24 - Birth Stories from Hawaii - Deb & Beth Share Their Wildly Different (But Equally Beautiful) Journeys (Guest - Beth James & Ellie Jimenez)

In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode of Doula Talk: Postpartum, Babies, and the Battle for Sleep, Doula Deb takes listeners on a powerful storytelling journey straight from sunny Oahu, where she’s joined by her best friend Beth—and a very special guest: her daughter Ellie.

First, Deb shares the intimate story of Ellie’s home birth, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to labor with a sick toddler, a flu-stricken partner, and a birth tub that just barely filled up in time. From Benadryl and birth balls to crowning with iPads on FaceTime, this story is raw, real, and incredibly empowering.

Then, the episode flows into Beth’s trio of birth stories—each one unique and filled with its own lessons. Whether it was navigating a surprise induction due to gestational diabetes, advocating for better postpartum care, or discovering the joy of a perfectly-timed epidural, Beth’s stories showcase the wild range of what birth can look like—and how it can surprise you even when you’ve done it before.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s pregnant, postpartum, or simply birth-curious. Deb reminds us that there’s no one “right” way to give birth—and every version of the journey is valid, powerful, and worth honoring.

Whether you’re hoping for a home birth, navigating hospital inductions, or just trying to get a little sleep—Deb’s compassionate, knowledgeable, and slightly sassy approach will make you feel seen, supported, and more confident in your parenting journey.

🍼 Tune in, laugh along and walk away feeling empowered—because every birth is a story worth telling.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome to Doula Talk!
• 0:40 Introduction to Birth Stories
• 1:17 The Journey Begins: Early Signs of Labor
• 2:33 Laboring at Home: Managing Contractions
• 6:53 Transitioning to the Birth Pool
• 9:41 The Birth Moment: Welcoming Ellie
• 13:01 Post-Birth Reflections and Family Bonding
• 20:23 Second Birth Experience: A Different Approach
• 24:31 Third Birth Experience: Midwives and Support
• 30:20 Postpartum Reflections and Support

Transcript

Deb (00:40)

Hey, hey, welcome back to Doula Talk, postpartum babies in the battle for sleep.

I'm Deb, your friendly neighborhood doula, here to bring you warmth with splash of sass because let's be real, parenthood's too wild not to laugh a little. Well, today's episode is extra special.

we're recording from beautiful Oahu, Hawaii. Yes, it's as dreamy as it sounds. And I'm here with two of my favorite people. My best friend Beth is joining me and so is someone who you've all heard of, even if she's never made her podcast debut until now, my daughter Ellie. This episode is all about birth stories, the ridiculous and the heart melting.

We're starting with my home birth story, the day Ellie made her entrance into the world with a calm confidence and a little dramatic flair because of course. stories because this woman has had three amazing births under her belt and her experiences are just as rich and varied as birth itself. So get cozy.

grab a warm drink or pop those earbuds in while you're pushing a stroller. We are diving into some real talk about how babies come into the world and how beautiful and different each journey can be.

Deb (02:01)

Welcome back to Doula Talk. Okay, so we have a special episode today. We're coming...

from Oahu, Hawaii, where we're staying with some friends. And so we're going to do a podcast episode talking about my daughter's birth, which was a home birth. And I have my best friend here. Beth James. Hi. And I also have another special guest. Who is it? Ellie.

And who are you? I'm your daughter Nice. So we're going to talk about your birth today.

Ellie. You ready? Yes. Okay. So we decided to have you at home and do remember where we told you I had you? In your room. In our room. Yeah. so I remember I have a little bit of false labor a week before and

I was like, I don't know, this is it. And then all of sudden it just stopped. And I think I texted you. don't remember the false labor. I remember the real deal. Yeah. was like, you got quiet before. I remember like less texts. were just like getting ready to get down to business. And you just knew. Yep. I definitely was nesting for about two weeks prior of like not going anywhere. not talking to anybody. Um, and then I remember evening time.

I'm like contractions were kind of coming up and then I was like all excited but then they like went away and then it was like a week later is when they finally came back and I remember just being like okay it's gonna happen when it happens and let's see I think I was 39 weeks and I had Ben past due five days past due so this was like a lot earlier and I got woken up I think it was like 11 p.m.

I woke up and you're sleeping and I was that doesn't feel very comfortable. And I was kind of on hands and knees for a little bit and I got up and I was like, you know, I'm like, take a bath. I snuck out of bed because I didn't want to wake up daddy in case it was really, you know, happening. And I got in the bath and then Hector was like, What are you doing in there? And I was like, I'm just

having a little bit of contractions he's like okay and I told him to go back to bed because I forgot this detail all day Ben was starting to get sick and I had taken him to the doctor that day to see if he needed like antibiotics or if he tested he would have the flu and I was like okay let's try to keep this baby in because we do not want a newborn with the flu. I do kind of remember that.

And so, and I remember going to urgent care and they said, um, are you okay? Are you in labor? And I'm like, no, what are you doing here? And was like, my son's sick. And they're like, like, when are you do? I was like, I might be having contractions I'm not really sure. So that was pretty fun. Um, so anyway, I just really didn't want to have you that day because I was worried about you getting sick.

And I called my midwife and I told her, said, I don't know, I think I'm having contractions. She's like, well, I want you to take some Benadryl and drink half a glass of wine and try to slow this all down because last thing you want is a newborn in the house with the flu. So that kind of slowed things down and I was able to get some rest. By morning, was like, I was getting contractions every like 30 minutes maybe.

And wasn't too bad. But then after all the benedryl wore off, it just started coming. So I took another dose, but it just really didn't take that job. And I told my midwife, I was like, this is not working. And she's like, well, your body's going to have a baby whether, you know, if it's time, it's time. Ellie was calling the shots. Yeah. She was being the boss, which is kind of indicative of her personality now. Right? Yes.

And so, um, and then that's when Hector started showing symptoms of the flu. So he spent the day. I had been, this kiddo taking care of him and daddy went to Urgent and got some Tamiflu. And that was a whole thing. remember that. I do you remember that Yeah. And, and that was a whole thing too, because he had

It was like right before they closed and they thought all the providers were gone for the day and the front desk lady was like, run down this hallway and see if they're still in the office. They don't have any more appointments, but if they're still in there, they might be able to give you a prescription. And he did. And they were like, he's like, my wife is at home in labor. I can't have a flu right now. And he's please, please, please. And they're like, my gosh, absolutely. They got him tama flu and it helped significantly.

so I kind of just labored on and off all day and I was just like, had my headphones in and I was so relieved that I didn't have to leave the house and I was just kind of hunkering down. was like, you know what, this is going to take five days like last time. So I'm just going to conserve my energy. I'm going to like lay down when I need to. I kind of sat on the birth ball for a little bit. And I remember Ben when he was just watching.

and he'd like, mama you're doing so good. He was three and a half and he was just so sweet. would hold my hand and like, but it was just really, really cute. And then I remember it getting pretty strong toward like 5pm, 6pm. And he's like, do you want to eat? And I was like, not really.

hungry but he made me eat a little bit like a couple bites so I could keep my energy up and then I remember thinking like you gotta take Ben downstairs like I don't want to be around anybody I just want to be alone he's like well are you gonna call me if you need something? was like yeah I'll yell down if I need something so I put my headphones in I was just listening to music and I would pace up and down the hallway

of the upstairs so I'd go from our bedroom all the way to Ben's room and back and then when I and then all of sudden I was like I'm starting to feel like a little pushy a little bit like grunty and so I was like and then Hector was like how far apart are they and I was like I don't know I'm it's gonna be a long time it doesn't matter like so I he goes well just for me why don't you time them

said, okay, I'll time them. And they were like four minutes apart and they were getting pretty strong. And he's like, do you think we should call the midwife? And I was like, definitely not. Like, don't think it's even anywhere close. Like this is not even that, like it's painful, but it's not too bad. And he's like, I'm calling her. Yeah. Well, I mean, it was a right call because four minutes apart is getting

to pushing. But when you're in labor land, you're just like, whatever. You just don't understand. So called the midwife. She was there within an hour, I think. And right when they got there, she like, do you want me to check you? And I was like, I mean, I just don't want to be discouraged. Like, I feel like I'm gonna be like a two or three and I so long to go. And she's like,

can I check for me? And I was like yeah you can check I guess but if it's below like just don't tell me below six don't tell me. and so she's like okay and so she checked and she's like you're seven like you're you're right there you're almost ready so we do you remember how many you need to be? Nine? Ten. Ten. Ten yeah so I was like I'm like totally close to

transition and I was feeling that I was like, okay, great. And so I was very surprised because I really still wasn't in too much pain because I was just kind of in my zone and just not really paying attention to anybody and just being very introverted. So then they started to fill up the bathtub. They're like, well, we better get this set up because it takes a while to fill up. It's like as big as like a hot tub. so they filled it up and then

I was just still pacing back and forth and then I started feeling like really like a little pushy. And so they're like, okay, water's ready to get in. And so I get in and then my contraction completely stops. And I was like, why aren't they coming? And I was so worried. I was like, what's going on? And my midwife was like, it's cause you're relaxed and it's almost time to push. And so,

So she said, it's fine. Contractions do that when you're getting really close to pushing So she's like, enjoy your break. Just relax. Cool. So I was in the tub, and then that's when we called my mom on the iPad, and then I called Hector's mom on the iPad. And so I was leaning over the tub, facing my bed, and there was two iPads.

right there watching. Although I really was not paying attention to that at all. I was just like relaxing in the tub. And then I had maybe like two or three more contractions and I was like, Oh my gosh, ring of fire. And I felt everything. I felt her head just like crowning. And that was when that was the only time I really felt like

like intense about it and it felt really intense and I was just like, my gosh. And they're like, she's right there. She's right there. was like, you guys are lying. Are you sure she's right there? Yes. Yes. I go, are you sure? Because I feel like it's going to be a lot longer. The whole time. Five more days. Five more days. Yeah. So, I felt the ring of fire and it was, and we looked at it. had to look up on

the chart because I thought it was like so long. was seven minutes of crowning, which is not very much in terms of birth. And yeah, I just let her crown. And then all of a sudden I felt the pop and that was my water breaking. then my, water broke. No. And I was like, Oh my gosh, I think my water broke. And I looked at my midwife. was like, is that okay?

She's like, yeah, do I need to do anything? And she's like, no, you're fine. Because I was already in the water. There's no way to tell. And she's like, your baby's coming. It's fine. And I'm like, OK, great. Even though I know all of this. And so then I, yeah, she finished crowning. And then I just literally felt her come out.

and I was leaning over the tub kind of on my knees and I just remember being like, and I lifted one leg up and I just saw her in the water and you weren't just like free floating. I just remember like you coming out and I was like, my gosh, and I just picked you up and I lifted you to my chest and I was like, I was so shocked. Like I was like, my gosh, that just happened and it was so fast compared to five days. And the last one.

And then right after that she's like, okay, you can just lay back. And so I laid, sat on my bottom and I had you on my chest. And then I was like, can we make sure it's a girl? Cause I was, I was like worried that the ultrasound was wrong. And so I put you on my legs and we looked between and I'm like, yep, it's a girl. my gosh. I'm so glad. That's what I was worried about.

And then I had you on my chest and you got you warm and then Ben came over and Ben watched you come out. Wow, like he came in the room when it was time to push and We had already talked about what birth looked like and so he wouldn't feel like scared or worried about me I told him that I was gonna be making weird noises and you know that I might seem like I'm in pain But it's okay. And so he wasn't concerned. It's normal

Yeah, he wasn't concerned. And then he came over and he to see the baby and he put his hand on my shoulder and he goes, you did so great. I'm so proud of you. It was so adorable. And then Hector was crying. I was crying. And then the first person to hold you

who was not me, was your daddy. And he had you close, like right on his heart, right skin to skin. And then he tried to bite your finger. Because that's what daddies do. He's like, don't you bite my kid. And he just laughed. So he always did that with Ben too. He would take your little fingers and just pretend to bite him. And you guys would laugh. And so you got your first bite.

within a few minutes of being born. And then, and then I got up out of the tub. I think my placenta came out in the tub. And then I really had minimal bleeding. And then when I got up out of the tub, I remember feeling like really out of breath and dizzy because of so much more oxygen and that with the baby being gone, your lungs can expand so much more. And

Yeah, I just climbed about, it was like three or four steps to my bed and we got in bed. And you know, daddy gave you back to me and we just, we nursed for the first time and then Benny came and snuggled in the bed with us. And then we had our first photos. yeah. And the best thing was it was just so calm and

It didn't feel out of control and it felt so beautiful. it, of course it hurt a little bit, but only that little seven minutes of crowning. but having my first birth to be so hard and painful and scary and then have Ben go to the NICU, like this one was just like, could have had 14 babies if they were like that. It was amazing. So.

The coolest. Yeah. Now she's here. And double digits. And now she's 10. And just a Spitfire. And so loving and wonderful. Do you have any questions? No. No. You heard that story a couple times, huh? Every birthday. Every birthday we talk about her birth story and how amazing of a day it

Do you remember your birthday? No. No. Some kids do. don't know. Patrick's one of the weird ones that remembers. Dad says he does, but I don't believe him. You don't believe him? He doesn't remember yours or his own? His own. Okay. He says he remembers it. That's what daddy said? Yeah. He said that once. Really? Yeah. We're going have to ask him again. Be like, were you just joking? He's a jokester.

Oh, and while I was in labor, I got a couple texts from people like, you're not responding to my texts. Are you in labor? Because you've been waiting. And then I got, I think one friend was like, I'm going to Dairy Queen. Would you like a treat? And when I didn't respond, they're like, oh, maybe she's in labor.

You're like, I don't need a treat I already have one on my own. Awww. Alright, that's all. Thanks for listening. Beautiful.

Deb (17:27)

So that's the story of Ellie's birth, my little water baby who came into this world fast and fierce and with her big brother cheering me on and daddy recovering from the flu. It was calm, it was sweet, and it healed something in me after a harder birth the first time around. But birth stories don't always follow a script that we expect, and that brings us to part two of today's episode.

Now it's Beth's turn to share. She is not only my best friend, she's also one of the strongest mamas I know. I have so much respect for her and her journey. Her three births were each uniquely powerful and I was so lucky to be there for the third one. Spoiler alert, it was fast and fierce one too. From unexpected inductions to surprise epidurals to the pure magic of that golden hour.

her stories remind us just how wide the spectrum of birth truly is. All right, let's get into it.

Beth (18:28)

Okay, we're coming from Hawaii again for the second time. So let's introduce ourselves. This is Deb. I'm Beth. I'm Welcome to the podcast. So today we're gonna hear another birth story. And this lovely lady has three birth stories if she wants to share them or just one or whatever. So which one are you gonna share?

Well, the thing that I remember the most is that the first two were really similar and the last one was very different for me, like, for looking back at it. But they all came three weeks early, all three of them, so that was kind of strange. And the first one, I had gestational diabetes, so when they took a look at my leader scan, I don't know what it was. Oh, well, it was 37 weeks, my 37 week scan. They...

They felt like he was too small, that he wasn't getting nutrition enough. And so they're like, we're going to induce you. And so they did induce me with Parker. Did you have to take blood sugars? when you got... yeah. Okay. Yeah. I was borderline going on meds, but I was managing my diet. Interesting. And so they were okay with my blood sugars. Yeah. And so that's very unusual for him to not have gaining It's usually the So that's probably what...

They usually what we're worried about and we're doing this scan for us as shoulders are too big and we're worried about having to induce you because he needs to come out before he gets any bigger. Right. But they're like, but he's so small. But I feel like if you just stayed in there for three more weeks, then he would have been a seven pound baby instead of a five pound baby. Yeah. And it's so hard to know, you know, especially with the ultrasounds, they're one or two pounds up or down. Right. So it's like, you don't know. And then with gestational

diabetes it's like it's so hard to like decide what is the best thing. So the second thing said they thought you should come out I was like okay let's do it. I wanted him to come out anyway. it's so uncomfortable toward the end. So then they're like okay let's get you booked and into a room can your husband get your things I thought that's just gonna be an ultrasound appointment I was not ready and so they're like they're like just kidding we don't have any beds.

Cause it's just, we're really concerned about your baby, but just kidding. We're going to send you home and let you just wait, wait for a phone call until we call and we say there's a bed. So I was pissed. I was like, if you think my baby should come out, you get me a bed right now. And I know. So we tried to keep ourselves busy. It was only like, I don't know, four hours, five hours, I think. And then they called us back.

And so the induction was super easy. I was a very grateful recipient of Fentanyl. yeah, absolutely. Because they were like... What did they feel like? Well, what they told me is that...

I was so close and I was doing so good and I wasn't even feeling my contractions. They're like, your pain tolerance has got to be super high because contraction, contraction, contraction. like, I was like, you know, I kind of feel like I'm going to throw up. starting to get uncomfortable. Like, the pain is making it feel like I'm not having as much fun anymore. And so I was like, maybe it's time for an epidural. Yeah. When you get an epidural and they're like, honey.

you're doing so good and you're at like a seven or something and I was cruising along and and so they like you're almost out of time yeah so they gave me some fentanyl instead and and so there's lots of videos of that I told lots of stories I was I was like yeah did you get any rations I don't think so I think I'm just really interested in just talking with my eyes closed about how good the drugs were unfortunately it's documented

Okay, great. So every once in a while my dad will send me that video just to remind me. So was your mom and dad there with you? Yeah. So dad was out of the room though and mom was in there with me. And I think my aunt was there too in the waiting room. She had come. Oh nice. Yeah, it was really cool. But so then the fentanyl kind of wore off. I wanted more and they said no.

Then it started to get really, really painful at the end. And so I was like, give me an epidural. Like that was the point where I pulled my husband to me I'm like, find somebody that'll give me drugs. So he went and he found somebody and managed to convince them, even though I was so close and they were had a gap. And so they were able to come in. They gave me an epidural right at the end. I I'm having like serious contractions and they're putting a needle in my back. And, and so once that happened, I felt nothing.

which was not great. So it was like really limp? Well yeah, like I couldn't feel my legs and it was hard to even tell if I was pushing. It was awful. I really... So it's one extreme to the other. Well and because it was my first baby I was afraid of that pain instead of knowing that like and I didn't have you in my life which probably would have made a huge difference and so I was like I was like get me out of pain you know like the pain is too much and I had like no pain all the way up too so was like

So I really wish that I had had someone that I trusted close to me that could have been like, you got this, you like you're so close to do this without because then my legs were super flopsy. I couldn't even get up after, know, they make you get up and pee and it was like a whole thing. And, and he was super little. So they were like on the borderline going to take him to NICU but everything was registering okay for him.

So I got to stay with me. We did a bunch of, like, what's it called? like skin to skin? They didn't take him. Skin He was able to stay with me for a while. And especially being little, that's sometimes you have to advocate for a lot. Yeah. And he nursed right away and everything was beautiful. They kept us there for a while because his blood sugars were low. But they expected that with...

the diabetes stuff. So did you get to see your placenta? No, maybe. Maybe they showed me in a like container with one of them they did. I don't remember which one it is, but one of them they showed me how cool it was. And like, I'm just curious what it looked like for him because if he was growth restricted, he would have been, I don't think he was. I just don't think he was.

I think all my babies were around that size. what I was. was about seven and had he grown for another three weeks. Anyway, so, um, so yeah, everything went really smooth after that. And he was amazing. We were in the hospital, the longest for sure. Cause of blood sugars. Yeah. Just waiting to get those up. Did your milk come in right away for him? No, it did not.

because I remember he was nursing, he also spit up a ton. was such like just projectile spit up all the time. Every time I nursed him I had to change my shirt. It was just covered. So it was hard to know how much he was getting, you know? And so like with him, it was kind of cool because beforehand they did something at the hospital, what was it called? Like connective care or something where you go in a group.

So instead of going once a month by yourself to the doctor, you go and you meet up with this group and you bring snacks and you bring drinks and you take all of your stats. So you like take your weight, you do your own ultrasound and find the baby. You measure yourself, you manage your own chart. And so, and then with that managing of your own chart, you get like some kind of lesson. Like this is about...

feeding your baby after it comes. This is about car seats. This is about like they had people come and teach us stuff because it was all of our first babies. Cool. So it was really neat. I can't remember what was called. But it was the military hospital and it's a training hospital so I'm sure. Yeah. They just do that kind of thing. found it helpful? Yes. But what was neat is afterwards it also connected me with aftercare so that because he was so late, low weight, I was bringing him in to get him weighed like every other day or something.

So while we were waiting for his weight to come up, remember there was a lot of times we did end up supplementing with some formula because we were worried it wasn't getting enough of me. I just kept spitting up so much. So not really a big issue with my milk coming in. Not like Hudson. Wasn't it Hudson? I called you at like 2 a.m. that was massage my boobies. Was it Ollie? It was all Ollie? You know what? It was Hudson. I feel like it was Hudson. second. Yeah. I felt like I was...

kind of knew you well enough to call you in middle of the night and have you come and get the milk out of my breast. We got to know each other real quick. It's okay. I'm just doing it. But yeah, so that was super uncomfortable. HUDSE was a lot easier. They did induce me. I think it's because I was impatient and I was going in like every day and I was like, and they were taking my blood pressure and it was high. Of course it was high because I was like excited and I was like, I don't know.

I feel like it was a dangerously high, but they're like, we got to get this lady to stop coming in. And that was right around the three week mark too. I was having contractions, but not a lot. And I don't think I was induced with him.

I think they might have induced me with him a little but my body was like ready. Yeah. It's just a little push. I don't know. I can't remember. But he I got an epidural with and I felt everything. So it was like the pain was gone but I could push I could get up on my knees. I could move all around. I felt him come but it was pressure instead of pain.

So that one was awesome. I really, really liked that experience. And it was fast and he was there. It was just like, and we had the same

nurse.

nice. Which was weird. Yeah. Three years later, That's very unusual. But still, it was still just a, what was it called? a OB instead of a midwife Right.

By the third one, I realized that Madigan had a super awesome midwife program and I had an no, maybe that's not true. I think I might have had a midwife there all three times, but it's not like you get that continuing care with the midwife. Like you have them with you the whole time. It's like, it's like they come in if they're not busy or another midwife might come. But I remember it. I had little things with each birth that the midwife saved me.

Because like I remember one of them was trying to come out like Superman. I think it was Parker. geez. And so and the OB's like, and I was gonna tear and she pushed him back in and then got like the moved his hand. something and totally rescued the situation and and got him out minimal tearing instead of what it was. But I loved having the midwives there. They were always midwives.

Amazing. And then Ollie, you were there for that whole one. where we were doing some craft day where we it was supposed to be at your neighbor's house. And I got there and I'm like, where's Beth? And she's like, I don't know. She just isn't. And I'm like, well, she's running late. She's late a lot. It's fine. But you were also just next door yeah, I was like,

gonna go check on her and you were like I just feel yucky and you were in the bath uh-huh and I was like are you feeling yucky are you in labor yeah and you were like because again it was three weeks before so it was like yeah and I was like mmm let's try some things and I was like I think you're in labor and you were like no

no way. That's exactly what I said. think I remember being like, no, I'll be fine. I just don't feel so good. I just don't know if I can go today. And I was like, that's fine. You don't have to go. Nobody expects you to be there if you're not feeling good. then it just like kind of picked up all of a sudden. And we were only home for a couple hours. Yeah. Yeah. It was real fast. Yeah. And then we went in and

I remember you just being very, introspective and like just kind of going with it. was like, she is doing so good. I remember the car ride like it was yesterday. Yeah, that's never comfortable. The car ride was super uncomfortable. Yeah. But it was exciting. You know, like you're so happy that it doesn't, it doesn't matter. Like it's just, yeah, such a weird thing.

Yeah. And you had your little fuzzy blanket to comfort you. And then you got on the birthing ball a little bit. And then I remember you're like, okay, I am ready for my epidural. And I was like, what? Yeah. It surprised me out of nowhere my perception, which I'm not feeling it, you my perception was like, she's doing so good. I don't know if she's going to need an epidural. See, that's how every birth was. It's weird because like, and then when I got there, it was a seven.

So I could have got there. I could have got there, like no problem. But I just like panic when I start to get nauseated and I'm like super uncomfortable. Then all of a sudden it's too big for me. Like I go from like zero to a hundred. Totally. But like the thing is, is that that was the right choice for you. And I remember talking to you afterward and I was like, what happened in that, that flip? And you were like, I just knew that I just needed it. And it made me feel more comfortable. I was like, great. And that is, that was a good lesson that I learned with your birth.

in supporting clients because I actually had to put my own view out of it because I was just surprised and I realized I was like, I'm putting my own expectations onto you. And I mean, I don't know, you probably didn't, I did not tell you that I was like surprised or anything No, and I didn't notice either. Yeah, but it was like, okay, well, we have no idea what's going on. Yeah. But you were like, I get to rest.

Yeah. And you got a really good nap. Yeah. But do you remember feeling nauseous? Do remember that part? Yeah. Yeah. I remember they me stuff to smell or something. Yeah. I definitely remember. oils to smell to settle your stomach, but you ended up with some Zofran to keep your stomach settled. I don't remember that. And they were coming in waves. And I was like, honey, I don't think... And you puked a little bit.

I don't remember that at all. But then you only like twice. Yeah. then you had nothing in your stomach. So it was fine. But, but I remember being like, I think you're feeling sick with the pain. And so we've talked about that really quick. Cause I was like, I think the, feeling of that is your pain because your body is still feeling the pain. But your, your mind is not.

Uh-huh. Right? Your body's reaction to pain is like, I'm gonna going through it. Yeah. So, wow. But it was just come and go. And I think, I remember thinking in that moment, I was like, it, I wish we had a weighted blanket. Yeah. Because I think that would have helped. Yeah. In that moment. But it didn't last too long. And then, and then I, oh, and I got a sitter.

because Hector was at work. that's right. I called a friend and I was like, it's her anyway that you can. Yeah. Because this was Ollie. So, oh, for both kids were sleeping. It was overnight. And I got a friend to come over to watch my kids. And she's like, I have to be on by six a.m. And I remember being like, do not pressure her.

I remember being worried you were gonna miss it. Have to go and gonna miss it. But like very little like it was just like this little tiny outside like I hope she doesn't have to go. Yeah. Yeah and I was just like but it is what it is and then I think I was had to leave in about 10 minutes. No. And you pushed that baby out. Well Auntie Deb had to meet him before she had to go. Yeah. It was so great.

And then every time I see him, tell him, you know, I got to see you be born. I'm so glad. So great. Yeah, you did so good. That was a fun one. I remember that one just being like. Just no worries, I think, because you were there. Mom was right there.

But it was such a sweet. I got a couple of good pictures of like you and your mom. really good picture. Yeah.

which is like so beautiful. That's one of my favorite pictures of that whole time. It was so awesome. Yeah. Such a good birth Yeah. Yeah. And then he came out looking just like, yes, I got my doppelganger. Yeah. After all, no girls, but I got a doppelganger. I got the brown eyed brown hair. I remember being so excited with all that hair. Yeah. Yeah. He's cute. He's so cute. He's still cute.

He has the cutest. Okay. Yeah. How was Gosh, for him, I remember you just really like, really emphasizing the importance of me not going anywhere. Because I remember with Parker, or no, with Hudson, I was already in the van like a week later, taking Parker to preschool.

and doing all this stuff. know, like I was like trying to get up as fast as I could, like I needed to. And but with Ollie I do not remember doing that. I remember just shutting down, having all kinds of good food show up and just, yeah, just enjoying you remember me coming to steal the boys? Oh, for sure. For sure. I would come over and I'd be like, what are you doing today? Nothing. I'm like, I'm going to come steal the boys. So you can just.

Yes, just me and Ollie. And we just nurse and sleep and nurse and sleep and watch Moana. Yeah. repeat. Remember all the pictures of Hudson sleeping through Moana? And on days where I had them all, I would have like, I would have Hudson sleeping on me and Ollie nursing and then sleeping on me and I would be sleeping. That recliner was my best friend. Yeah. Wow. That was great.

Well, good job. Thanks. And now they're 14 and 11 and Eight. Yeah, they're big. And they're all best friends. Yeah. Yeah. Which is also best. Well, thank you for sharing your stories. Mm-hmm.

Did you like those stories Ellie?

Deb (37:02)

Okay, deep breath, right? What I love most about sharing these stories, mine and Beth's, is that they're such a beautiful reminder. Birth does not come with a set itinerary. We can do everything exactly by the book and still be surprised at the journey it takes us.

You can have one birth that's long and intense and another that's fast and healing. You can be calm and centered one moment and yelling for an epidural the next and every version is valid and every story is worthy. Beth and I had completely different births and sometimes even our own births with different kids were totally opposite experiences. That is the beauty of birth. It's so unpredictable.

It's powerful, it's humbling, and it's deeply personal. So whether your story involves a hospital room, a birth tub, an epidural, no meds, a playlist, a prayer, or a Dairy Queen craving, you did something amazing. You brought life into this world, and that's the kind of magic we're here to celebrate. Thanks so much for joining us today.

If you love these stories, share this episode with a friend or leave a review. It really helps other parents find this warm little corner of the internet where we tell the truth, we hold space and we cheer each other on. And if you're looking for support with postpartum sleep or just trying to figure out how to do this whole parenting thing without losing your mind, I've got you. I have all of those links to reach out in the show notes and

you just let me know how I can support you. Until next time, take a big deep breath, trust your gut, and remember every birth is a story worth telling.