Single Mama had a 13 Hour Peaceful Birth
Today, we would like to introduce you to Kendra Jones.
Kendra, thank you so much for giving us the chance to learn more about your birth story!
What were your greatest challenges in preparing for your birth BEFORE joining the Werk Your Birth program
The day I learned I was pregnant, I knew I would have to do it as a single mother. In addition to that, my mother and sister both lived 600 miles away. So my challenge was: How do I find the best information and support possible?
What made you decide to join Werk Your Birth?
Learning you're about to become a mommy changes everything! Even your social media feeds lol. So while binging pregnant mommy content, I came across your page. Not only were you demystifying labor myths that I was taught. You seem to have tried and true methods that worked!! I thought having you as a partner would create stability in my plan and educate me on how to navigate the process without feeling clueless.
To learn more about how you and your partner can become prepared for birth, check out my virtual birth coaching here.
Okay, so tell us about your birth? Walk us through your story!
I started having contractions around 1 am. Thank goodness my support partner flew in from CA a few days earlier than we had originally planned. Because I knew the body clues to look out for, I took it easy and got some rest (as much as I could). It happened in stages, something that didn't cross my mind before taking the class. At first, it was a slight cramp but as time went on, I needed to practice mindfulness and ride the waves of each contraction. Controlling my breathing and staying conscious of my positioning was number one. A long but peaceful 13 hours later, and a warm shower, my contractions started to get closer and closer together, and I had my support partner take me to the hospital. I lived in New Jersey at the time, but I wanted my daughter to be born in NYC, so I had all of my appointments in the city and needed to get to the hospital (overlooking Central Park :) ) The car ride was where I had to concentrate the most, the mix of traffic and speed bumps is one I don't wish on anyone lol. After arriving at the hospital, we went to the maternity floor and were told to WAIT IN THE LOBBY! We needed to fill out the PAPERWORK!! fully in labor, asking for my employer's phone number. What a joke. But I knew this would happen, and my support person and I were fully prepared thanks for Chanel's course. On to the intake room where I am asked to take off my clothes, my support person is asked to leave, and they ask a series of questions I don't want to answer "How many pregnancies have you had.. ", last but not least, after about 15 mins.. I realize that I need to push!!!!! The nurses were confused and checked me for the first time and realized I am 8 centimeters dilated!! No epidural; I was about to have the baby right now. They whisked me off, I threw up, made my mooing sounds, and pushed 38 minutes after arriving at the hospital.
How did Werk Your Birth positively impact your birthing experience?
Chanel was a great mentor for me, as a single woman completing this pregnancy on my own I felt extremely blessed to have her in my corner. I shared my hopes and desires and she was supportive, informative and empathic. I wouldn't say I felt pain during labor, i did feel a sense of urgency, pressure, and intensity, but it was all manageable thanks to her coaching and the workbook that made me think out all of these parts of labor, helped formulate my values and allowed me to focus on the beauty of it all.
What has this program done for you?
It empowered me as my daughter's mother even before she arrived. I felt like I was taking care of her while I was taking care of myself! Knowledge is power, and as a black woman, being informed and prepared was my biggest strength for my hospital birth.
Were there any results you weren't expecting that pleasantly surprised you?
Chanel always says birth doesn’t have to be painful! Honestly, I thought it was a cute tag line but probably not true. But labor is 80% mental and I’m so glad I was able to labor at home peacefully and have a 100% unmedicated birth!!!
What would you tell a mama who is hoping to prepare for birth?
You are made for this! It's such a wonderful, hard, beautiful experience!
Before we end, what would you tell someone who is considering investing in the Werk Your Birth program?
It is an investment but this is for you momma! No one is going to tell it like it is like Chanel and also push you to do what you don't think is possible. In our first meeting Chanel asked "do you want to have a medicated delivery or all natural" and I said "I'd like to try unmedicated but Im open to using medication".. she encouraged me and said it was possible and I eased into an unmedicated birth like a champ!
Be sure to follow this mama on her journey on Instagram @just.kendra
If you have been a part of my Werk Your Birth program and want to be interviewed, fill out this link.
Do you have a desire to join our community and become empowered during your pregnancy and birth, learn how I can support you here.
Looking for more information? Take a look around because we have so many resources available to you (and your partner) on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and of course here on our website.