"Mama who avoided unnecessary induction!"
Today, we would like to introduce you to Brittaney Mensah.
First off, Brittaney, congratulations on your little bundle of joy. One of the things I am passionate about is sharing positive birth stories for other women to know it’s possible for them too. We need more women to feel empowered and I believe sharing birth stories will do that. So thank you for being here and sharing your story.
So Brittaney, when did you give birth and how?
On January 27, 2022, Jordan and I welcomed our baby boy via unmedicated vaginal birth.
What was your greatest challenge in preparing for your birth BEFORE joining the Werk Your Birth program?
Choosing a provider that would respect my birth plan.
What made you decide to join Werk Your Birth?
I wanted to have a natural, unmedicated birth. Being that this was my first child, my partner and I decided to give birth in a hospital instead of hiring a midwife (in case of an emergency). After hearing so many horror stories of doctors pushing for c-sections, I wanted to learn how to listen to my body and advocate for myself and my baby.
To learn more about how you and your partner can become prepared for birth, check out my virtual birth coaching here.
Let’s just jump right in and tell us about your birth? Walk us through your story!
I was 10 days past my due date (41+3). I was feeling good, just fatigued at this point, ready to meet my baby. I had an appointment at 9am to do fetal monitoring the morning of 1/26. However, around 3am, I woke up to a lot of pressure in my lower back. I got out of bed and leaned over my pregnancy ball for some relief. I did this for about 30 minutes before moving to the living room - trying not to wake up my fiance. I wasn't in any pain, just uncomfortable, so I didn't want to alarm him. I'm in the living room, bouncing on my ball, stretching, moving in any way to find some relief. I eventually just laid on the floor and fell asleep around 5am. Woke up around 6am to more pressure. This went on and on until about 8am when my fiance woke up. I asked him to call the doctor to cancel my morning appointment because I was so tired from being up all night. At this point I was ready to rest in my bed. The nurse suggested we go to triage to get checked out because it sounded like I was in labor. Since I knew my body, I wasn't in a rush. I took a short nap, showered, and went to the hospital around 11am. The nurse checked me and confirmed that I was 4cm dilated! So I was then admitted. As we checked into our birthing suite, we informed the nurses of our birth plan. My OB was not scheduled to be there until the morning of 1/27, so I met with another OB on call. She was very respectful of our wishes and said she will check back with us in a few hours. We asked for wireless fetal monitoring so I can move about freely. Minimal interruptions. No interventions. & I brought snacks to eat to keep my energy up. My fiance and I spent the afternoon enjoying each other, just talking and laughing, dancing and taking pictures. Around 3pm, the contractions began to kick up a notch, but still not close enough. As each contraction came, I was able to breathe through each one and remain in my happy place. Once the contraction passed, I went back to dancing or talking with my partner. As 6pm rolled around, the OB came in and asked if I would like to have a cervical check. I consented and she confirmed I was now 6cm dilated but my water was still intact. She offered to break my water and she also offered Pitocin. I declined each one. Since I was getting really fatigued at this point, I asked her to return at midnight and I will allow her to break my water. I really thought my baby would come on his own by then. As the night continued, my contractions are now close together and I'm breathing through them with ease. But my baby was taking his time. Finally at midnight, the doctor returned and I ended up consenting to allowing her to break my water. As she went in for the cervical check, she confirmed that I was now 10cm dilated and my baby was stationed, ready to come. At this point, I had been in labor for 21 hrs, unmedicated, dilating all the way to 10cm with my water still intact. At 12am, the doctor broke my water. oh the warm gush was heaven! Soon after, I began pushing. I specifically put on my birth plan that I would NOT push on my back. I tried all 4s, squatting, side lying with a peanut ball, etc. all of which wore me out after pushing for 2.5 hrs & getting nowhere. Finally, I flipped onto my back to rest & from there, Josiah made his grand entrance at 2:48am on January 27th weighing 8lbs, 13oz, 22inches long! My big boy! I advocated for my ‘golden hour’ ..my delayed cord clamping.. & ownership of MY placenta! Overall, this was pain-free labor and I look forward to my next - this time, at home, with my little family, doula and midwife :)
How did Werk Your Birth positively impact your birthing experience?
Werk Your Birth prepared me mentally more than anything! Learning to remain in my 'happy place' made all the difference. With all the distractions around me, my happy place kept me grounded and I remained in good spirits the entire time.
This could be your story too. Apply here.
What has this program done for you (and your partner)?
This program has brought my partner and I much closer as a team. He praises me daily and reminds me how strong and powerful I am for bringing our son into this world naturally. Furthermore, I know I couldn't have remained as peaceful as I had without him by my side, advocating and cheering for me. I reassure him of how important his role was and is in our relationship and I have this program to thank for that.
Were there any results you weren't expecting that pleasantly surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to naturally push out such a big baby, with minimal tearing or interventions
What would you tell a mama who is hoping to prepare for birth?
I would tell that mama that a doula is a MUST when preparing for birth.
Before we end, what would you tell someone who is considering investing in the Werk Your Birth program?
Knowledge is powerful! I would tell them that of all the expenses that come with childbirth, investing in a competent, experienced doula will be the best bang for your buck! You won't regret it
Brittaney, thank you so much for your time and sharing your story. I know your story will be an inspiration for others.
Be sure to follow this mama on her journey on Instagram @brittaney.a.m
If you have been a part of my Werk Your Birth program and want to be interviewed fill out this link.
If you have a desire to join our community and become empowered during your pregnancy and birth, join here.
If you are an expecting mama looking for help - take a look around. We have so many resources available to you (and your partner) on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and of course here on our website.