"Mama who advocated for the birth she wanted even at 37 weeks"
Today, we would like to introduce you to Courtney Miller.
Courtney, thank you so much for giving us the chance to learn more about your birth story!
What was your greatest challenge in preparing for your birth BEFORE joining Werk Your Birth program?
I felt very fearful about giving birth and wondered if I would be able to achieve an unmedicated birth.
What made you decide to join Werk Your Birth?
I wanted to feel educated and empowered in my pregnancy, labor, and birth journey.
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!
My due date was 10/26/21, yet I gave birth on 10/6/21- exactly 2 weeks and 6 days early! While I was not expecting to give birth at 37 weeks pregnant, I felt so prepared and empowered to do so because of Chanel. The day before I went into labor, she had recommended I start eating dates and curb walking. I went on a mile-long walk with my mom and started noticing that I was having back cramps. I did not pay too much attention to it because I figured it could not be labor. However, the back cramps started to happen closer and closer together. At around 6 pm, the back contractions were about 10-15 minutes apart and consistent. I told my husband and we knew it was time. We called Chanel on Zoom, and she coached me through stretches and exercises to keep the baby moving down the birth canal. I stayed in the shower and bath throughout my entire labor at home. I labored at home for about 12 hours, and then my mucus plug dropped. By that point, my contractions were about 2-3 minutes apart. It was about 6 am. We knew it was time to head to the hospital since I lived about 30 minutes away.
We arrived at the hospital around 7 am. I told them I did not want to know how dilated I was, so they told my husband instead. At that point, I was 6cm dilated! I was already in active labor! Chanel stayed on Zoom with my husband and I and supported us through my labor. She provided coaching, encouragement, and support as we navigated various obstacles at the hospital, such as the doctor wanting to break my water, perform cervical checks and many more things (which were specifically things I named I did not want in my birth plan). She coached and supported my husband in using a rebozo on my stomach, which caused my water to break naturally. Thank God! Labor sped up, and I was able to give birth on my side. I pushed for 40 minutes and my little baby boy arrived. I gave birth vaginally and unmedicated on to my first baby on 10/6/2021 at 3:55 pm. I had a 2nd-degree perineal tear. While this was unfortunate, I felt so happy to have given birth without being hooked up to an IV. I was so grateful that Chanel stayed on Zoom with us that whole time and felt so present even through the phone.
How did Werk Your Birth positively impact your birthing experience?
Werk Your Birth positively impacted my birthing experience by helping me to work through my fears around birth and to feel confident in my ability to birth my baby naturally.
This could be your story too. Apply here.
What has this program done for you (and your partner)?
Chanel's program changed my family's life forever. We now feel so empowered and educated about birth, which will impact our future children as well.
Were there any results you weren't expecting that pleasantly surprised you?
I was not expecting to find out how strong I really was! I was capable of having a natural, unmedicated birth! I was not expecting for my husband and me to learn how to advocate for myself with doctors.
What would you tell a mama who is hoping to prepare for birth?
You NEED to invest in yourself and your baby! This is the best investment and gift you could give yourself as an emerging mother and father!
Before we end, what would you tell someone who is considering investing in the Werk Your Birth program?
Please invest in a doula and educating yourself on birth. It will positively impact you, your family and your lineage forever!
Be sure to follow this mama on her journey on Instagram @iamcocomiller
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.
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.