A Tale of Two Births: Medicated vs. Natural Hospital Births, Part 2 {A Natural Phenomenon}

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By Brandy, Contributing Writer

I'm thrilled to have Brandy back today! She's giving us a look at her two very different birth stories. Check out Part 1 of her story here, and read Part 2 today! 

Baby #2: A Natural Hospital Birth

I arrived at the hospital in active labor at 10:30pm on Sunday July 25.  My induction was scheduled for 8:00 a.m. the following morning.  


God was gracious in giving us a labor and delivery nurse who was absolutely supportive of giving birth naturally. In fact, she had delivered her baby with a midwife. She was completely respectful of my printed birth plan and made sure the on-call doctor (my doctor was out of town) was fully informed about my wishes.  

For the first several hours I labored while walking the empty halls of the hospital. It was so much more peaceful at night than it had been on a busy Monday with my first. I was even allowed to eat and drink if I wanted.  


The hospital I delivered at had bath tubs for laboring, but not for delivering, so I spent a lot of time in transition going between the bath tub and the birthing ball that they provided. It was tough, needless to say, but I found that if I praised God during contractions, they didn’t seem as bad.  

Image by Intentional by Grace

The doctor came in around 3:30 a.m. to check my progress and said I was between 7 and 8 cm dilated and pretty much fully effaced. My water still had not broken at this point even though I had been in transition for almost 2 hours. 


We decided to let the doctor break my water. As soon as she did, I rolled into the fetal position for what would be the most terrible contraction I could imagine (probably 10 times worse than any of the others). 

I looked at my husband and for the first time that night I said, “I can’t do this anymore!” Thankfully, I didn’t have to. Once the water bag was out of the way, baby boy #2 came right away (at 3:50 a.m.). I went from a 7-8 to a 10 and out he came all in ONE contraction. I didn’t even know that was possible!  


And even though it all happened so fast, I once again had no episiotomy and no tearing! (This one was 9 lbs. 4 oz.!)

I think I was in shock when they laid that sweet bundle on my chest. How did he come so fast?  I was thankful, though, that I didn’t have to experience another contraction.  

After having two totally different labor and delivery experiences, I can honestly say that, in spite of the pain, a natural birth is most definitely my preference. After baby #2 was born I felt so strong, like I could do anything. It truly is empowering to see what your body is capable of, what God designed it to do.  

The recovery after a natural birth was also easier.  I felt much more able to take care of things around the house, to cook and tend to my older son and I healed much faster.  


I know that each person’s birth plan is a very personal and individual decision. And there are certain circumstances that require medical intervention. But for me, allowing my body to experience the pain and the joy of a natural birth was an experience that cannot be compared to any other. 


I am thankful to have had the support and ability to deliver my youngest the way I desired and I pray that I will be even more amazed with God’s provision and faithfulness with our future children.

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Brandy is a full-time homemaker, has been married to the love of her life for 7 years, and is the mommy of two amazing little boys. The two most important things in her life are her relationships with God and her family.  She is living the abundant life with her wonderful husband and sons and is constantly learning how to walk in the fullness of the promises of God.Her mission is to share the message of health and wellness according to the Word of God and traditional wisdom! She blogs at Living Water Health and Wellness.