Naomi August's Birth Story
Lexi is one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. As a 23 year old proud Army wife and stay-at-home mama to three beautiful girls, it is clear that God and family are at the center of her life and decision-making.
Sweet Naomi August arrived on January 17th, in a style all her own, weighing 9 pounds, 5 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long.
Lexi reflected, “the birth definitely did not go as planned but it was still beautiful getting to bring a life into the world.”
God Is In The Details
One of my favorite things about hearing a family's birth story from their perspective is to see all the little ways that God is in the details and God was in the details of Naomi’s birth.
“I went into labor almost 2 weeks past my due date which was very unexpected considering both of my other girls were born early. I started having consistent contractions the night of the 15th. At this point I almost couldn’t believe it was true as I had multiple false alarms leading up to actual labor. Once I realized the date I knew that it was most likely real as both of my other girls have birthdays on the 16th of their respective months along with my husband and I’s wedding anniversary also being on the 16th. I remember laughing thinking how is it possible that I've now gone into labor on the 15th of a month for the third time?”
A Peaceful Beginning
Throughout the night, contractions stayed manageable enough for her to rest between them. By morning, the birth pool was filled, preparations were complete, and the family settled into the rhythm of waiting for their newest baby.
“We were expecting a long labor as my past labors were 32 hours and 36 hours long. About mid-morning contractions were getting stronger and I went ahead and got into the water which gave me immediate relief.”
I remember being so impressed, walking into Lexi's home, with how serene and calm she was. You could tell the contractions were strong and intense but she managed them so well and with so much surrender. Forever in awe of her.
The World's Sweetest Birth Team
“During labor I had both my daughters, my husband, and our dog. And of course, our amazing doula, Shandy, was there. Everyone that was there helped in their own different ways, even our pup.”
"My most memorable moment during labor was when my 2 year old started rubbing my back and saying 'it's ok mommy' during a contraction which helped me more than she will ever know."
Lexi was relaxed and uplifted by the presence of her family throughout birth.
“Having my whole family there was a different kind of peace than most would want… for most of the labor I had kids running in and out of the room and getting in and out of the pool, playing in the birthing room, our large dog getting a little too excited trying to play. But for me everything that was happening was bringing me peace, having my family around grounded me and reminded me what all this pain was for.”
As the hours stretched on, labor became longer than anyone expected. What had already been a marathon birth eventually reached approximately 42 hours.
A Change of Plans
Lexi had planned an unassisted, peaceful home birth, but after more than 40 exhausting hours of labor having hit transition twice with no sign of a crowning baby, Lexi made the difficult decision to go to the hospital.
Baby was still moving like normal and Lexi’s body was doing all the right things, but for some reason she just wasn’t descending.
“What was meant to be a stress free unassisted birth at home with just family, turned out to be a birth surrounded by doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. Missing the one person that mattered most…My husband, although racing to get there, didn’t make it, missing the birth by less than 5 min.”
The transfer to the hospital was everything Lexi had hoped to avoid. Instead of the calm environment she had created at home, she suddenly found herself surrounded by unfamiliar people, bright lights, noise, and constant interruptions.
“Once I had her in my arms even with everything going on around me I did feel a sense of peace and relief.”
Standing Firm in Her Choices
“I thank God that Shandy was there because I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her advocating for me when I couldn't. The room was filled with people who refused to leave and who didn’t agree with what I wanted for me and my baby.”
One of my favorite moments from Lexi’s birth was shortly after Naomi was born and everyone was swarming and we’d told a nurse twice to stop rubbing the baby, she yells “EVERYBODY. BACK. OFF. There are too many people in here!” I almost clapped. She reminded everyone there who was in charge and that she wasn’t just another mom on the L&D conveyor belt. It was a massive show of feminine strength and power. I’ll never forget the way that room cleared out. I was so proud of her!
“I feel like I said no a hundred different times in the short couple of hours I was there. I remember just wanting to go home and thankfully there was one doctor who understood what I wanted and made it happen.”
Another Girl
I felt so bad that Lexi’s husband missed the birth by 5 short minutes. They didn’t know if it was going to be a boy or a girl so Lexi kept her covered up and waited for her husband to get there to find out. It was hilarious to see the staff chomping at the bit to know what it was. I swear someone asked every 30 seconds what it was while we waited for Andrew to get there. It was sweet that they were able to share that surprise together. I’m glad they were at least able to have that.
"Both of us just laughed and I said, 'it's another girl.' It was truly just the best moment."
“Although it was fast and the opposite of what I wanted, I do believe it was the best decision we could have made at the time. We were in no way prepared for a hospital birth and had nothing with us when we arrived but made the best of it.”
Sister Party
Just a couple of hours later, they were back home where Naomi's big sisters were waiting to meet her.
Their oldest daughter was immediately excited to love on and hold her new baby sister. Their middle daughter needed a little more time to warm up to the idea of sharing her family with another little girl, but before long she found her place too.
Trusting God Through the Unexpected
Birth doesn't always turn out the way we expect or follow the plans we make. Sometimes it takes unexpected turns. Sometimes it asks us to make difficult decisions. I don’t know why this baby needed to be born in the hospital. She was perfect! But I know God can still show us His perfect love and immediate goodness throughout the process.
Lexi, thank you for trusting me to witness and document such an important chapter in your family's story. I'll never forget the love that was felt in your family as your girls came in and out of the birth room, the presence of peace in your home with worship music playing, and the strength you showed throughout every twist and turn of your birth.
It was an honor to be a part of Naomi’s birth story. I felt like part of the family!
Planning a homebirth?
Create a birth team that will allow you the space to birth how you want, give you comfort, invite peace and trust in God's design for birth.
Click HERE to learn more about my services.
