Real Birth Stories: Yolanda on Pregnancy, Birth & Motherhood

Meet Yolanda

Every birth story is unique, and today, I’m honored to share Yolanda’s journey into motherhood. Yolanda is a wife, a boy mama of two, and a content creator passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health. She is opening up about her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience.

Pregnancy: The Journey to Motherhood

How did you feel when you found out you were pregnant with your second son? Was your reaction different from when you found out you were expecting your first?

Truly, I was in disbelief, and I hate to say it, but I was heartbroken! I was freaked out. I wasn’t “ready.” It was quite a surprise to us, and really, it all stemmed from fear and trauma from my first birth.

When I first found out I was pregnant with my first son, Ezra, I was overjoyed! I wanted a baby so badly. It happened so quickly for us, so I was incredibly thankful.

Who was the first person you shared the news with?

When I found out I was pregnant with my second son, Noah, I immediately texted my best friends, Carly and Priscilla, and was like, “Uhmmmm, do you think there’s a chance that this is a false positive?” LOL. Then, I called my sister, who is an ultrasound tech, and was crying, saying, “I think I might be pregnant.” 😭 I was literally looking for someone to say, “Maybe it’s a false positive.”

What was the most unexpected part of this pregnancy for you?

Have you heard of hyperemesis gravidarum? I ask because, unfortunately, it’s not something most people know about—and more people should. 🥺 Well, I had it! It caught me by surprise. Prior to getting pregnant, I was living a very active lifestyle, and when I got sick at around five weeks pregnant, it threw me for a whirlwind.

HG had me bedridden, and unfortunately, it was quite a lonely six months, as most people aren’t familiar with HG and can’t really understand. Please, y’all, stop comparing it to morning sickness. :( If you know anyone with HG, show up for them, please!

Did you do anything special to prepare for birth?

I love this question!!! Yes! Unlike my first pregnancy, I was doing all the things I could with the little energy I had (HG, remember?).

I was seeing my chiropractor, @bloomingchiropractic, biweekly to prepare my body for labor. She used the Webster technique along with normal adjustments to make sure I was as comfortable as possible while pregnant.

My husband and I also took a birthing class with @mindbodybabyoc. I wish we had done that the first time! It really helped me understand my body and how to manage pain. So much of it is mental.

I also got acupuncture done the day before I delivered because baby was transverse, and we didn’t discover that until I was about 34 weeks. 🫠 And it worked! Baby boy turned—thank you, Jesus!

Birth: The Big Day

Can you share your birth story with us?

I was 100% in denial that I was in active labor. LOL. Since Noah was STILL transverse the day before I delivered, I couldn’t believe I was actually in labor. Like, I knew it, but I wasn’t accepting it??? Wild, I know.

Around 4 AM, contractions started, but I didn’t wake my husband up to support me until 6 AM when my water broke. He really used the techniques we learned in the birthing class to help alleviate my back pain.

By 8 AM, I was submerged in the bath because that was the only thing that helped the pain. My sister came over and was so sweet, just supporting me through the contractions. She could see the fear all over my face. She kindly reassured me that I could opt for the epidural if I wanted to, and it was a really nice reminder that my birth could go my way.

Around 9 AM, I was like, “Get me the heck out of here and take me to the doctor’s office.” (I had a 10 AM appointment scheduled to check if the baby was still transverse.)

When we arrived, I waddled in tears up to the front desk and said, “Hiii, I think I’m in labor.” LOL. They immediately started pacing and calling for support. 😂 They walked me into a little room and started prepping to deliver me at the OBGYN’s office. Turns out, I was 9.5 cm dilated, and they had to call the paramedics to take me across the street.

I was really freaked out about being poked and constantly touched, but my doctor was the sweetest and advised the paramedics to keep all touching to a minimum. Once they rolled me into the hospital room, she told the nurses the same thing. Wow, did I feel so seen and respected. 😭💘 It was the complete opposite of my first birth!

As soon as I was in the delivery room, I started pushing Noah out but was crying for my sister, Vanessa. She’s always been my safe place and the person whose peace I can rely on. As soon as she ran into the room, I felt safe and ready to deliver. We all need someone like that. 🫂

The nurses and doctor let me take the lead. I started pushing Noah out while side-lying, but then I said, “Nooo, I need to turn around.” I just listened to my body and started pushing on all fours. It felt exactly right. Then, that ring of fire came. 😮‍💨 But I breathed through it, yelled through it, took a rest when I needed to, and—bam—there was my baby.

Postpartum & Motherhood: The Fourth Trimester

What was the hardest part of postpartum recovery for you?

Physically, my pelvic floor was so weak. I stayed off my feet as much as possible, and I’m truly so thankful that my husband supported me in laying low for as long as I needed.

Mentally, I was terrified that postpartum depression would creep up. It was really bad the first time around. Postpartum with my firstborn was rough. I was dealing with a lot of intrusive thoughts and, unfortunately, struggled with suicidal ideation. So you can understand why I was so afraid of it coming back the second time.

What and who helped you the most during those first few weeks?

My husband, for sure, was the most hands-on. My mom helped, my mother-in-law sent over food, and my sisters checked in on me to make sure I was mentally well.

Motherhood as a Working Mom

Balancing work, marriage, and motherhood can be a challenge. How do you personally manage staying present in each role?

I don’t. It’s a give and take. It’s a juggling act. A lot of time management! And BOUNDARIES, BABY. Learn to say no, but also learn to ask for help!! I can’t do it alone. The village is necessary… but unfortunately, the village isn’t always there. That’s when I put the baby carrier on and push through. 🫡

Being bedridden while pregnant also taught me that I can’t rely on my own strength. Ultimately, I’m nothing without God. I have to remember that it’s not by my own strength but by the strength that He gives me.

Taking time for ourselves can make us better moms and partners. What are some self-care rituals or habits that help you feel your best?

Ooooh yes, I love this! Hehe. I’m a ride-or-die for Pilates!!! I started Pilates when my first son was one. My therapist told me I needed to find something for myself.

Going to Pilates started as a way to get time alone, and it quickly became a hobby. It makes me feel so strong. :) Anddd a vanilla latte always helps. LOL. It’s simple and small, but sometimes, when I don’t want to get up, I get myself out of the house by going for a coffee run, and that gets the ball rolling for everything else.

Final Thoughts

Yolanda’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength in trusting your body, leaning on your support system, advocating for your birth experience, and seeking support when your mental health is suffering. Thank you, Yolanda, for sharing your journey with me and so many mamas who can relate to you!

You can find Yolanda HERE 💙