2nd Unmedicated Hospital Birth and Positive Postpartum

Rachael’s first birth was a 9 hr unmedicated labor and delivery, but then two months later she had two craniotomies to remove a subdural hematoma. Despite that jarring postpartum experience, she was eager to have another baby, so right around her daughter’s first birthday Rachael and Zane were excited to find out they were pregnant again. Once again, Rachael had a very straightforward, easy (as easy as possible) pregnancy. She was excited to give birth in the same hospital with an OB/midwife practice, but this time she wanted to use a doula to have more experienced support. At 39+2, Rachael started to have cramps and pretty quickly they left for the hospital. When they arrived she was already 6cm dilated, and they quickly set up the labor and delivery room with twinkle lights and started playing the hypno birthing tracks. After an intense labor, Willow was born at 10:18pm after just 7 hrs. The first night in the hospital was difficult but the rest of postpartum was very restful and sweet. 

Rachael DeGraffenried Bio

Rachael is 32 years old and lives in Western Colorado with her husband Zane and two daughters, Juniper (3) and Willow (1). Rachael stays home with her crazy girls and Zane is a software engineer. She also teaches a mom fitness class at the local rec center and line-dancing at a local watering hole. 

Resources

Needed

Today’s episode is sponsored by Needed. Needed is the leading women’s health supplement brand recommended by nutritionally-trained practitioners. While most perinatal supplements include the bare minimum of the nutrients needed during pregnancy, Needed’s products are based on the latest clinical research and in-practice experience of nearly 4000 practitioners. Needed has all your needs covered, from your prenatal vitamin to pregnancy-specific Pre/ and Probiotics, to egg quality support, sleep, stress, immune and hydration support, as well as your protein needs for blood sugar balance and postpartum healing. Needed’s Complete Plan delivers unparalleled nourishment for every phase — whether you’re trying to conceive, pregnant, or postpartum! Instead of having to pair 6 different products together to meet your needs, I love that Needed has simplified things by bundling together four core products you need, in an easy and flexible monthly plan. Save 20% off your first order of Needed’s Complete Plan or any of their other perinatal nutrition products at thisisneeded.com with code BIRTHHOUR.