Real Birth Stories: Cynthia on Pregnancy, Birth & Motherhood

Cynthia and her sweet baby girl

Every birth story is unique, and today, I’m honored to share Cynthia’s journey into motherhood. I had the privilege of being part of her journey as her doula! She recently welcomed her first baby, and her story is one of strength, trust, and transformation.

Meet Cynthia

I’m Cynthia, a new mom navigating the incredible journey of postpartum while embracing all the joys and challenges that come with it. Currently on maternity leave, I balance my role as a mother with my career in the luxury industry. Parenthood has been an incredible shift, and I’m excited to share my story!

Pregnancy: The Journey to Motherhood

Q: How did you feel when you first found out you were pregnant?

It was a moment I had been waiting for a long time. My husband and I had been trying for 2–3 years, and deep down, I just knew I was pregnant in March 2024. When I saw the confirmation, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace, calm, and readiness to step into motherhood. It was a truly beautiful feeling.

Q: What was the most unexpected part of pregnancy for you?

Because we had been trying for years, I had done so much research that I felt prepared to surrender to the experience rather than approach it with anxiety. I embraced the unknown and allowed myself to ride the wave of pregnancy. Of course, there were still surprises along the way, but I found that not having full control could be unsettling at times. If I had to pick one thing that truly surprised me, it would be the birthing process—it was nothing like I had imagined.

Q: Did you do anything special to prepare for birth?

I built the ultimate support team to ensure I felt confident and cared for throughout my journey. I had an incredible OB, a trusted acupuncturist, prenatal massages, and took baby classes offered by my hospital. Most importantly, I had my AMAZING doula, Tiare, by my side. She was truly invaluable. ❤️

Birth: The Big Day

Q: What were some moments during your labor that have stuck with you?

It was a long birth—I’m honestly afraid to go back and count the hours. But one moment that has always stood out was when I arrived at the hospital, deep in intense contractions, and Tiare walked into the dark room. The second she placed her hands on me, I felt warmth, care, and a deep sense of safety. It was a moment of pure comfort amidst the intensity.

I also wasn’t fully prepared for some of the physical sensations that come with labor—the relentless pain, the uncontrollable shaking, and how cold I would feel at times. Those were things I hadn't expected, but they are now imprinted in my memory.

Q: What emotions did you experience during labor?

Since my labor was long, it felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. In the early stages, I was calm and focused, trusting the process. As the hours stretched on, exhaustion crept in, mixed with determination. There were moments of frustration, uncertainty, and surrender. But through it all, there was also a deep sense of strength—both mine and the collective strength of the women supporting me.

Q: Did your birth go as planned, or were there any surprises?

For the most part, yes. I had a very detailed birth plan that Tiare and I had carefully put together. At its core, the plan was simple: whatever needed to be done to bring my baby safely into the world.

I pushed for 3.5 hours, and at some point, my OB suggested using a vacuum. That was a moment I hadn’t expected. At first, I resisted—I never thought I’d need that intervention and wanted to keep trying. But as the minutes passed, I realized I needed support. I didn’t have time to weigh the pros and cons in depth, but I trusted my instincts and made the call. In that moment, it felt like the first real decision I was making as a mother—to do what was best for my baby, even if it wasn’t part of my original vision.

Q: If you had a doula, how did that impact your experience?

Before finding my doula, I was unsure if I even wanted one. I envisioned my birth as something magical and intimate, and the doulas I had spoken to before Tiare just didn’t feel like the right fit. That made me hesitant to move forward.

Then I met Tiare, and everything changed. She became an essential part of my birth experience—her presence, her support, her ability to make me feel safe and empowered were truly invaluable. Looking back, I can’t imagine doing it without her. If I’m fortunate enough to get pregnant again in the next few years, I would be honored to have her by my side once more.

Postpartum & Motherhood: The Fourth Trimester

Q: What was the hardest part of postpartum recovery for you?

At first, it was the loss of independence. My husband and I loved being social—traveling, meeting friends, and being out and about. Suddenly, I felt trapped in some ways. The day before I gave birth, I had spent the entire day out, and then overnight, everything changed.

Of course, I’m completely obsessed with my baby, but even something as simple as figuring out how to leave the house for my first solo coffee run felt overwhelming. I didn’t know how to be away from my daughter, nor did I want to—but I also really wanted my latte. It was a small ritual I had always enjoyed, and learning how to integrate those little moments of normalcy into my new life felt like a challenge.

Q: What helped you the most during those first few weeks?

I gave birth the day before Thanksgiving, and in a way, the timing was a blessing. With the holidays right around the corner, I was gently pushed to get out of the house when I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. It helped me break through that initial hesitation.

I also quickly realized how much joy there was in planning visits to my parents and in-laws with a new baby. It made those first few weeks feel special and gave me something to look forward to.

Q: How has becoming a mom changed you?

It has made me so much calmer—chiller, even! A lot of people have told me that both my husband and I seem really relaxed as first-time parents, which I take as a huge compliment.

During the years we spent trying to conceive, I worked a lot on myself, especially around letting go of perfectionism and my Type-A tendencies. I still love being organized and prepared when it comes to my baby—that helps me feel grounded—but I’ve also learned to surrender when things don’t go as planned. Of course, there are moments when I freak out, but I remind myself to take a deep breath. I don’t want to pass on nervous energy to my baby, so I try to approach motherhood with calm and trust.

Q: What advice would you give to an expecting mom?

Accept help when it’s offered, and do whatever you need to take care of yourself. Postpartum is a season of huge transition—physically, emotionally, and mentally. You don’t have to do it all alone.

Final Thoughts

Thank you, Cynthia, for sharing your beautiful journey with everyone and for allowing me to witness it firsthand! You and your family have a special place in my heart. I think a lot of us mamas can relate to leaving the house for the first time without our baby, but we also know how important it is to keep those little rituals that give us joy.

Every birth story is different, and I love hearing the wisdom each mom takes from her experience. If you would like to share your birth story, please reach out to me.