In the journey of pregnancy and childbirth, every woman’s story is unique, often filled with unexpected twists and turns. Jessica, a long-term patient at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, shared her remarkable experience of delivering her second child with us. Her journey is not just a tale of overcoming physical challenges but also a testament to faith, dedication, and the power of trusting one’s body.
Jessica’s Health Challenge
Jessica’s journey to get pregnant again was faced with uncertainty due to her health condition. She had been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, specifically Graves’ disease. This condition led to numerous complications, making conceiving seem like an impossible challenge. Reflecting on her journey, Jessica shared, “I give all the credit to the Lord because I was told that this was going to be with me for the rest of my life… But then, what my primary doctor called a spontaneous healing, my body just decided that it wasn’t sick anymore.”
A Miracle Conception
Despite initial setbacks, Jessica and her husband welcomed the unexpected news of their second child with joy and apprehension. She recalled the moment of revelation, “I got the pregnancy test, and I taped it to the refrigerator to surprise my husband and it took him way too long to realize it was there. I was obviously thrilled and a little nervous too. God has let me conceive, and I’m just going to go into this faithfully and not fearfully.” This belief provided Jessica with a sense of peace and confidence as she embarked on the journey of pregnancy and childbirth.
Navigating Pregnancy
Throughout her pregnancy, Jessica encountered familiar discomforts like heartburn and pelvic pain, yet she remained steadfast in her determination for a natural birth experience. Drawing upon her trust in her body’s ability to heal and give birth to her son, she was determined to advocate for herself and her baby.
At 39 weeks and 5 days, Jessica started to feel leakage. She didn’t believe it was her water breaking, but her husband encouraged her to go to the hospital and get checked. Turns out, it was amniotic fluid! They were checked in and the journey of welcoming their son into the world began.
As labor commenced, Jessica found herself facing intense contractions, navigating the delicate balance between surrender and resilience. Recounting the pivotal moment when she felt the urge to push, Jessica shared, “My body is just doing its thing… And I am in so much pain at this point. Definitely hitting the max.”
Midwife’s Support
Susan Fischels, Jessica’s attending midwife, played a pivotal role in her birth experience.
“Susan was just an angel… She did great with the stitching up and was full of joy. It was just awesome to have her there.” Susan’s supportive presence and skilled care provided Jessica with the confidence and reassurance she needed to navigate the challenges of childbirth.
-Jessica says of Midwife Susan Fischels
Jessica experimented with various labor positions, listening to her body’s cues with each change. After only dilating one more centimeter after an hour and a half of contractions, Jessica was starting to feel discouraged. She was six centimeters dilated and hitting the max on her pain level. The pain became unbearable, and Jessica asked for the epidural. Susan Fischels told her the anesthesia team would be there in 15 minutes and encouraged her to hang in there until they arrived. To Jessica’s surprise, just moments later, Susan Fischels tells her the baby is on his way!
“Between those six centimeters and me asking for an epidural and then finding out that baby’s on his way, that was 10 to 15 minutes. I had no idea that I could dilate that fast. I thought it was going to be hours to reach that point, that’s why I was giving up.”
– Jessica recalls her amazement at how quickly she dilated
In a whirlwind of events, Jessica transitioned from moments of doubt to a profound sense of empowerment, realizing her body’s remarkable strength. With the guidance of her care team, including the supportive presence of her husband and the skilled assistance of Susan Fischels, Jessica embraced the intensity of childbirth with grace and determination.
Empowerment in Childbirth
In the final moments of labor, as baby Brayden made his entrance into the world, Jessica experienced a rush of emotions—a culmination of exhaustion, relief, and unbridled joy. Holding her newborn son close, Jessica reflected on the transformative journey she had undertaken. Brayden Henry was welcomed into the world healthy and weighing eight pounds and one ounce.
Through Jessica’s story, we witness the transformative power of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for expectant mothers navigating their own paths through pregnancy and childbirth. As Jessica puts it, “Just be dedicated… And stay dedicated to what you chose to do… because it is worth it.”
Jessica’s Advice for Expectant Mothers
Jessica offers invaluable advice based on her own empowering birth experience:
- Dedication and Advocacy: “It’s really not about the amount of preparation, but having that dedication is really it. Just be dedicated. Have people or a person in your room that will advocate for you.”
- Staying Upright: “Stay upright as much as possible. Keep that opening nice and wide for that baby to descend. And if you can give birth on your side or all fours, that’s preferred.”
- Trusting Your Body: “I had an epidural my first pregnancy and couldn’t feel when I was pushing. If you’re able to have a natural birth, I couldn’t recommend it more. You will feel like your body is ripping in half, but once you get to that pushing phase, it’s so relieving.”
A Journey of Inspiration
Jessica’s journey highlights the importance of trust, support, and empowerment in the birthing process. Her story serves as an inspiration to all mothers, reminding them of their inherent strength and resilience as they embark on the miraculous journey of childbirth.
