A birth photographer captures an unforgettable moment
Anyone who has attempted a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) knows the importance of timing when heading to the hospital. Hospital staff can be hesitant to allow a woman in labor to stay if she’s trying for a VBAC. When Lisa Monroe was gearing up for her third delivery, she had already successfully navigated one VBAC and had her support team ready for the big day.
However, life had other plans. Instead of delivering inside the hospital, Lisa welcomed her new baby in the family SUV parked outside Eastside Regional Medical Center. Thanks to her birth photographer, Michelle Bright, she has a collection of stunning photos to remember the experience.
When her contractions were 15 minutes apart, Lisa called her birth team, which included her doula, birth photographer, mother, and a close friend who happened to be a labor and delivery nurse. She wanted her friend to check her progress to ensure she wasn’t heading to the hospital prematurely. Lisa even managed to multitask during labor, sharing her birth story in an email to a parenting blog. She truly is remarkable.
Not only did she calmly gather her birth team while in active labor, but she also did it all while keeping the house quiet for her husband, Mark, and their two boys. “I labored downstairs so my family could sleep while I paced around,” she recounted. “I made coffee and prepped a gift for Mark to wake him up.”
When the time came, she went upstairs to let her husband know it was time to go. “I handed him his gift (a shirt that said ‘Labor Coach’ with some fun rules) and he jumped in the shower,” she casually mentioned, “while I rushed to the bathroom to vomit.” Just a typical delivery day, right?
Lisa decided to labor in the tub while waiting for her nurse friend to arrive, but after losing her mucous plug, it was time to head to the hospital. Accompanied by her doula, photographer, and husband, her labor was progressing quickly. “We hit the highway and I could hardly control the urge to push,” she explained.
As they arrived at the hospital, her baby was already making her entrance. “I’m pretty sure my water broke just as she was coming out. My doula guided Mark to help catch her. A nurse quickly came to assist with suctioning fluids. Then, my midwife, Sarah, took over and with just a few pushes, my daughter was born. She was placed on my chest, and we let the cord pulsate for a moment before Mark cut it. I hopped into a wheelchair and was taken to recovery with my baby in my arms.”
Photographer Michelle Bright shared on her blog that instead of opting for a repeat cesarean, Lisa was determined to assemble a supportive birth team. She found a midwife and a doula who believed in her vision for a second VBAC.
When the media showed interest in Lisa’s powerful VBAC story, she agreed to share it, not to undermine others’ choices but to raise awareness. “I want to empower mothers to be informed about their birth decisions, find supportive providers, and know that if they meet the criteria, they can have the VBAC they desire,” Lisa affirmed.
I also attempted a VBAC and, like many women, faced challenges. But this story is a beautiful reminder that women should feel empowered in their birthing choices. Planning for your birth is not only okay but essential, so never let anyone make you feel guilty for wanting what’s best for you.
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Summary
Lisa Monroe faced the unexpected when she delivered her baby in the parking lot of Eastside Regional Medical Center, with the help of her birth photographer capturing every moment. Despite the challenges of aiming for a VBAC, Lisa’s story highlights the importance of having a supportive birth team and feeling empowered in one’s birthing choices.