Unmedicated Hospital Birth of 11 Pound Baby in Denver, Colorado

I've had the honor of now attending two of Stephanie's births. She's one of those women who knows just how important the birth process is...and even when plans change, she boldly holds onto the idea of a mother-centered birth. 

Stephanie planned for a homebirth for her last baby, but when she approached 42 weeks and there were signs that her health and the baby's might be compromised, she listened to the advice of her incredible midwife - Kathryn Reynes - and checked into Denver Health, which has a wonderful CNM practice. 

Undoubtably, transferring can be hard. And then there were moments in Stephanie's labor where Judah's heartrate became concerning...and she had to hold onto her faith and the strength of her partner, Tom. But through it all, she worked with her body. She trusted the process. Once baby Judah's heartrate stabilized, she got up and moved. Urging her baby to descend. 

And then suddenly he did. 

And within a few minutes, she was pushing out her baby...en caul.

As soon as we saw baby Judah in her arms, we all knew he was a big baby, but we didn't know he was nearly 11 pounds! 

Stephanie labored with such strength and grace. She brought her baby earthside with a mighty roar.