Birth Stories

I’ve given birth naturally three times now. Natural childbirth doesn’t make me any more of a woman, nor do I think it’s the only way birth should be done. I have nothing against hospitals or epidurals- and in fact, I may give both a try if God were to bless us with another baby in the future. 😁
I thought it would be fun to share my birth stories with other mamas- including raw footage from all three births! Giving birth isn’t easy. It’s hard work. To be honest, I moan like a cow through nearly every contraction (I will spare you the audio). But every mother knows that feeling when the baby is delivered and laid on your chest for the first time. It’s a magical moment, and one that makes it all worth it.
There were fears to be worked through, but also humorous things to be laughed at (later- not in the moment). When I was in labor with Spurgeon, I told Ben we weren’t having any more kids. And I meant it. But it didn’t take long to change my mind. As the months went by, the memory of the intensity and pain faded. Our baby boy was just so cute and sweet, and pretty soon I started envisioning him as a big brother interacting with a little sibling. Before I knew it, that previous resolution was thrown out the window, and God graciously gave us another gift- Henry! Then a little over two years later, our baby girl Ivy was born.

[@Amanda1304pol]

I'm not having children anytime soon but I love listening to women talk about birth. It's so honest, connects the sisterhood of all women.

[@boci122]

Me too

[@ED-ht6kh]

I'm not gonna lie though, every one makes me more sure I'll want an epidural whenever I do have kids haha

[@leonalivingston8041]

I love this honesty. I think a lot of moms really gloss over the pain of labor in their pregnancy stories.

[@virginiatorres228]

No, I just had an amazing birthing team, my midwife taught me how to respond to my body without losing my mind and acting crazy.

[@turquoise770]

Jessa is so naturally beautiful that even in the throes of her labor pains, without make-up, making pained expressions, giving birth, she looks pretty.

[@koolaidman6251]

I look worse in the morning after a great night's sleep than she does after 24 hours of laboring a 10lb baby with no meds 😭😭

[@drdebocherry]

She is stunning!

[@drdebocherry]

@@koolaidman6251 really!

[@tcclarke7271]

She is absolutely beautiful, inside and out.

[@chaunybuck6065]

She REALLY is beautiful! She looks exactly like she did at 3. She has child like features. Cute button nose. People pay big$$ for a nose like that!

[@lifewiththemontanos4066]

Wow, Ivy is LITERALLY your twin!

[@janicew6222]

It has been 46 years since my first delivery and I'll never forget how bad it hurt, 46 hours and a 4th degree tear later, the birth of my firstborn still brings me tears. Labor is hard, and painful, but worth every moment. Thank you for sharing yours.

[@athenagem17]

I love how big Ivy's eyes are 😍

[@madelynmarie188]

Ikr sooo cute

[@xoxBUNnie2]

Ivy Janes eyes, shape and color, so beautiful😍

[@j3nxi._]

🥰🥰🥰

[@MamaBear-rm6gk]

Jessa, your children are absolutely beautiful! You have truly been blessed from God! First off I wanted to say we have the exact same wedding date, I just think it's cool! We had a hard time getting pregnant. My 1st child was born 2-15-17. Just a few days after Henry. I had to have a classical c-section. I had a beautiful 6lbs 11oz baby girl. She had many health problems and went to be with the Lord the day after she was born. I love seeing Henry it just makes me think what age my sweet Elizabeth would be. Now we have a rainbow baby! A wild little Benjamin Israel, He is 15mo God has blessed us abundantly! I have to have repeat c-sections. I would love to be able to have a home birth but thats not an option for us. God bless you all we love your family you are such a wonderful Godly example!

[@shawna_cavel82]

It was interesting listening to your birth stories and getting to hear how different all 3 of them were. God has blessed you so much with a wonderful, caring husband and 3 beautiful children! It is a different perspective getting to listen to you tell us about your birth stories versus seeing it on the show. Thank you for sharing your lives with us, i really like hearing how all of y’all are doing!!!

[@natashaw401]

I'm already liking this hearing ur perspective not just what editing did w TLC though it's a great show

[@cindymcintyre3092]

When my niece shared her first child’s birth story with me , I told her “30 years from now you’ll still be sharing your birth story and other moms will still want to listen.” 😊

[@nancygraham839]

Oh Jessa! What a beautiful story you shared with each of your children's births. I'm sure that you have just brought a great deal of comfort to many first timers as well as though who've been through the process themselves. God Bless you and your family and thank you so much for sharing!

[@4purejoy863]

When Spurgeon arrived I thought he looked like you and then Ivy showed up. It amazes me how much she looks like you. I was only blessed with one. People comment on us looking alike, but we don't. She's a blend of both me and my husband; I can see my mother-in-law in her too.

[@jlynnshow5923]

I totally love your personal vlogs. You are just so real and down to earth! Keep it up!

[@faithsand3244]

I’m so glad your posting new videos!! Thank you for taking time out to share your life. Your such a great Godly mentor to so many!

[@pikachuloves9774]

Ivy is so adorable! Especially with how bubbly she is!

[@chrystalstevenson3575]

Ivy is a beautiful little girl and your boys are so handsome. God bless you and your family.

[@gotzBearhugz]

Jessa, I love your sense of humor. I had to save the picture of you with the tabloid saying you had given birth, but clearly were still pregnant (with Spurgeon) Labor Room Drama 😂... They're all so cute!

[@bethzimmerman3760]

Beautiful Children. They always put a smile on my face when I see their pictures and videos.

[@curtandbrebuck7409]

I loved hearing your brith stories! Thank you so much for being real and open about them. It helps me to hopefully prepare for a v-back someday!

[@careip]

Love these stories, Jess! Beautiful ly done. The whole time Ivey Jane was in view I was watching her sweet being while I listened to you. She is such a happy babygirl. What a treat to see and hear. Excellent work!

[@ericashepard1]

I love hearing other women’s birth stories! I don’t usually feel any contractions until my water breaks. I’ve been extremely lucky though. My first was born on my birthday and only took 4 hours, my son took 3 hours and my youngest was 26 minutes. I got an epidural with my first and second but they didn’t work on me sadly haha. With my last I had no time but I was also very sick. I had west nile meningitis that turned septic. Thanks for sharing!!

[@carissab.7082]

Thank you for sharing your stories, Jessa! I’m pregnant with my second baby and going through a birth center. (Hoping for a second water birth!) Hearing other women’s stories is always encouraging ❤️

[@brookebailey4330]

There's no way to "take your mind off labour" it's the most excruciating pain ever!! But definitely worth it!

[@virginiatorres228]

My husband helped me and we planned everything ahead, I got up and walked around, did squats on the balancing ball, my husband really helped me....maybe instead of pushing help away, welcome it, you need to discipline your self to think.

[@virginiatorres228]

Labor is not the most exscruciating pain, try having your ankle shattered with your foot dangling on the side and the paramedics having to hold up your foot to keep it attached, no, labor was a breeze compared to that.

[@beth90]

Code Name you’re absolutely right, it doesn’t have to to be traumatic or the most excruciating pain ever. For me, I didn’t have an epidural or any other form medicinal pain management. I did a lot of mental and physical work in my pregnancy to get into the right mindset, I educated myself a ton on natural coping techniques and how to control pain, and utilized my brain and everything I knew while actually in labor. Sure there was pain, but because of the tools I had, it really was completely manageable, and turned out to be the most wonderful and empowering experience of my life! Our minds are more powerful than we ever give them credit for, and if we utilize them in the right way we can do anything :-) Epidurals are wonderful tools for many women, so there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using them. However I would argue that the pain of childbirth is actually not “the most pointless pain ever” Physiological birth has many MANY benefits (for both mom and baby) and is actually associated with less risk than a labor that is medicalized with no actual medical reason. Just food for thought, since everyone is different and everyone perceives pain differently. Just because someone experienced pain in childbirth doesn’t mean it was pointless or traumatic.

[@kimmiheart]

Thanks for sharing! Love hearing about your experience!

[@areyoutacotome]

Ivy is growing up so fast! 💖

[@sandrajolley494]

Great stories Jessa, thank you for sharing. I love your family so much. I lost my mother last June to her 4th round of cancer. She was probably one of your family’s biggest fans. You all brought such joy into her life, just getting to share in your lives. You all are just so real and genuine. The true meaning of “reality “ TV. You are an amazing mother and wife. God bless you all and again thank you for sharing your lives with us. A fan from South Carolina

[@s731s]

Thank you for this! I'm pregnant with my first... Due in a few months and this was extremely helpful, in calming my nerves and helping me prepare mentally for the best and worst of this incredible blessing, I'm now looking forward to going into labour!!

[@happycrazyfun5883]

Your children are so sweet! What a gift each of them is - just like you said. 😊 thank you for sharing these sacred stories with us.

[@chelseamthen1]

Love that you shared these stories!! So helpful, THANK YOU! 🙏🏼 Such a beautiful family, you’re an awesome mamma! 💛

[@BRUMAICANGYAL87]

Such a beautiful story each child is a blessing but everyone is very unique in many ways.

[@kari33]

This was an answer to prayer. I am a few weeks from having my 6th baby. (2nd homebirth) And I’ve been feeling like I haven’t prepared enough for this birth. I don’t know anyone whose had a homebirth. I thought of you but figured I’d never have the chance to meet you and ask questions lol. So I prayed that the Lord would help me prepare And then you posted this! Thank you Jessa for being honest and open about your births. I really appreciate it and it has helped me feel more prepared mentally for this upcoming birth. Kari

[@helenbell1988]

Lovely hearing your view as well as having watched such precious moments in your life .., your incredibly brave to allow your labours / births to be filmed xx

[@ItsSarBear12]

This is so encouraging and real. I’m 22 weeks pregnant with my 1st baby💙💙

[@kaitlynepetronio51500]

Sarah Rosenbaum congratulations

[@j3nxi._]

Cold cut cash TV I Like Ivy Jane and Spurgeon

[@LifeLoveBeauty32]

Thank you for sharing! Wonderful stories!

[@ninapagonakis4628]

Jessa you’re the bomb- I find you to be so genuine and personable. Thank you for sharing with us. 💣

[@Katieeeee12345]

I can never get over how cute Ivy is. This great when you feel sick on cold rainy day

[@hoosierladyus48]

Jessa, I'm 64 and I am sitting here crying. It has been a long time since I gave birth to my 4 beautiful babies and to sit hear and listen to you tell your birth stories, it was like me giving birth all over again. It's so true though, all the pain you go through, you totally forget about it, once the baby is put on your chest. My biggest baby was 9 lbs. 3 1/2 oz. I had my children when no one was allowed in the rooms with you and we didn't have birthing rooms. We had to go into rooms that were like OR's. God Bless you and your family.

[@jukes243]

Your children are blessed to have you and Ben as parents. Beautiful family. TYFS.

[@Brwnbby13]

I’ve grown up watching the Duggar’s. I love seeing them become adults and having babies of their own. Thank you Jessa for continuing to share your family with us.

[@carleyc.3005]

I love your hair up! So pretty 💚

[@loriela6606]

The Lord was very very gracious to me with 3 hours of labor. I never had anything like you describe....have 1 daughter. I admire you for having 3 with such difficult labor. God Bless!

[@melc1678]

I felt really grateful for your honesty about how difficult birth is. I gave birth 4 times (was induced with each one) and it was always so hard. I didn't even have that feeling you described of being happy to see the baby immediately after I delivered because I was so worn out, I wanted to disconnect from everything. Every time I prepared to give birth I hoped that it would be better than the previous time but it was always so hard. When I was driving to the hospital to deliver my 4th baby I just cried because I knew how hard it was going to be. Like you, I am daily grateful to have been able to give birth to 4 healthy children. I thank God for them every single day. I also pray for them to all know Jesus and walk with him. Thanks for sharing.

[@tlp4656]

Thanks for sharing Jessa! You have a very clear memory😳really enjoyable listening😍God bless you and your family of five🙏🏾♥️

[@jinamg247]

I went from “what’s that weird feeling in my stomach?” To “oh look, here’s a baby” in less than 3 hours. I can’t imagine being in active labor that long!

[@Organizedmeals]

Jina Gibbons Yup!! I kept saying “no, this is not it” to having a baby right after getting to the hospital... I guess being 6 date should have given me a clue but it didn’t 😂

[@cathymatthews968]

I’m so glad you started this vlog! You’re such a good momma! 💙🌷💙

[@viconmypc]

Aww beautiful family, beautiful birth stories, and a beautiful way to pray for your children! I love how you took a controversial subject and gave your perspective in a gentle encouraging way! God bless you all. 🙏🏽 🙌🏽

[@Arkiegirl26]

Thank you so much for sharing! I found out on 2/3 I am expecting baby #2 after almost 12 years. The Lord knows what we need and when we need them. He planned this for us before I was even born. Listening to others talk about their experiences helps a ton! Beautiful family with beautiful hearts!

[@suecobham5668]

Awe, thank you for sharing!! God bless you all!

[@emily-sharingChrist]

What three beautiful stories! 💞 God bless you Jess! ❤

[@jenniferthompson2654]

Thank you for sharing your births with us Jessa. I know for me personally, watching yours and your sisters/in-laws births helped me have somewhat of an idea how my own could go. Our son was born Jan 8, 2019. Super smooth delivery, only lasted about 17 hrs. I was planning on going all natural with no pain meds or anything but after they broke my water I just couldn’t handle the contractions anymore. So I ended up getting the epidural. Do I regret it? Nope. Will I try again to go natural? Most definitely. Everyone was different pain tolerances and I give you huge kudos for being able to deal with it like you did. We are looking forward to hopefully being blessed with another child whenever the Lord sees fit. ❤️

[@melindercaudell2682]

Jessa, you are wise beyond your years. I love you and your precious family.

[@hilarygarstang5066]

Thank you for sharing with us! Beautiful stories from a beautiful family ❤️

[@TC-sp2hy]

Such a Beautiful family! I love your words at the end! Such a blessing to hear from a young mother!

[@Alwayslearning357]

Jessa thank you for sharing your experiences you are amazing! I loved your video! Thank you’

[@lisalovatt7246]

What an amazing honest heartwarming story. Thankyou Jessa

[@carolynlewis4493]

Hey Jessa... I love hearing your story and would love to hear more... I Miss watching you and your family.... keep up the good work. Much love and stay blessed

[@TheMrKristens]

💙💙💜 I love birth stories. Both mine were hospital births, but with my 2nd I would have given anything to have him at home. Children are amazing gifts from above. Thank you for sharing your stories. Truly the memories that build us as Mom's. 💗💗💗

[@stephaniewatkins4022]

Thank you for sharing your little lives with the world. You are an inspiration to many. ❤️

[@kittycatlyn]

A nice, encouraging video and a good reminder that every pregnancy and birthing experience is unique. (They are such cute kids. Like seriously adorable.) I remember the back pain too. It did indeed feel as though my back was being ripped open! Once at the hospital, the midwife said to just blow the pain away as if i were trying to blow away an invisible balloon in front of me and to imagine the pain going with it. Initially, i thought she was on to something during those early contractions, as i was doing really well. I was feeling quite proud of myself and telling my husband that thought i had mastered the art of mind over matter, when the real contractions kicked in 20 minutes later. It wasn't pretty after that😀

[@libbykline3049]

I have to say that I LOVE your videos on here! So much more personal and in depth than on television. I love the show too, but this is awesome! I'm so glad you are choosing to share your life with us like this. What a blessing and testimony to the goodness of the Lord too.

[@Oceanaryia]

ivy looks so cute and i love how shes dressed in green a lot!

[@josephinasharp9202]

Such a BEAUTIFUL family😍😍😍 ! Jessa you have such a caring helping teaching personality ❤️❤️. You bless so many with your honesty!

[@meghan7225]

I absolutely loved this video. Thank you so much for sharing. 💚 Sending love and blessings from Tampa, FL.

[@1424nic]

Watching your birth on tv VS hearing you talk about it is way better. No production cutting off the parts they think is boring but really that’s the part everyone wants to see and hear about 💗 love you, Ben and the kids such a beautiful family 🥰

[@katieskrovan]

I feel like Jessa is such a great teacher. She explains things with also having good information and interesting to watch. Love watching how your family grows! best wishes 💓

[@ashley__dills]

I really enjoyed each of your birth stories! My daughter is due next month and it’s our first baby so I was really nervous about labor, but your video has really helped put my mind at ease! You and your love for the Lord is a great encouragement to me; God is so good!! 🥰

[@shaunalea823]

Thankyou for sharing w us. You have such a beautiful family, much love from NC😙😋💗 I had my son in the hospital c section w severe pre eclampsia but both of us were safe, the office I went through is christian, pro life and the Dr prayed over my baby when he was born, I was so happy w them, they gave me great care always giving me the chance to make the decisions. Hospital births can be excellent it doesn't have to be a bad thing. My obgyn is male but the Dr that delivered was female.

[@lindawilliams8387]

You are so sweet to share your birth stories! I loved hearing them! Your children are so precious!❤️

[@rainsofhealing]

Just beautiful. I look at your family and think yes, this is how it’s supposed to be done,..God first. Love your channel, thank you for sharing your wonderful experiences with us!

[@robertmorgan1454]

ewwwwwwwwwww

[@mrshanjohn359]

Beautiful birth stories❤ thank you for sharing!! Currently 30 weeks and 4 days with #4!!:) so this was a sweet pleasure to listen to

[@thezachpack]

I loved hearing these stories! Thanks for sharing! Can you do a video on tips on how to get through a natural birth?

[@jeanettesilhouette5678]

I've known you for years Jessa....You have a beautiful little family. So happy for you.

[@papaapple93]

Jessa thank you so much for sharing this wonderful video I love hearing the birth stories that women share such a remarkable experience bringing life into this world you're a wonderful mother to your sweet and adorable children they're so blessed to have you as their mother as you are to be their mother

[@thechristianmom4716]

Woww what a beautiful story! ❤️ Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience! W my 1st baby I was in labor for 3 days end it up having an emergency C section, which I didn’t want but had no other choice by then my baby’s heart beat when up to high! But I know it was Gods will! But I’m praying and hoping to be able to experience a natural birth w my second baby.

[@elizabeth0265]

Beautiful Video! Children truly are a blessing💖

[@desg5783]

Thanks for sharing Jessa. I always love hearing birth stories. I cry every time. I’m a big ol sap.

[@natashaw401]

So cute having ivy beside u during vlog

[@ashleysczenski7435]

I absolutely love hearing and watching birth stories 💜 also my third baby and my youngest is Ivy May, she is 4 now 🦋

[@donnaguinn8836]

Loved hearing your birth stories God bless you and your children and family

[@margosurrell9953]

I'm so happy you had good births and healthy babies God bless you and your family

[@missionhill7863]

Her eyes are so big and cute! Gerber baby awww

[@tcclarke7271]

I had a section with my first. I hope I'll be able to have a natural birth with my next baby, by God's grace. Thank you for going into detail about your birthing experiences. Children are such a blessing 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Spencer_Lacey]

Thank you for sharing this! I have an 8 month old & my labor was 4 days long & your description of back labor is spot on 😅

[@mrsjessicaanne]

I loved hearing all of this from your perspective! I did watch all your births on TLC but it was fun hearing your thoughts and honesty! I always desired a home birth or just a natural birth in general, but the Lord has other plans and I’ve had four csections. Although I desire this type of birth, it’s made me closer and closer to the Lord trusting that He has a plan in it all!

[@Mulder25j]

This is an extremely educational vlog. Thanks for posting it. God bless you and your family.

[@joyb3545]

Always amazing how we can deliver such big babies without tearing or tearing badly when we just let our bodies do what theyre meant to do. My first was 9lbs and I delivered her at home as well. No tears.

[@katesamuelson4371]

PLEASE do mommy makeup Routine!

[@Blessed_SAHM_Of3]

Yes please do that would be wonderful!

[@alexawilliams501]

Yessss

[@x0meganxo]

Kate Samuelson yes!!! Please please! I need to know what mascara she uses

[@breeaillestowe5584]

Yes please

[@idontwanna2553]

Yes please

[@mississippiwoman5363]

I just love your whole family. Your children are beautiful. I have a niece having her 1st baby boy right now as I write this. I can't wait to meet him this afternoon.

[@TeachingTinyDisciples]

Loved hearing more about these! Thank you for sharing them! You have the cutest kids!!

[@karencarleen8523]

Absolutely love this. absolutely love you and your family.

[@ToriandNathanTravel]

Jessa! This was such an incredible video - thank you so much for taking the time to share that with us. We just had our first baby, Elowyn, in August and she was an all natural, unmedicated hospital birth. We would love to do a homebirth next time with the our second!

[@Cann856]

I’m so happy you described how women feel contractions differently. I felt like mine were a pulling sensation like really low in my uterus pulling baby down.

[@teamcougars]

Every woman’s labor and delivery is different. I tried natural labor all 5 times and ended up with an epidural all 5 times especially when they gave me pitocin that made my contractions so much more intense I couldn’t even breathe through them. There is no one size fits all that’s for sure, love your birth stories. Congratulations on your beautiful children 💜

[@jessicaesau7588]

Your kids are so beautiful! So glad to see how God has blessed you and your family.

[@VicStAmand]

Thank you for sharing. It was great to hear your story and your perspective. Such sweet and precious kids!

[@brenna5202]

I never felt the contractions in the front! I always had them in my back and SOOO much pressure in my bottom! I love that you are posting videos. I wish I knew you in real life and be actual friends with you😭

[@teresadoyle1396]

Jessa, you nearly gave ME a heart attack after hearing of the Doplar incident with Henry’s birth and my baby is now 36! Oh my goodness they are ALL a blessing! Thanks for sharing and stay well!

[@dmallow22]

Love watching and hearing all the birth stories. Thank you for sharing all 3! They are absolutely precious!!! Do you think you would stick with home next time or you're not sure? I've always wanted a home water birth but no kids yet so we'll see! I hope the water works for me I've hear people say good and bad!

[@Virideout]

Thanks for sharing! I love your honesty :) I've done both naturally and epidural, each coming with it's own discomforts, but God has gave me two amazing kids, he certainly made it worth it .... please continue to share :) ♡