My First Birth: How Following My Intuition Made the Difference

When I found out I was pregnant in 2021, the world was still in the shadow of COVID-19. Mask mandates were in place, and while partners were finally allowed back into appointments, so much about pregnancy and birth still felt uncertain.

Like many first-time moms, I was excited but also scared. Having a child felt like the most “grown-up” thing I could ever do, and yet I had no idea where to start. All I had ever heard about birth was pain, fear, and screaming women in movies. My own mom’s birth stories weren’t exactly reassuring either—she mostly told me how terrified she had been.

I knew I didn’t want to go in blindly. My natural way of handling stress is to study and prepare. I figured if I learned as much as possible, maybe I could face birth with some confidence—or at least fake it until I made it.

Searching for the Right Provider

I wanted an OB who was caring, compassionate, and willing to guide me as a first-time mom. I chose someone from my hospital’s list who seemed approachable and modern. She was kind and, coincidentally, pregnant with her first baby too.

But as my prenatal visits went on, I started to feel underprepared. The appointments were short and routine, and I left with more questions than answers. I realized I needed something more educational and empowering.

Discovering Hypnobabies

At first, I looked into hospital birth classes, but they weren’t offering anything in person—just a simple breastfeeding slideshow. Then my husband suggested we check out a local maternal wellness nonprofit that offered free classes and support for families of color. Because my husband is BIPOC, I was able to participate too, and I was blown away by their resources.

They offered two types of birth classes: one evidence-based and one called Hypnobabies. I had no idea what that meant, but the word intrigued me. I’ve always been curious about the power of the mind, so I signed up.

Hypnobabies turned out to be a comprehensive childbirth education course that uses hypnosis techniques to create a positive mindset and help women experience an easier, more comfortable birthing time. I practiced deep relaxation with hypnosis tracks, so by the time labor came, entering that calm state became second nature.

I grew close with my Hypnobabies instructor—so close that she later became my doula.

The Due Date Dilemma

Then came my due date… and went. And went some more.

Now I know it’s completely normal for many women to gestate past 40 weeks, but at the time I felt so much pressure. My OB started focusing on induction because my blood pressure was creeping up. I knew the “standard route”: Pitocin, breaking my water, and then a countdown clock.

That wasn’t what I wanted. Thankfully, my doula suggested something I didn’t even realize was possible—switching providers. At 40 weeks, I transferred care to a midwife who was open to more natural options.

She suggested starting with a Foley bulb (a small balloon catheter that helps ripen the cervix) instead of jumping straight to medication. It gave my body time to ease into labor more naturally, and by the next day, I was already at 6 cm without any medication. That was huge for me—it set the tone for a birth that felt more aligned with my values.

Riding the Waves of Labor

Birth, I quickly learned, is a marathon. My waves (contractions) came and went, and at times it felt like my body had stalled. Eventually, my waters were broken, and later Pitocin was started at a low dose to keep things moving.

Through it all, I leaned on my Hypnobabies tools. The hypnosis tracks and relaxation techniques helped me stay calm, focused, and inwardly strong, even as labor intensified. Instead of spiraling into fear, I was able to breathe, relax, and trust my body.

When Birth Took a Different Turn

As the waves grew stronger, I started to lose focus. My husband noticed before I did—my sounds, my breathing, and my face all changed. Pitocin waves can be incredibly intense, and after 30+ hours of labor, I was exhausted. I felt the stress of wanting my baby here before Friday morning, but my body still needed more time.

At that point, I reluctantly—but gratefully—accepted an epidural. It allowed me to rest, recover, and give my body the break it needed. With a peanut ball between my legs, I finally slept.

Hours later, around 5 a.m., a nurse woke me up with the words I had been waiting to hear: “We can see the head—it’s time to push.” Shocked and amazed, I pushed with all I had left, and at last, my baby girl entered the world.

Recovery and Reflection

My labor had lasted from Wednesday to Friday morning. I lost a significant amount of blood and needed medication to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. I also experienced a second-degree tear, likely from pushing harder than I realized with the epidural and being on my back.

Later, my midwife explained that my daughter had been sunny-side up (occiput posterior), which often makes labor longer and more challenging. That explained so much. Now, I’m a big advocate for tools like belly mapping and Spinning Babies techniques, which can help optimize a baby’s position before and during birth.

What My First Birth Taught Me

My first birth was a journey—unpredictable, difficult, and beautiful all at once. Here’s what I learned:

• Birth is unpredictable, but preparation builds confidence.

• Support matters—my doula, husband, and care team helped me keep going.

• Intuition is powerful—if something doesn’t feel right, you have the freedom to change providers or plans.

• Tools like Hypnobabies make a real difference—even when plans shift, the mindset and relaxation practices carry you through.

That birth gave me so much compassion for other mothers. It taught me that while we can’t control every detail, we can prepare, advocate for ourselves, and surround ourselves with the right support.

Final Thoughts

Every birth story is different, but they all share one truth: they shape us. Hypnobabies gave me the education, mindset, and tools I needed to walk through mine with courage instead of fear.

If you’re preparing for your birthing time, I encourage you to explore Hypnobabies. It’s not just about reducing pain—it’s about creating a calmer, more empowered birth experience.