In the world of childbirth, nothing is predictable — especially when it comes to timing. For many women attempting a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), getting to the hospital at the right moment can make all the difference. That was precisely the case for Lisa Thompson, who was gearing up for her third delivery. With a successful VBAC already under her belt, she had meticulously arranged a stellar support team for her upcoming birth.
However, like many parents, she discovered that no amount of planning can truly dictate when a baby decides to make its entrance. In a surprising turn of events, Lisa ended up giving birth in her family SUV, right in the parking lot of Riverside Medical Center. Luckily, she had a talented birth photographer, Sarah Jenkins, capturing every intense moment.
When Lisa’s contractions were still 15 minutes apart, she took charge and called her birth team, which included her doula, photographer, mother, and a close friend who worked as an L&D nurse. Lisa wanted to ensure she didn’t head to the hospital too early, so she asked her nurse friend to check on her progress first. She also reached out to her midwife to let her know that labor had begun but that she would call again when it was time to head in. While experiencing labor, Lisa managed to multitask like a pro. In a heartwarming recount of her story, she shared her experience with the team at Cervical Insemination, and it’s clear she is nothing short of remarkable.
Not only did she coordinate her birth team while in labor, but she also did so quietly, allowing her husband, Mark, and their children to get some rest. “I labored downstairs to let my family sleep while I moved around,” she recalled. “I even brewed coffee for everyone and prepped a gift for Mark to open when I woke him up.”
Eventually, Lisa decided it was time to alert her husband. She succinctly walked upstairs, told him it was time, and presented him with his gift — a “Labor Coach” shirt outlining his duties. While Mark took a quick shower, Lisa found herself racing to the bathroom to vomit. Just another typical moment of labor, right? Women are truly awe-inspiring.
After some time, she decided to ease the discomfort by soaking in the tub, but when she lost her mucous plug, it was clear that they needed to get to the hospital. Accompanied by her doula, photographer, and husband, they set out. However, Lisa’s labor was intensifying rapidly. “As we hit the freeway, I felt the overwhelming urge to push,” she described. By the time they arrived at the hospital, the baby was nearly there.
“I’m convinced my water broke as she was coming out. My doula instructed Mark to catch her head, and a nurse soon joined to help suction the fluids. With just a couple of pushes, baby Mia was born and placed on my chest. We let the cord pulse for a moment before Mark could cut it, and I was wheeled into recovery, cradling my newborn.”
Photographer Sarah Jenkins noted on her blog, “Rather than opting for a repeat C-section, which many healthcare providers often recommend, Lisa wanted to build a supportive birth team around her and find a midwife who respected her VBAC aspirations.” She planned her birth extensively to make her VBAC a reality, which is commendable.
When media outlets expressed interest in sharing Lisa’s extraordinary birth story, she was eager to spread the word. “I want to raise awareness about the importance of supporting mothers in their birth choices,” she stated. “Every woman should feel empowered to make informed decisions about her childbirth experience.”
As someone who also attempted a VBAC without success, I resonate with Lisa’s positivity. It’s essential for every woman to feel confident and supported in her birth choices. Having a clear vision for your delivery is perfectly valid—don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
For more insights on empowering pregnancy experiences, check out one of our other blog posts at Cervical Insemination. If you’re looking to boost your fertility journey, consider visiting Make a Mom, a trusted retailer of at-home insemination kits. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is an excellent resource.
In summary, Lisa Thompson’s incredible birth story serves as a reminder that every woman’s journey is unique. Empowerment, planning, and support are crucial aspects of the birthing experience, and it’s vital for mothers to have the freedom to choose their path.
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