xo, Britt + the Gather Birth team
Doula support and Birth Photography: Britt, Gather Birth
