Sometimes birth goes very differently than we planned. Transfers (both during and after birth) happen…even to low risk families. But so often…the way in which a transfer happens can make a huge difference in the birthing family’s experience.
One woman had a very fast second birth at a free standing birth center. She progressed from 3-10 cm in less than a couple of hours…and as soon as her water broke…her baby began to crown. Dad helped catch his second son but soon after birth, the team realized he was having a hard time transitioning.
They were able to give him some extra help and keep his vitals stable…but they soon realized he needed even more support. We called 911. The ambulance crew showed up promptly. And we had an efficient and relatively peaceful transfer to Children’s hospital. This sweet baby did need to stay in the NICU for several days…but he was then able to go home to his family: healthy and well.
Birth is wild. It doesn’t always (or often) go as planned. Some stories are more complicated than others, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth seeing and sharing. Sometimes we need to read and see these *harder* stories to feel less alone.
