60 | The Power of Trust - Nicole Bailey

There is a narrative that surrounds birth, an idea of extremes, Birth Stories in Color hope is that we would be able to unveil all the stories ave those in the in-between. Highlighting the spectrum of birth, the variety of experiences, and those filled with joy, so that the community could see that it is possible to birth from a place of power rather than fear.

When submitting her story, Nicole was concerned that she wouldn't have "enough" to share. That her story would be unrelatable to others, but of course, that's not the case! Nicole had been apprehensive about being a parent and knew from the beginning that she would need to prepare herself not only physically, but also mentally and spiritually. Prep began with creating a birthing team that could support her fully. She immersed herself in birth videos and birth. She continued with her active lifestyle and took extra precaution and care by seeing a Chiropracter to ensure her body and baby were in alignment. Nicole also relied heavily on affirmations, whenever fear or distractions would come up she would affirm aloud that her baby knew what to do, she knew what to do, and they both were going to be able to do this together.

Labor began on Mother's day - and the word that arose for Nicole in describing her story was "surreal." Throughout, there was a deep connection to what her baby needed. Almost like a pull, "I felt like I was somewhere trying to retrieve my baby." After laboring at home for 10 hours, she felt an intense urge that her baby was ready to come and arrived at the hospital at 9 cm dilated. Nicole would stay tapped into her connectedness and intuition until her baby was earthside in 3 pushes.

From her journey came support to others. As her friends began expanding their families, they sought advice from her on how to prepare for an unmedicated birth. Nicole started writing her story and is working on a book, exploring intergenerational trauma and how that impacts our experience of parenthood, but also sharing the steps she took to manifesting the birth she envisioned for herself. Her story is an excellent reflection of what birth can be, a time of trusting your body and trusting your baby.

Resources:

Oasis Birth Doula | doula support

Stroller Strides | functional, total-body conditioning workout designed for moms with kids in tow