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I’ll never forget the first time I met Elaine. It was at a midwife’s gathering, and she asked a question that stuck with me: “Is there anything we can do or eat to help us get pregnant?” Little did I know, she was already expecting at the time.

Fast forward, and I had the absolute honor of walking with her through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, not just as her doula but as her friend. Elaine’s story is a powerful reminder of how God’s timing, faith, and preparation all play a role in our motherhood journeys. Whether you’re currently expecting or dreaming of your future baby, her story is full of wisdom for all of us.

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Walking Through Pregnancy After Loss

Elaine always knew she wanted to be a mom. But like so many of us, her journey wasn’t without heartbreak. Before conceiving her son Beckham, she experienced a miscarriage that shook her world. The fear of “what if it happens again?” lingered as she entered her new pregnancy.

If you’ve been there, you know how it feels—the mix of excitement and anxiety, hope and hesitation. When we talked about it, Elaine shared that one of the things that helped her most was leaning into scripture and surrounding herself with encouragement.

👉 “As much as I wanted to control things, I had to surrender and trust that this baby was in God’s hands.”

One of the hardest parts of pregnancy after loss is believing that this time will be different. If you’re in that season, I want you to know you are not alone. Your fears are real, but so is God’s faithfulness. I would love to walk with you and support you on your fertility journey and my program, Fertility Framework, would allow me to do just that.

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The Reality of Labor: When Expectations & Experience Collide

When labor first started, Elaine didn’t even believe she was in labor. She had convinced herself she would go past 40 weeks because everyone told her that “first-time moms always go late.” Even when her contractions were consistent and strong, she still thought, this can’t be it.

But let me tell you… it was definitely it!

If you’re expecting, here’s a PSA: Your body does NOT follow anyone else’s timeline. Your baby will come when they are ready.

Elaine’s early labor was a textbook example of what early labor looks like, period-like cramps that didn’t go away, restlessness, and the feeling that something was shifting. But what she didn’t expect was the wave of fear and self-doubt that hit her as things intensified.

“Am I really doing this? Can I do this?”

These are the moments where your support system matters. Having people around you who remind you of your strength, who speak life into you, and who see the power in you when you don’t see it yourself—that’s everything.

And sometimes, you need someone to gently say, “Yes, girl, you ARE in labor. Let’s do this.” If you want to learn more about how I can support you in your pregnancy and birth, check out my Doula Services.

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The Birth Plan vs. The Birth Reality

Elaine and I spent time preparing for her birth, but like many first-time moms, she didn’t take a formal childbirth education class. She watched birth stories on YouTube, read about different options, and we talked through her preferences.

And while she did an amazing job handling labor, one of the biggest takeaways she had was:

“I wish I had taken a birth class earlier. When labor hit, I was totally caught off guard.”

If you’re expecting, let this be your reminder: education is empowerment. You don’t need to obsess over every detail, but having tools, techniques, and a deeper understanding of birth can make a huge difference.

Despite the surprises, Elaine’s birth unfolded beautifully. She labored at home for as long as possible, using different positions, deep breathing, and support from her husband and me. Eventually, she felt the shift and it was time to head to the hospital.

If you’re not in the area but would like to see how I could support you, book at free 10 minute consult with me here.

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Transitioning to the Hospital: The Emotional Shift

The moment we walked into the hospital, things got real.

The hospital environment brings a different kind of intensity, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Suddenly, there are bright lights, lots of questions, medical protocols, and decisions to make.

Tip: If you’re planning a hospital birth, prepare for this shift. Talk through common hospital procedures, what to expect when you arrive, and how to advocate for your birth plan.

Elaine did an amazing job standing her ground on the things that mattered to her like delaying interventions, opting out of routine IV fluids, and making informed choices about her care. But in those moments when doubt crept in, she leaned on her birth team for reassurance. Click here to learn more about how I can support you during your birth.

And then came the moment of relief:

“You’re 7 cm dilated.”

That was the confirmation she needed, her body was working exactly as it should.

Finding Her Rhythm in the Water

One of the most powerful tools during Elaine’s labor? Water.

The moment she stepped into the tub, her entire energy shifted. The warm water eased the intensity, and she was able to find a rhythm with her contractions. Her husband rubbed her back, I whispered scripture over her, and for the first time, she felt completely in the zone.

This is something I encourage every mama to consider: Find what makes you feel safe and supported. Whether it’s water, dim lighting, music, or prayer—setting the right environment can transform your labor.

The Final Stretch: Pushing Through Exhaustion

After hours of labor, the exhaustion hit. Pushing was harder than she expected, and the self-doubt came back.

“Why isn’t this baby out yet?”

“Am I doing this right?”

“I don’t know if I can do this.”

This is where birth support is everything. When you’re at your weakest, you need voices that remind you—you are strong, you CAN do this, and you are already doing it.

After an intense final push, Beckham was finally here. And in an instant, everything changed.

Elaine’s words?

“As soon as he was on my chest, it was all worth it.”

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What Elaine Wants Every First-Time Mom to Know

If Elaine could go back and give advice to other first-time moms, here’s what she’d say:

Trust your instincts. Don’t let outside voices make you doubt what you know deep down. Have a strong birth team. A supportive partner and doula can make all the difference. Educate yourself early. A solid birth class can help you feel prepared instead of caught off guard. Memorize scripture. When fear kicks in, having God’s truth on your heart is powerful. Hold your birth plan with open hands. Pray over it, prepare for it, but trust God with the outcome.

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The Beauty of Birth & God’s Perfect Timing

Elaine’s story is such a beautiful testimony of surrendering control and trusting in God’s plan. Her first baby is in heaven, and while that loss will always be a part of her story, Beckham’s birth was a picture of God’s redemption, strength, and love.

If you’re preparing for birth, my prayer is that you feel empowered, supported, and deeply anchored in Christ. No matter what your journey looks like, you are not alone.

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