[Postpartum] A Respected Preemie Vaginal Birth

During pregnancy, Hanley Rice signed up for childbirth education classes, and planned for a homebirth. Then, at 30 weeks, she started leaking amniotic fluid. Her world got turned upside down, and she was admitted to the hospital to wait for baby to arrive, hopefully not before 34 weeks. Even under those circumstances, having a team that was sensitive to what she had planned made for a beautiful birth experience. Check it out!

What we talked about:

• Planning for a homebirth
• Switching up her nutrition
• Waters releasing at 30.5 weeks
• Planning to stay at the hospital for 4 weeks, while pregnant
• Being on semi-bed rest
• Induction at 32 weeks, for infection concern
• Labor kicks after Cytotec push
• Being heard and respected even in these circumstances
• When the team tries to salvage as much of the birth plan as possible
• Going deep into labor land, and instinctual pushing
• So. Many. People.
• The most precious skin-to-skin minute
• Getting acquainted with baby in NICU
• Skin to skin encouragement
• So hard to stay away
• Breastfeeding difficulties and pumping madness
• That first wonderful latch at 34 weeks
• Coming to terms with an unwanted situation
• Happy to be finally home

Skin-to-skin in the NICU

Related resources*:

• Pumpin Pal flanges
• NuRoo skin-to-skin support and carrier

Related Birthful episodes:

• Navigating the NICU
• Effects of Stress During Pregnancy

Courtesy of Hanley Rice