3.5 Hours.

That’s how long I pushed with my son, Sidney. My epidural had issues taking and then totally wore off. It was a tough, yet beautiful, labor. Click here to see his story.

I had emotionally prepared myself for a similar story… and by emotionally prepared, I mean I had mini panic attacks all throughout Christmas day thinking about what was to come. Little did I know, my baby girl would have a birth story completely unlike her brother.

I labored naturally until around 7cm and then my progression slowed down (or at least that’s what I was told). I asked for an epidural around 1:15 PM. Received my epidural around 2:00 PM. Around 2:20 PM, they became concerned because they were having difficulty picking up the baby’s heartbeat. I was shaking violently, had an oxygen mask, and was complaining of contraction pain.

The nurse decided to check me.

When she pulled back the covers, Kennedy was laying there.

My precious girl decided she would be born when she wanted regardless of if a doctor was present.

So when you see my sobbing, I was so overwhelmed in the moment. Not only had I just been handed my baby girl… I was completely caught off guard by her delivery. I was also sobbing happily and thanking God that I didn’t have to push for 3 hours.

Every birth story is different. Every birth story is beautiful.

I’ve waited over 9 months to share her journey with you. I hope you enjoy.