It all started on Saturday, September 8, around 2:00 p.m. Yes, that’s correct. My labor story and contractions started three days before I gave birth. Aaron and I were actually on our way to grab a late lunch. We were looking for something spicy and very filling. On that Friday night, I spent the evening eating spicy pineapple, hoping it would help to start labor. Little did I know that my contractions would be two and a half days long.
At first, I wasn’t concerned about the contractions as they were very inconsistent. They were from 45 minutes to 15 minutes apart. Once this was happening for a half day, I messaged my doctor and she said it could be latent labor, which was one thing I didn’t learn about in my birth class. Latent labor is inconsistent contractions that can last up to 20 hours. So I went about my evening, but when Sunday came rolling around and with contractions still so inconsistent, Aaron and I started to worry just a little.
On Sunday morning I also messaged my Bradley Method coach and asked what her thoughts were about the inconsistent contractions. It felt good to get a second opinion. She said it was normal, and she said there was no need to go in yet until contractions were five minutes apart, as well as hard, long and consistently stronger. I tried to sleep as best I could, but having contractions no more than 30 minutes apart was very difficult both Saturday and Sunday night. I did manage to get a one-hour break each night.
The good news is that I was scheduled to go in for a doctor’s appointment on Monday at 1:30 p.m. Since my contractions were so intense, Aaron decided to stay home and go with me to my doctor’s appointment. To be on the safe side, we loaded up the car with the expectation that we would get checked into the hospital.
On a side note:
Pause on the story. Packing up your car and getting dressed and ready to leave the house knowing there’s a huge possibility that you’re coming home with your child is the most surreal feeling I’ve ever had. My pregnancy had been super easy (minus the obvious whoas). Unlike a lot of pregnant women, I wasn’t very emotional with up-and-downs throughout my pregnancy. But at this moment I cried. I was ready to see my little girl and knew my life was about to change.
Back to my labor story
On the way to the hospital, it was pouring down rain. Aaron wanted to drive as carefully as possible because my contractions were hurting so bad, and there was a part of me that wanted him to speed and hurry up and get there. Oddly enough, my contractions all of a sudden became six minutes apart. So we met with Dr. Cole and she checked me — I was 5 centimeters dilated and my sack was bulging. She didn’t want to mess with me too much because she felt my water might break while I was in her office. So she called me into the hospital and had me check in.
I’ll never forget that long walk from my doctor’s office to the hospital room. Again, I cried when I walked into my labor room and saw all the equipment, such as the baby warmer, the scale, the bed, and the focus gallery on the ceiling. This was the hardest I’d cried in 10 months. Maybe it was hormones or maybe it was the lack of sleep, but I was ready.
It’s time
Around 4:30 or 5 p.m., my doctor came in and broke my water. I had no idea at this point how much worse and more intense the contractions would become. Even though I was warned, I could never have been prepared for this. At this point, I was 7 centimeters dilated. Unfortunately, this is where everything took a turn.
The next time my doctor checked me, I was 8 centimeters dilated. And I was dilated for a couple of hours at 8 centimeters. Then when my doctor came in to check on me again, I was only 8 1/2 centimeters dilated. Then when my doctor checked me again and I was only almost 9 centimeters dilated, I gave in. At this point, I had been at the hospital with no meds for seven hours.
My body was stuck, slowly processing being dilated. And don’t forget, I had already been having contractions for two and a half days. The pain was out of this world and so excruciating — I could no longer handle it. Contractions were one minute long with a one-minute break in between. They were so intense and so hard that I literally fell asleep in between each contraction. How crazy is that? My body completely shut down in between each contraction.
Hard Decisions
This was the hard part. This is when I started to give in. Aaron and I discussed it several times in between each contraction because he knew how important it was for me to not have an epidural or any meds. But I could no longer handle the pain. At the end of the day, I’m glad I gave in because I still had seven hours left of labor.
The epidural was ordered and put in place. I had tears in my eyes and was so upset, feeling like I’d failed. All I wanted was a healthy baby, a healthy mama and no medicine. But that’s not what God had intended. He knew what the future held, and I became at peace with the decision with Aaron by my side.
As soon as it started to kick in, I became a whole new person — laughing and cracking jokes. The epidural actually ended up slowing down my contractions. The doctor said I needed Pitocin. Of course, this upset me because that’s the medicine the baby actually gets. It turns out that your body produces it at a level 6, and the doctor gave me a level 2, so that made me feel a little better. The Pitocin helped to kick my contractions back into a normal consistency.
Time to push
Around 12:30 a.m., I was dilated enough to start the pushing process. The thing is, I couldn’t feel anything, which made pushing very difficult. We tried everything with the nurses, from tug of war with the sheet to different stirrups, and we finally tried the mirror technique. Now, unless you’ve actually been in labor, you have no idea how much this can help. I won’t get graphic, but let’s just say I was able to see versus feel what I was doing correctly to help get her out. It took three hours of pushing and an episiotomy before my doctor said to me, “She’s here. Do you want to help pull her out?”
SHE’S HERE!
Now you may think I’m crazy, but this was part of my birth plan and my labor story I am most proud of. I wanted to help pull her out and bring her to me. This was the best and most amazing part of my experience. I pulled her close to me on my chest, kissed her and said with tears in my eyes, “Hi, baby girl, I’m your mama.” I looked over at Aaron and he was crying. People warned me before labor that I may not experience love at first sight. This was far from how I felt. I was instantly madly in love. Bless her heart, she had a cone-head from the 3 hours of pushing, but it didn’t matter. She had the cutest nose, the most precious lips and the softest skin.
The most important thing through my entire journey was that God blessed me with a healthy baby. My birth plan didn’t go according to the way I wanted it, but it really didn’t matter anymore. I did the best I could and I refuse to let it get to me. I never really had a mom, and this was why it was so important to me to have a natural birth. It was important for me to experience everything naturally. But now it’s time to focus on other things such as hugs, kisses and lots of staring — at Navy Lee Williams!
We finished that night off in the labor and delivery room and then moved to a postpartum room. The next day came and went really fast, with lots of visitors and lots of nurses checking on us. We were doing great!
I like to set goals, and my next goal was to make sure that I mastered breastfeeding before leaving the hospital. It took one really great nurse to explain it and walk me through the process, but I had it! And with that, we were ready to go home. So the next day, after passing all of our tests, we were discharged.
Let’s go home, Navy Lee Williams
We were homeward bound with the most precious bundle of joy I have ever known.
There you have it — a really long blog post and a really long story. People are already asking me about child number two. My answer: “We will see.” Now that I’ve been home for several days and have had time to think about it and start recovery, I do completely understand why people go back over and over. But I’m going to need a year or so before having another child.
I’ll end with this. Every day I look at Aaron and thank him for my gift of precious Navy Lee Williams. She has finally completed me!
If you want to see the e-news article click here.
If you want to read the people article click here.
This is Aaron’s first time holding her upright, with her head on his shoulder.
Images by Ashley Streff and a huge thank you to her for flying out to spend our first day with us. We know you sacrificed to be there and we love you like family.
You can also read about our baby shower and see partly where I got the theme for Navy’s nursery. Stay tuned for that blog post. I’ll have it up soon.
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She’s a beauty! Your labor story reminds me so much of mine. I went into it with the no drug mentality but after checking in at 1am at 6cm, quickly dilating to 8cm, and freezing there for 6 hours I was ready for an epidural. Thank goodness I got it because 2 1/2 hours of pushing and an episiotomy is no joke! I think it’s God’s way of teaching us to roll with it. All you can do is love your child and the rest is in God’s hands.
Wow! You’re amazing. Amen and Amen to God teaching us to roll with it.
She is stunning, her red hair 😍
So sweet. Tears of joy. I cannot wait for this feeling. Thank you for sharing your story.
Congratulations Ashlee! Thanks for sharing your beautiful story, you’re so right- God really does have a plan for it all and know what’s right for us and our bodies. Sending love and prayers to you, Aaron and Navy Lee!
I gave birth 3 months ago to my first (a little girl) and my doctor asked if I wanted the mirror to watch my progress and I totally agree with you how amazing it is to actually see the progress you’re making! It was a game changer in my delivery! Loved your birth story! Congrats on your little girl, she’s beautiful! =)
Your labor story is beautiful and perfect. I am so happy for you and your family! Navy is perfect! Even though I don’t know you, I had tears in my eyes reading your story. Thank you for being so honest and open with all of your readers. You’re an inspiration! 🙂
I used the mirror with my first daughter too as the epidural made me unable to really feel myself pushing and it was a game changer! The epidural didn’t seem as strong with my second so I was able to push quite easily. Congrats on your beautiful blessing! Can’t wait to watch her grow!
Tears in my eyes reading your story. So happy for you! ❤️ You did amazing mama!
Having a baby vaginaly without a c-section is a huge accomplishment. You should be very proud. Everyone has a different story and their own. It is as special as the sweet baby behind it. My first was a completely natural vaginal 9 pound baby. I understand your pain. I was never given or allowed an epidural due to the hospital I delivered in. It was a military hospital with great limitations. I felt the same pain. My second delivery was twins vaginaly and I couldn’t get an epidural fast enough. I prayed for them both to come vaginaly and God allowed that. While challenging it still happed. But once those sweet babies are earthside that story is a distant past. Be proud. You did your job as a mom and now you have a beautiful baby. Congrats. (Sorry my post was long!)
Beautiful baby girl! Nothing compares to the moment you hold your baby followed by the moment your husband holds the baby!
I had the same experience about leaving my house for the last time knowing my life was about to change. I walked through each room crying (and shaking)! Once in the car, I was fine and at complete peace.
Love your story, motherhood looks great on you. ❤️
My water broke first and I got stuck at a 7 for four hours and caved. I was so upset at first, but I knew they’d push pitocin and I didn’t want those contractions without epideral. God did have a plan as I hemorrhaged after placenta was delivered and I thank God I had the epideral while they got that under control! I wasn’t packed because she came at 38w3d labor at 38w2d. I hadn’t even had my maternity shoot! But yes packing and leaving home knowing you’ll be bringing her back next time is a crazy feeling! Congrats!
CONGRATULATIONS, A BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL. Thank You for sharing your story and pictures. Love You AshLee, Keep pictures and postings updates.
What a beautiful story. It sure made me relive the experiences with my own two sweet bundles of joy. Good work, Mama! She is such a little peanut. Love, love, love her name!
Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful! There is no greater joy in life than being a mom. The love is so great, it’s indescribable. ❤️ Enjoy every moment!
This brought back so many memories. I had my baby boy in May and the labor did not go as planned. I had hoped for natural but after 12-18 hrs with contractions 5-8 minutes apart, I was done. Epidural was needed! Lol. 2 hrs of pushing and an episiotomy later I have a healthy and happy baby boy! Congratulations! It’s so much fun watching them grow! My baby is 4 months! We love every minute with him! Have fun!
Omg so similar to my first born baby boy who is now on his way of being 23
And in the army♥️ Melted my heart reading your labor story. I went into labor the day before thanksgiving and did not have him till the day after thanksgiving 2 1/2 days we were almost at the point of doing a csection and I didn’t want a epidural and they basically brought the jaws of life out for him as I would call it, a device that helps vacuum a baby out. It worked and my angel of a sweet boy was born with a cone head as well. The sweetest of sweet boys. To this day he can melt my heart ❤️Ashley enjoy every moment of sweet Navy girl. BTW I love her name! Congratulations motherhood is a true blessing
She is beautiful…thank you for sharing your story!!
Congratulations on your beautiful daughter! I know we all want to do what is best for our babies during child birth, but labor doesn’t always go how we planned. I had major back labor and was having back to back contractions that doubled the pain. After 18 hours of labor, I pushed for 2 1/2 and they did an episiotomy BUT it didn’t help. I had a 4th degree laceration- ripped all the way to my rectum. It took over an hour to stitch me up. The recovery was horrendous 😭
But when they put my daughter in my arms I felt more love than I had ever felt for anyone. A mother’s love is hard to understand until you become a Momma. I am so happy for you and your husband and that Navy Lee will be raised in a Christ-cetered home. She is very blessed to be born into such a sweet family. Enjoy every moment.
Oh my gosh,so PRECIOUS! Your labor and birth story is SO similar to what happened when I had my first baby..it brought back every memory and made me smile and cry. 🙂 You can just hear the love pouring out of your words,Mama!
Congratulations! Your baby is beautiful and you seem so happy. Its really wonderful to see. I have a question about a comment you made on your post. You talk a lot about your dad and how close you are. You also made a comment that you never really had a mother. Is your adopted mother still in your life? She seemed like a lovely lady on the Bachelor. Just curious.
Congrats!
I love that you went in with a plan but just went with the flow of your body, and listened to it. I’m so happy for you and wish you and your family all the best. Maybe I will see you guys at a baby dedication one day at GBC!
It always amazes me how amazing we are as a woman. Giving birth is no joke. I’ve had 3 boys. Most recent was in March. I’ve learned as well things never usually go as planned. You’ve been blessed with a gorgeous baby girl and I can’t get over those cheeks! So precious
Your story is perfect! I had all natural waterbirths with my girls and it was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever went through in my life. But I loved it!! Go you mom for doing what you felt was right for you and Navy!! Navy and mom are happy and healthy and that’s all that matters!
Birth stories always melt my heart. My sister also started labor three days before she gave birth to my niece, you are a STRONG woman. So happy that you have a healthy and happy baby!! 💛 congratulations!!
Tyvm for sharing.
Hey! Loving your blog and IG! Thanks for sharing.
Ashlee, this is a beautiful labor story of how you’re little angel was born. I love reading mothers labor stories, because each of us have a unique and special story of how our blessing from God came into the world and you do a fantastic job of inspiring women not to be hard on themselves if it doesn’t go exactly as planned. Each labor and delivery is unique and special to that mama! ❤️ I was in labor with my first daughter for 76 hours! Whew. My second daughter, they induced too early and the petosin caused her heart rate to drop, and I was rushed into an emergency c-section which I should never have had to have since my first was natural. But, things do happen to change our plans and I trusted that God had this. Now my girls are 22, and 17. Wow, time flies! I miss them being babies! Treasure every moment! It goes too fast! I know you will! ❤️
Welcome Beautiful Navy Lee! 💕👼🏻🌷🎀
Reading birth stories are my fave!! I didn’t want to do an epidural either but you know what? It’s okay, our babies are healthy and beautiful and we’re amazing moms!! Congrats again on such a sweet little babe!
I had a three day labor with my first as well! It went from a peaceful home birth to an emergency c section and I thought I failed. It was a horrible feeling. Our Bradley instructor was my midwife and I thought I failed her too! I thought I failed everyone! But the lord knew what my body and baby needed. With our 2nd we went in for a scheduled c section and it was the most peaceful,healing thing I’ve ever experienced. I worshipped through both births but definitely felt the lords presence in the operating room as I sang to Him. It was incredible. You’re an amazing momma! Thanks for sharing your story with us! ❤️❤️
Thank you and love your heart!
What a wonderful story! Beautiful little family you have.
By far my favorite blog post! Such an amazing and well told story!
The first time I read this I was a few short weeks from having my baby girl. I was so hormonal and everything seemed to make me cry at that point so reading your birth story made me cry the happiest tears. It definitely made me so excited to become a Mama! When I read it a second time (after I had my little girl), I was able to relate and it definitely made me feel okay about my own birth story since it did not go as planned as well.
As a future midwife, I always love reading labor and birth stories. Do you think if you have another you would try for a natural birth again, or will you cross that bridge when/if you get there? Just curious 💗
I was telling Aaron the other day, I’ll go as far as I can without but there’s a point where I will get the epidural.