Levi Jacob Wilson’s Birth Story:

This post is written by a CC Wife! She has chosen to remain anonymous, but hopes it helps some of you ladies!

My husband and I prayed for a child and the call to becoming a mother was heavy on my heart. I was having some hormonal issues and ovarian cyst and after 9 months, we were blessed to become pregnant. At 4 weeks, I experienced some bleeding and went to the emergency room to be evaluated. To our immense relief and joy, the baby's heartbeat was present and healthy.

When I found out I was pregnant, I began my care with a traditional OB. I did initially get want a home birth but I was active duty Army and there were no providers in my area that offered home births. However, halfway into my second trimester, I felt led to transfer a Birth Center. The prenatal care provided there was exceptional; I felt genuinely cared for and supported. I chose a BC in hopes of having an all-natural, non-medicated birth.

Throughout my pregnancy and birth, I felt the presence of God Jesus Christ guiding and supporting me. My sister came to stay with me the last two weeks of my pregnancy she helped me nest, cleaned and prepared food. I’m so grateful for her help. I went into spontaneous labor and labor the night before my son’s due date. To help pass the time my sister and I went grocery shopping in Walmart and Aldi. I was having contractions in the aisle and was starting to get excited at the thought of meeting our son soon. I labored at home for two days before heading to the birth center, where I planned to deliver. Labor continued for an additional 22 hours at the center. Although I faced some challenges, such as interventions like a Foley bulb and having my midwife break my waters, I was grateful for the care I received. I labored to 7 cm, doing many circuits of spinning babies exercises as my son was not on my cervix and was OP. I tried the birth tub but it wasn’t as relaxing as I’d hoped it to be.

My doula's support was invaluable; she applied counter pressure for every contraction, easing the discomfort of back labor. We prayed and listened to worship music, which uplifted my spirit and reminded me of God's presence.

Despite my hopes for a natural birth, something didn’t feel right, and God was telling me I needed to transfer. My husband and I arrived at the hospital, and I noticed meconium staining, which added to my concern. However, the intensity of my contractions and my fear decreased upon arrival, a sign of God’s calming hand over us.

At the hospital, they monitored my contractions and recommended an epidural to help me rest and progress. After some time, they suggested Pitocin, but my contractions still did not intensify. Eventually, they recommended a C-section due to my fever and my baby's elevated heart rate. I was in the operating room 15 minutes later, and soon, I heard the first cries of my precious son. Due to the medications and exhaustion I fell asleep while they stitched me back up and my husband did skin to skin while waiting for me. I was so grateful when I woke and was in the recovery station. My son latched right away and nursed beautifully. Being able to breastfed was a prayer answered. 

Although the birth did not go as I had initially planned, I am deeply grateful for the presence of God Jesus Christ throughout the entire journey. His guidance, the support of my husband and doula, and the comfort of praise and worship music helped me through each step. The experience strengthened my faith and reminded me that sometimes, the path we envision may change, but God’s plan is always perfect. After a total of 86 hours in labor, I am blessed beyond measure with my beautiful son and the lessons learned through this journey. My husband and I are so happy the Lord chose us to be parents and we hope to have another child as soon as my body is healed and the Lord willing. My prayers for my next birth are to have a successful VBAC and possibly a home birth.

Verses that helped me through my pregnancy and delivery:

1. Isaiah 41:10:  

   "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

2. Psalm 139:13-14:  

   "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

3. Philippians 4:13:  

   "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

4. Jeremiah 29:11:  

   "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

5. Psalm 46:1:  

   "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

6. Matthew 11:28:  

   "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

7. Romans 8:28:  

   "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

8. Psalm 23:4:  

   "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

9. 1 Peter 5:7:  

   "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."