A Beautiful Birth Story: Navigating Unmedicated birth in a Hospital Setting

The first moments of becoming a family on THREE! 

As a doula, I believe in the power of combining natural approaches to birth with the support of modern medical care when needed and desired by the birthing family. This birth story highlights how my dear clients navigated a home-to-hospital transition, achieving their dream of a beautiful, unmedicated birth in a safety of a hospital setting. With the right support from childbirth education, a dedicated doula, and a knowledgeable midwifery team, birth can be both safe and transformative, no matter the location and circumstances.

The Journey from Homebirth to Hospital Birth

This journey began with an expecting mom who initially dreamed and planned to welcome her first baby at Home. However, as her pregnancy progressed her lab work pointed to some circumstances requiring a higher level of care, which led her to transfer to a hospital setting mid-pregnancy. As her doula, I helped her to connect with a naturally-minded midwifery practice that was hospital based and after interviewing them, she was confident with a new plan. Despite this change, she was determined to experience the birth she had always envisioned. This is where our birth planning meetings came into play. We met multiple times online and in the comfort of their home educating, dreaming and planning for the Birth ahead. Together, we worked to ensure her birth experience would still be intimate, safe, and fulfilling.

We carefully planned a birth that balanced both her desire for a natural experience and the need for medical oversight. This is why I am so passionate about childbirth education, that empowers families in making informed decisions and have options, regardless of any changes in the birth plan.

Early labor at home = comfortable and safe environment for your labor to progress!

Creating a Calm, Home-Like Birth Environment in a Hospital

On the day labor began, Mike (the dad) stepped into the role he had prepared for through childbirth education classes, turning their home into a serene, home-birth-like setting. Dad’s support and preparation paid off, as the early labor progressed in a calm and peaceful environment. As their doula, I was available for them to oversee the progress of labor and suggest when a good time to go to the hospital will be. After a few hours of laboring at home, they called me and invited to come and support them laboring at home.

When I arrived at their home, the love and unity between them were palpable. This is one of the many reasons why I love spending many hours empowering families to birth confidently at home in early labor. This helps with the bonding, it deepens the relationship and it helps the labor to progress beautifully. As a doula, I offer not only physical support but also emotional comfort and guidance, helping partners work together in harmony. I was able to gently join the beautiful dance of their birth without interrupting the intimacy and connection that was so strong between the two partners.

After a few hours, as labor intensified, we made the decision to transfer to the hospital, where the midwifery team was ready to continue the care. Many expecting parents wonder if it’s possible to create a natural birth atmosphere in a hospital setting. The answer is yes! With the right team, a doula and a solid birth plan, you can absolutely have a beautiful, calm birth in a hospital.

Twinkling lights can really bring some cozy vibes to your Birth!

An Unmedicated Birth, Supported by a Doula

Once at the hospital, this determined mom and dad continued her labor with strength and perseverance. The room was transformed into a peaceful, low-lit space, mimicking the home environment she had envisioned. We turned on a diffuser with serenity blend from Doterra, as well as, instrumental playlist the family prepared for their special birth experience. The hospital’s midwifery team provided gentle, supportive care, respecting her wishes for an unmedicated birth. This mom was a powerhouse, moving powerfully through each contraction and embracing every new position that her doula put her in to help labor progress. We labored in a tub, on a toilet, around the room - standing, sitting, squatting, laying. It was a beautiful rhythm of rest & movement. We made sure that she is having small snacks and taking sips of water regularly through this experience. Managing mother’s energy level is one of many doula - roles in labor. Maternal exhaustion is the #1 reasons for interventions in birth and a well trained doula will make sure to pace and nourish the mom through the whole experience.

After a few more hours of pushing in various positions, this mom triumphantly delivered her son without any medical interventions, surrounded by the love and support of her partner and the skilled hospital team. After assisting with the delivery, the midwife gently folded her hands, providing respectful hands-off experience space for this family to enjoy their new baby, as she smiled over them. This birth story is a testament to how combining medical safety with a natural birth experience is not only possible but can be incredibly empowering for families.

Teresa Blair, the Midwife - Grace Women’s Health. 

The Power of Doula Support and Childbirth Education

As a doula, it’s an honor to witness these moments and be a source of unwavering support for families. From birth planning, to navigating the change of plans, to connecting with local resources, I love my job every step of the way. Lalanterne Birth is about more than just preparing families for labor; the heart of my business is about creating a birth experience that feels authentic, safe, and empowering, whether at home or in a hospital. The trust this family placed in their birth team and their decision to stay the course with an unmedicated birth made this journey both powerful and inspiring.

If you’re a Seattle,WA family looking for doula support, childbirth education, or guidance through the process of planning your birth, whether at home or in a hospital, I would be honored to support you on your journey. Every birth is unique, and together, we can create a plan that honors your wishes while ensuring the safety and care of both you and your baby.

Welcome Earth-Side sweet Clifford, your Doula loves you!