Patricia’s Magnolia Birth Story

By Magnolia Birth House Client, Patricia Miranda

For the first four months of my pregnancy in 2019, I saw an OB/GYN for prenatal care. I wanted to have a natural birth, but my insurance didn’t cover a birth center. About five months into my pregnancy, I got laid off from my job. It actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I began receiving Medicaid, which covers birthing centers.

I started searching online and found Magnolia. When I called, the lady who answered the phone was Patricia, and that’s my name. We connected right away. Magnolia is right next to my mom’s house, so I popped in to visit, and everyone was so friendly. It was a very warm, beautiful place, and I decided to transfer my care there.

I had a normal pregnancy, making sure to eat healthily and stay active by walking and stretching. Since this was my first pregnancy, I was nervous, and I wasn’t sure if I would go past my due date of October 6.

Starting Labor and Arriving at Magnolia

About a week before my due date, I started to have early signs of labor. I woke up on Monday, September 30, and saw blood on the bed and mucous when I went to the bathroom. My midwife, Michelle, said that sounded great and normal and asked me to keep her updated.

I had also hired a doula, and she visited with me every few weeks to talk about hydration, eating right, and walking. That week, I experienced cramping off and on. I went to the chiropractor and continued staying active by doing deep squats and stretching.

By 1 a.m. on Friday, October 4, I started to feel intense contractions that were about 6-8 minutes apart. I asked my doula to come over, and she supported me emotionally. I did a lot of walking and sitting on the exercise ball. My contractions weren’t consistent yet, but I didn’t sleep that night.

A little before noon on October 4, I threw up. We called Michelle and decided to go to the birth center. After we arrived, Michelle checked me and said I was six centimeters dilated. Even though I expected it would be several hours before my daughter was born, I was relieved and glad to be there.

Laboring at the Birth Center

Labor was really tough. The pain was almost unbearable. I tried going outside to walk around the garden, but it was too hot, so I went back inside. I was having a lot of back pain, so I used the shower. The water felt so nice on my back. We also used some lavender oil, which helped to relax me.

Next, I tried sitting on the toilet, and the doula and my mom were encouraging me. Sitting on the toilet caused the most pain, but the doula told me, “You can do this. Just breathe.”

I had wanted to have a water birth, but I didn’t want to get in the tub too soon. Hours went by, and I was ready to try the birth tub. I felt relief in the water, even dozing off a couple of times. After about two hours, nothing was happening. Being in the water slowed down my contractions because I was so relaxed.

Around that time, I learned that my doula had food poisoning. She was throwing up in the bathroom and trying to stay out of the way. Michelle said the doula needed to go home, so she left. My mom was still there, though.

Feeling the Urge to Push and Giving Birth

The whole day went by, and I was getting nervous. I actually asked if there was anything for the pain. I was still walking around and also tried lying down, which was really painful. Certain positions hurt more than others.

I was in the bathroom, whimpering and moaning, saying “I don’t think she’s going to come. It’s been so long.” Michelle reminded me, “You can’t run away from the pain. The stronger the pain, the closer you are to birth. You have to push through it. If you block out the pain and try to stop it, it’s going to take longer.”

My mom, Michelle, and the birth photographer had gone to sleep. I felt defeated. I also had anxiety that the baby was going to come while everyone was sleeping, and I didn’t want to give birth by myself.

I walked to the bed and tried to lie down, but I couldn’t sleep. As I was hovering over the bed, I felt an urge to push. My water broke, and the sound was so loud that it woke everyone up. My mom got Michelle, and she checked my heart rate as well as the baby’s. I felt the urge to push non-stop, but I asked, “Should I push?”

Michelle said, “Yes, if you feel the urge.” After my water broke, I felt empowered. I continued leaning over the bed and pushed for a long time. I decided to squat with my mom behind me, and that’s when the baby descended. Michelle told me, “I can see her,” so I felt the baby’s head.

There was actually another woman giving birth at the same time. I heard her pushing very loudly, and then I heard a baby crying. She had gotten to the birth center after me and had already given birth. That motivated me. Even though labor was overwhelming and I was ready to give up, I thought, “I’m doing this. I’m actually going to push my baby out.”

I pushed gently, feeling the baby’s head pushing down. Michelle noticed her hand was at her neck. She asked me to flip over to my hands and knees because the baby needed to come out right away. I felt fear. Another midwife had come into the room and started to assist with getting the baby out.

My daughter was born at 4:13 a.m. October 5, 2019, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces, and measuring 19 inches long. Michelle caught her and put her right on my chest. I was scared because the baby didn’t cry right away, but Michelle stimulated her by rubbing her chest and back. She told me to talk to her to help with stimulation. I was shocked by her beauty. I said, “Hi, pretty girl. I want to hear you. We all want to hear you.” After a few seconds, she let out a cry.

It felt surreal. I couldn’t believe I just had a baby. There were so many emotions, including joy and relief. I really thought I might have to go to the hospital, so I cried while holding her. I did it, and my daughter was beautiful and healthy.

My support team helped me up to the bed, and I spent an entire hour with my baby, just holding her. They helped me deliver the placenta and did delayed cord clamping. The baby latched on, and I felt comfortable knowing she was eating. Michelle did the newborn exam, and I ate before I left the birth center.

Reflecting on My Birth and Postpartum Experiences

During my postpartum recovery, the Magnolia team was so supportive and helpful. They asked me how I felt and if I needed anything. I had been so focused on the baby, so I was surprised that they asked me about postpartum depression. It was really nice.

Before the baby was born, I had taken a breastfeeding class, and it was so helpful. After birth, the baby latched on well, but it later became painful, and I started to get blisters. Magnolia helped with her latch and showed me how to hand express. I probably would’ve given up breastfeeding if it hadn’t been for the resources at Magnolia.

I am so grateful for my experience at Magnolia. My birth story would have been so different if I had gone to a hospital. I wanted the birth to be as natural as possible, and I didn’t want any pressure. I was comfortable because I got to use the shower and the pool, and my doula and my mom were in the room with me. I had a photographer who was able to document the birth. I took classes at Magnolia and borrowed books from the lending library.

I am now pregnant with my second baby, and I am back in the care of Magnolia. Even with the pandemic, I know I am in great hands.

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