The Birth of Folasade

By Magnolia Birth House client, Nykeba Sonubi

My husband and I moved from New York to South Florida in 2019, and in February 2020, I learned I was pregnant. I took a test very early in the morning in my bathroom. We had been trying, but it still caught me off guard to get a positive test. I was very excited about such a beautiful surprise. I shared the news with my husband, Olufemi, and we were over the moon.

Because I found out I was pregnant at just five weeks, it felt like an eternity until I could have my first prenatal appointment at about 8-10 weeks. After I found out I was pregnant, I had a list of potential care facilities. I always knew I wanted to be seen by midwives, but I didn’t know about Magnolia at first. I visited another birth center right before the pandemic began, but I didn’t have a positive experience. Then I met another mama who told me about Magnolia. Since we live in Fort Lauderdale, I hadn’t thought about traveling to Miami. I thought I needed to be closer to home. I had an initial phone conversation with Patricia, and she spent 45 minutes telling me about Magnolia. After that, I realized I was OK with Miami.

At my first prenatal appointment in March, I met with one of the Magnolia midwives, and it felt so special. She was super supportive and welcoming, and the whole team was very hospitable. My husband was there, and we decided that Magnolia was the place for us. I knew I made the right decision in choosing them for my care.

My pregnancy progressed normally, and everything was healthy. My due date of October 14, 2020, came and went, so I had nonstress tests and ultrasounds to check the amniotic fluid level and make sure everything was OK with the baby. That was something I didn’t expect and a very intense time. In my heart, I knew I was making the best decision for my daughter, to let her come on her own time, but my loved ones were worried. Their worry turned into my worry.

Feeling Contractions

On Friday, October 23, the first sign of labor that I noticed was that my mucus plug started to leak. I thought, “Finally, something’s happening. She’s ready.” Over the weekend, I was very aware that I was on a timeline. I walked a lot and even had some vomiting. Sunday night into Monday morning, I started to have some contractions. I tried to go to sleep, but I couldn’t. I decided to start timing the contractions, which were becoming uncomfortable. I knew something was happening — just not fast enough — and I had another sleepless night.

On Tuesday, October 27, I had an appointment with DellaReece at 1:30 p.m. She checked me and said I was 1 centimeter. I was discouraged, but, at the same, I knew I was in early labor. Plus, I was having back labor that was very uncomfortable and debilitating. It felt like my back was on fire. I had come from Fort Lauderdale to Miami, and I wanted to stay at Magnolia, but I had to go back home because I wasn’t in active labor yet.

I went back home, and the contractions got closer together. I hadn’t slept since Sunday, and I was feeling all the discomforts that come with early labor. Around 8 p.m. Tuesday, I couldn’t gauge where I was, and I wondered if I was transitioning from early to active labor. Things were picking up, the pain, intensifying. None of the techniques we learned were working. I took some Benadryl, and I still couldn’t rest. My mom said, “We don’t know where you are on this journey. Let’s go to the birth center.”

Meeting My Daughter

DellaReece was already at Magnolia because another mama was also in labor. She checked me, and I was dilated to 4 or 5 centimeters. I was admitted to Magnolia and got settled into the Laurel birthing suite. Magnolia is such a beautiful space to have your labor and delivery. It felt like home. I got to walk around, helping the baby move down. I also used the shower, which was really nice.

DellaReece, Valerie, and Na’imah were there, monitoring me every hour and helping with any fear or doubt that my husband or I had. They provided constant support and monitoring, which made me feel good when I was in such a vulnerable place.

During labor, we tried many support tools, including the birthing ball, aromatherapy, rebozo, heating pad, counter-pressure, and massage. The shower was the most helpful. Mentally, I had prepared for a water birth, but when I thought it was time to push, the tub was not filled. My body was not ready to surrender to birth, and the crowning was so intense. I tried sitting on the toilet, then moved to the bed. I squatted in different ways and tried hands-and-knees position. Eventually, I discovered that being on my back on the bed worked best for pushing.

It took two and a half hours of pushing to get my baby out. I listened to my body and followed the cues it gave me, but I was really feeling the lack of sleep. It felt like a marathon. My water didn’t break until right before birth, and I was surprised by that.

At 8:18 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, Folasade was born, weighing 7 pounds, 5 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. DellaReece put her on my chest right away, and I was euphoric. It was as if I was between reality and not, yet an amazing feeling to see her and hold her. Hearing her cry for the first time and looking at her was an unforgettable experience. I was proud that I followed through with my goal of having an unmedicated birth. I knew I could do it safely with Magnolia’s help, and everyone was healthy and well. It was such a positive experience.

Facing Postpartum Challenges

After the birth, I lost a lot of blood, but I knew with DellaReece’s care, there was nothing to fear. She monitored me for some time before I was able to go home. Also, during those first few hours, I ate and rested, and I was learning how to breastfeed. After being discharged, I had to stay off my feet, like everyone who gives birth, but I was very mindful of that. I did what I needed to do as far as resting and not walking too much.

I thought everything was perfect with breastfeeding, but by the time we got home from Magnolia, my nipples were inflamed. Magnolia has lactation consultants, so I worked with Marina and DellaReece. I had to pump and bottle feed because my nipples were raw and needed to completely heal and grow new skin.

It took two weeks to get through, and Folasade took a bottle and syringe in the beginning. I was not prepared for that because I thought it was going to be a natural, easy process. Instead, it was frustrating and painful — far from what I expected. But that’s just motherhood. I healed and can breastfeed lying down now and do all the things.

Reflecting on My Magnolia Experience

The postpartum care from Magnolia was spectacular, and it was so important to have that support. I saw DellaReece until January, and it was such a supportive experience. She came to my house, which was so special. It’s unique to be able to have your midwife who helped you bring new life into the world also come into your home.

I can’t rave about Magnolia enough. That type of care is so needed and appreciated. We need more Magnolias across the board. Even if you’re not a Magnolia mama, you can still reap the benefits of that environment. With the classes and how they actually prepare you for childbirth, you can still join in and be in that community. They’re not only helping us bring life into the world, but they’re also educating us and our partners. That’s missing in a lot of environments, and I really appreciate that.

Throughout my birth experience, I had all the emotions — the whole spectrum. But I was able to have the birth I was hoping for, with no interventions. It was such a beautiful way for my daughter to enter the world.

Inspired by Nykeba’s birth story and expecting? We’d love to chat with you! Please click below to book a free consultation with us.