Having second thoughts on birth

I was 30 weeks pregnant and feeling very nervous about my upcoming birth. I had done all my research and wanted a vaginal birth (I had a csection in 2008 with my first). I had found a hospital that was supportive of a vaginal birth but the closer we got to the birth, the more I discovered that there were many interventions in place that increased my chances of a 2nd csection.

I felt deflated and afraid... I called my best friend and vented about how much I wanted a natural birth experience and how that seemed too far fetched... She suggested I speak to her friend who'd given birth at home...

Long story short, at 32 weeks I met Johanna and Claudia and I felt immediately at ease. They felt like the perfect team for me: highly ecperienced and their ideas about birth 100% aligned with mine. To top it off they loved VBACs (other birthcenters and mdwives I had talked to were not so confident).

Fast forward to 39 weeks I texted Johanna because I felt it was The Big Day... They came over early in the am and we chilled out until about 1pm when active labor started. My birth was quick (wild, crazy, intimate, and yes it hurt but I did it!) and at 3:37pm my hubby and I were sobbing with excitement as we held our baby for the first time. Johanna and Claudia were the lighthouses in this journey- helping me feel capable and guiding me with their gentleness and strength. I'm blessed and Im grateful that I had the opportunity to birth with them by my side.