Emergency C-section, hemorrhaging, and baby in the NICU w/ my brother and sister-in-law | Ep. 41

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In this week's episode, we were joined again by Matt's brother and sister-in-law Caleb & Abigail! They both opened up and shared the story of their traumatic birth experience in having to have an emergency C-section, suffering from significant hemorrhaging, and having their baby in the NICU.
Check out their KZbin Channel: ‪@calebandabby‬
Caleb's IG: / chow7000
Abigail's IG: / abigailghoward
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#unplannedpodcast #mattandabby #calebandabby

[@ellenkkneal]

Caleb’s dirty feet is a jump scare 😂😂😂

[@melisa8256]

Honestly! Is that dirt 😮 They look like a black & white cookie and it’s very disturbing.

[@UnplannedPodcast]

🤣🤣🤣

[@waffleman8673]

And the holes in Abby’s socks 😂😂

[@jessicaelecta]

😂😂 why do people stare at their feet? I never notice til it's pointed out.

[@waffleman8673]

@@jessicaelecta and now you can’t unsee it 😂😂

[@maddiebroadstone]

The way that Abby looked at Abby before talking about her hemorrhaging was sweet, seems like such a caring friendship 🤍

[@Shiwalijamwal12]

Awww they love each other

[@vickykulig5080]

As a social worker, PLEASE TEACH YOUR KIDS ANATOMICALLY CORRECT TERMS!!! It could protect them for the future ❤

[@wendyjones292]

It truly does not matter at all. We all grew up not saying the anatomically correct term and we are just fine. My kids said other terms for them and they are completely normal kids and never had any issues. It really does not matter. They are 31, 29, and 25! Not being rude, just saying it is okay if you have previously not done this with your kids!

[@alexanamaria]

Matt and Caleb are so different! I feeel like Matt is high-energy and could talk for hours while Caleb is so chill and zen haha

[@carolynturk-hu7je]

Abby has joy and Caleb too, because they love the Lord and are grateful for his grace and love everyday! 😊❤

[@carlajoyswan]

Yess you can tell they have the Lord in their life❤❤

[@AlinaKu93]

Yup so true!!!

[@amandamenezes5617]

Amen

[@AyanTate21]

Amin ❤

[@HAMFAM6]

True!!! The joy of the lord is their strength ❤

[@beneventofam1029]

As a C-Section Mama, thank you for talking about all of this! Not a lot of women understand how hard it is to go through that and some of us have no choice but to have a c-section. I cried along with y’all. I’m pregnant with my third, and all of the birthing experiences us women go through are hard! 🥹❤️ y’all are amazing strong women

[@kaitlynpowell-mf7sm]

Everyone just looks over at CJ and smiles it's so cute. Also Matt and Abbie love the matching outfits 😊

[@adri1322azul]

Honestly I could watch this podcast for hours. I just love Matt and Abby’s energy and how they create a safe space for everyone to talk and express themselves. Loved this episode❤️

[@UnplannedPodcast]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@moderator7169]

​@@UnplannedPodcastmatt good editing out the chewing parts i caught that !!

[@jaywizzy2436]

Thank you Abigail for being so vulnerable and sharing your story, you are doing great mama and CJ is precious 😊!! Love the classic big brother move where Caleb just exposes Matt 😂

[@alyciasill7802]

I think it would be so interesting if you had a panel podcast of all the women in your life that had a child and talk about all experiences since becoming a mother. For example, have Bella, Abi, Abi, also Matt’s mom etc. to allow for multiple perspectives. This podcast was wonderful!

[@gianna6950]

thats a great idea!

[@gianna6950]

especially Bella, her experience of motherhood, without actually giving birth

[@sarahloohoo2312]

Bella gives me the ick.. I was totally excited for their blessing baby until they haven’t stopped shoving her face in front of the camera since day 1. I hope in the future little story gets some privacy.

[@TheGlowingqueen]

​@@sarahloohoo2312 Bella just is happy to have a baby! Give her a break.

[@potato1084]

@@sarahloohoo2312Yeah same honestly. And the way she’s constantly holding her like a ragdoll. Always in front of the camera.

[@gitteroller2376]

Hello! I'm usually a silent follower, but today I couldn't resist expressing how much joy this episode brought me while I was at work. Truly love all four of you and the bond you share! The Howard men are a testament to the idea that good men attract great women. Both Abby and Abigail seem to be the sweetest and most genuine people! Sending love from South Africa ❤️ P.S. This podcast makes every Wednesday at work so much easier and more fun!

[@itsmrsnesbitt]

I get how difficult it is to understand when you don't have a large family, but you absolutely can have close relationships with all of your children. I have 5 children currently; my husband and I are blessed to be self-employed so I guess that makes a difference in how much time we get to spend with them. But yeah, it's definitely possible.

[@noimdittydan]

😊

[@briannasiddons7293]

I can’t believe I have watched ALL 41 episodes, and this one was my favorite by far. It’s amazing to see you guys come together as a family and witness the joy you guys bring out in one another. When Abby cried hearing Abigail share her horrific birth experience, that made me cry. When you all laughed, I laughed. This was a great podcast and I will look forward to seeing you all together in the future. You guys are my favorite content creators for a reason. I’m so glad you guys started a podcast. I feel like I am family right there with you. ❤❤

[@taylorfairfield5983]

I have never heard any other mom say they had trouble with the numbness of the epidural - I had the same experience! It sent me into a severe panic attack and I also could not move my legs AT ALL, It was terrible! One of those things no one warns you about because there is just no way to know how your body will react. Thank you for this conversation!

[@cupcake1406]

taylorfairfield5983 When you signed the consent for the epidural, numbness in your lower extremities was listed as a side effect. Did you not read the consent form prior to signing it?🤔

[@bimberlish]

Just want to hug Abby when she’s talking about her recovery and being alone. ❤😢

[@haripriyachandrasekar8314]

The way Caleb was watching CJ as he spoke about the connection and smiled man watching a video podcast is the best ❤❤😢

[@misslora3896]

My 1st was a 100% unmedicated birth and my 2nd was a c-section due to placenta previa. Despite having a section scheduled, she came 3wks early by emergengy c-section because I started bleeding. She was then immediately taken to the NICU because of her lungs. As a result I didn't see her until I was able to get out of bed and go down to the NICU about 24 hrs later. There is such a tremendous difference in how the hormones hit you between the two. During labor and delivery you're awash in oxytocin so, I immediately fell intensely in love the moment she was out. My second lacked all that positive intensity since you don't experience those hrs of oxytocin. You still love them, but that same depth of feeling and bond takes a little time. Never having had surgery before, the emergency nature of it, how awful it feels when they're tugging and pulling the baby out and then how painful recovery is, was all pretty traumatizeing as well, which I think compounds the problem of slower bonding. Just from recovery alone, I've always said I'd choose an unmedicated labor and delivery any day over a c-section.

[@amandafranklin1770]

My heart goes out to Abby. Listening to her tell her story was like listening to my own baby's birth story. Rough C-section, hemorrhaging (I needed two bags of blood because of a history with anemia), baby taken to NICU for breathing struggles, put on a CPAP and had a feeding tube, me laying in my room basically alone for 15 hrs before I could even see my baby. It was supposed to be the happiest day of my life but it ended up being one of the most depressing and traumatizing days of my life. I'm still not fully over it and it happened 18 months ago. Birthing a child is an insane thing. It's incredible and amazing and immensely difficult.

[@meganteeter6759]

I had a lot of interventions turned emergency c section. So many similarities with my first birth. Def left my husband and I feeling a bit traumatized and sad about birth itself. Well, 3 years later- and after some therapy sessions- we had a successful healthy VBAC and experientially learned every birth is soo different. My prayer is that one day you’ll experience a birth you can call beautiful. Don’t lose hope that it can be so different next time! You overcame something so hard, and I bet you’ll use that experience to learn from for future births. Thanks for sharing story!

[@Abi-Marie]

OH MY GOSH matt and abby’s matching outfits so cute! if that wasn’t even planned then they really did name this podcast correctly!

[@victorflores4685]

It’s soooo important teach children the right anatomy words so they can understand boundaries of their bodies and if they ever need to explain to you anything the hopefully never happens they can Clearly speak to you

[@gabs392]

This!!! Also, if anything ever does happen it won’t hold up legally using “pretend” words for their body parts.

[@bunnylover460]

Crotch and PP are way different than cookie and pickle.

[@Jacquie0826]

I had my son at 29 weeks. He spent a month and a half in the NICU. I know I had seen Abby donated her milk to someone when Griffin was a newborn and I think she's amazing for that. I was on medication that I couldn't breast feed but in the NICU they had donated breast milk and so that's what I chose for my son bc being 2lbs I figured that's what was the best and healthiest for him. He's now 8 and healthy as could be. I'm so thankful for the NICU volunteers. They brought meals and donated clothes and knitted tiny hats bc the ones from the hospital were too big for the preemies. I feel Abby's pain about not seeing the baby for a long time. They wheeled mine in after they woke me up bc I had to be put under completely bc it was an emergency. I saw him and touched his little foot and they took him to another hospital that had the NICU so I didn't get to see him again till I was released from the hospital. It's such a hard time

[@kaceymccardle7249]

I went through almost the same exact thing with my c-section: two days of labor, a c-section, and then a hemorrhage a few hours later while my baby waited for me in the NICU. I was exhausted and decided to sleep for awhile before going to the NICU, when they woke me up to get my vitals we realized how badly I was bleeding and I remember being so sad and scared because I thought I was going to die and I missed my chance to really meet her 😭 it's such a scary experience but you're not alone Abby, you're such a strong mama and little CJ is so lucky to have you both! ❤️

[@katieeliason7055]

I also had a bad reaction to the epidural and I decided I would not have another one. With my second I did it naturally and that was a much better experience. I am so sorry for all you had to go through, but congratulations on CJ being here and being healthy and happy now!

[@CL-xyz9987]

I have a special interest now in pregnancy, birth, and newborn stage. It is so intriguing how everyone's experience is so drastically different. I had a nightmare of a pregnancy, the easiest and dreamiest labour and delivery, and absolutely hattted the newborn stage. Thank you, Abby, for being so vulnerable and sharing your incredible story.

[@julietgendron]

i love the episodes about pregnancy, birth, and parenting bc that’s the season i’m currently in and i don’t have any friends or family that have had babies in a long time

[@jayannakelley9051]

Being pregnant & having a baby hasn’t changed. It’s just this younger generation seems to make it more dramatic & way to much baby crap. Sheesh., just to change a damn diaper they pull out way to much crap! Young parents honestly stress me out! I’ve had 3 kids.

[@julietgendron]

@@jayannakelley9051 having a baby now actually is a lot different for a lot of parents now vs in previous generations, especially for young parents. a lot of us don’t have the village that previous generations had, and none of my friends are having kids either, so it’s nice to be able to relate to someone currently going through it even if it’s online.

[@jayannakelley9051]

@@julietgendron - Actually I didn’t have a ‘village’ of people around either. Maybe the ‘40’s-‘60’s era had family around. Earlier generations were rural. I had my first child when I was 20 & my husband & I figured it out. (I did turn 21 3 weeks after she was born). I get stressed watching these young parents freak out about every little thing. Even to change a diaper, you don’t need all that crap they think they have to have. We could be at the park with friends having a cookout & I’d just take Andrea to the car & change her diaper on the seat in about 3 mins. Yes, I breastfed all 3 of our kids. So no, nothing much has changed from being pregnant & having a baby except this new generation is a bit spoiled. Sheesh…

[@julietgendron]

@@jayannakelley9051 i think the excessive baby products is just common with new parents in general, they are nervous before baby comes and it makes them feel more prepared. usually by the time people are having 2+ kids they realize it’s unnecessary. but you are right, having a baby is hard no matter when you had one. all i meant from my comment was that sometimes it is nice to hear from parents currently going through it, but i definitely can relate to mothers from all generations! i think it’s important to hear both perspectives 🥰

[@jayannakelley9051]

@@julietgendron - I think you are correct. I have noticed younger people do seem to become. ‘nervous & confused’ easily. With information at our fingertips I guess I don’t understand why. Anyway, if you decide to make the choice of having a child, please don’t get over freaked out about it ok? Women have been going through childbirth & raising children for generations. I’m just glad I didn’t have to use cloth diapers- lol! (I had watched a couple of movies based during the time period of only cloth diapers ) whew! Have a good weekend 🌟🍂

[@thesimplyana]

Thank you for sharing your story!❤️ Nobody tells us how epidural can affect our labor productivity… but there are so many disadvantages including prolonging the labor and literally letting your baby do it all on its own. I did a lot of research and decided not to get an epidural. I had the best experience possible and such a quick labor. And I’m glad I didn’t listen to the nurses saying I should get an epidural. When I have my second baby I won’t have an epidural either.

[@amanda.c.ice.]

What studies did you find that showed an epidural prolonged labor? I’d be curious to read because every woman I’ve talked to who has gotten an epidural has had a short labor time from epidural to delivery….I would assume because the epidural helps your body relax and dilate more.

[@SaraMargaretVaughan]

I have had three amazing, fast, vaginal births with an epidural each time and would get an epidural again 😊 it seemed to speed things up for me!

[@madeline8395]

I love Caleb and Abby! They are so down to earth. I hope they are successful with their channel and become financially stress free.

[@kassidybrons953]

Caleb is hilarious! So fun seeing this dynamic between y’all!

[@emateo520]

It breaks my heart that so many women get induced without medical need and then it causes the cascade of interventions that end up changing what the birth could have been.

[@FairlightChristianna1Cor318]

Me too. It's so sad. Why all the inductions....😢

[@emateo520]

@@FairlightChristianna1Cor318 I think it’s because most doctors treat pregnancy as a medical problem that needs to be on a schedule/rushed as opposed to a normal part of being a woman! I think everyone who’s pregnant should look at the studies themselves and see what the actual risks are!

[@FairlightChristianna1Cor318]

@@emateo520 yeah, exactly.

[@Pomegr4nite]

47:34 LMAOOO Caleb looking straight into the camera “Cut it al. Cut. Cut it all” had me cracking up! 😭😭

[@BreBreS11]

I cried watching this, I feel like I relate to this story. I went into labor at 26 weeks pregnant, ended up having a placental abruption and incompetent cervix. We were told we were staying in the hospital until I had the baby, whether it was next day or 3 months from then. After a week and a half I had to have a crash C-section. I was not awake for the surgery and my husband was not allowed to go with me. It was like one of those dramatic movie scenes. I am so thankful the dr came and got my husband’s phone and took pictures of her otherwise we would not have any. She was 2lbs 7oz. I was unable to hold her for the first week, so the first time I held her she was a week old and when we did want to hold her we had to ask if we could. She stayed in the NICU for 69 days.

[@gchristine2583]

The 4 of you is iconic. You seriously don't need any other guests😄

[@jvsaints3028]

The sister-in-law was awesome. She admitted her experience was difficult and she kept it in perspective. Very nice.

[@peppermccullar3479]

I had an emergency c-section 18yrs. ago because i fell off of the hospital bed and cracked my head open but i remember them tending to me immediately,getting the c-section and a time in my room because they brought my son to c me and my husband tried to change my son's diaper and his mom tried to help him because he would not let them or stop crying and so i said give him to me and i will do it and he instantly stopped crying when i got him!😊

[@twocathome399]

as the cool aunt for my two nephews, being the favorite aunt/ uncle is such a big flex 😂😂 it makes my heart grow 3 sizes

[@ALEXXX0821]

I just love this podcast. It’s just so real and genuine I love it! I love watching both you guys so much! Can’t wait for more!

[@elizabethsoporowski4524]

Maybe you should invite some NICU nurses or delivery room nurses to tell their stories.

[@TaliaSC]

As an L&D RN and mom of 4, I’d be down! If for nothing else but to explain some of the common misunderstanding’s and things people ‘learn’ from tiktok.

[@cbradymolly22]

I loved this episode! Fellow NICU mom here. It's so important to hear these stories and you told this story so well. Warm and inviting, honest and specific, without being too scary.

[@jessicaseager1198]

PODCAST IDEA! I'd love to hear about your Christmas traditions, and maybe Christmas tradition ideas from you Insta followers too! This year is our first Christmas with our baby so looking for some new ideas! x

[@kierstabug08]

Sounds like Caleb has some trauma from Abby’s delivery. My husband has a lot of trauma from mine. We labored for so long and pushed for a while and ended in an emergency c-section because my son was huge and his heart rate kept dropping my husband was so scared he was gonna lose both of us. He said he had nightmares for weeks. 🥺

[@nicolecombs0611]

HIPAA: unless you are directly taking care of the patient or will take care of the patient you should not share information about why you are there and who you are. Saying “Matt and Abby are in room 55 for birth of their second son” violates hipaa. Saying “I have a patient that is here delivering their second son” doesn’t violate hipaa because you don’t say names or where they are nor do you give any information to indicate who they may be. Also, YOU as a parent giving information about your son under 18 does not violate hipaa.

[@Stargazer95485]

Their online oversharing of their children does violate their right to privacy, though. I should not know anything about these children. At least I don't know what Auggie looks like at all or what Griffin looks like now, but CJ is shown way too much and way too often. All of these children should be given complete privacy.

[@Phoebe907]

Bingo!

[@pstogs516]

You can share anything you want about your medical history. A healthcare worker cannot share any info about a patient while using the patient’s name or any other identifying information. Great podcast! Thank you for sharing.

[@miminka534]

As healthcare professional, I am really happy to hear you talk about your experience about child birth and I am sorry it was so scary Abby! You are so strong mama and you both did so good! Talking about it often helps you heal and I just want to give u a hug! You are doing so good

[@meghanmosser]

As a fellow NICU, traumatic first birth mama, you can process and process and process and it’s still hard. My baby girl is about to be one year and I am still crying over our experience. But it does get better and you do heal!!

[@CharlieKokis]

Yes to this! My son is 19 months and I still have a hard time with the birth/NICU stay! It’s a hard thing to process!

[@jonilohman5473]

Abby - it's totally normal to need to meet and get to know your baby before having a connection with them. It doesn't always have to b instantaneous. You're normal and shouldn't feel guilty at all. ❤

[@louisamiller7522]

Aw... It's so brave of Abigail to share her birth story. I think you can still have that beautiful birth you hoped for next time. There are lots of safe, great options out there ❤️

[@KerryERRN]

Loved this podcast. So sorry that Abby had so many complications & that CJ had to have a stay in NICU but so happy you are both healthy and happy now. God Bless both your families especially Griffin, CJ and Auggie. 🩵🩵🩵

[@carolynturk-hu7je]

Matt, my friend had 6 children and has a close, awesome relationship with each and all are wonderful adults now!

[@nikr9240]

But those kids will never get the quality time they could have had if there was only 2 or 3.

[@carolynturk-hu7je]

​@@nikr9240No, that was not the case with my friends children, who are all adults. She was a stay home Mom, home schooling too. They are close, the grown children, always have been, even with the youngest who is the only girl. 😊

[@carolynturk-hu7je]

​@@nikr9240As a matter of fact, the youngest, got married on her parents anniversary. My friend babysits their baby as her daughter had gone back to work as a nurse in home care. I wonder how people get so overwhelmed in their minds over a family over 2 or 3? My parents had 4 children....no problem! Plenty of love and time and playmates and as grownups.... siblings who love their parents and siblings and are friends with those siblings too!

[@basetsana1618]

​@@nikr9240True.

[@TRAJW]

"y'all are just high all the time" spot on explanation for hospital birth. Copious drugs and continuous unneeded interventions that lead to needed interventions. $$$$$$$$$

[@annam753]

PSA the epidural is not fentanyl…epidurals are usually Bupivacaine (like suped up lidocaine) but they can add fentanyl for pain relief if the mother is having severe pain or sometimes with the initial dose right after they insert it. the shakes are from the Bupivacaine…pitocin (oxytocin) helps stop bleeding by causing contractions and is used to induce labor…Cytotec is more effective inserted vaginally but can be taken orally…from a former L&D nurse.❤

[@mia-pl3tb]

I was induced and went through almost the exact same thing as Abby. I lost 1300 ml of blood and also hemorrhaged. Same thing with my uterus not contracting back. I didn’t end up in a c-section but it was still the scariest moment of my life. I know that fear and I also have such a sad memory of birth. I’ve talked to my dr and she’s confident I’ll be okay in future pregnancies but just wanted to comment and let you know you’re not alone!

[@mercedesjohnson7226]

This episode has brought back some pretty big PTSD. My first born was preemie and we spent 30 days in the NICU and I wish I could tell you my whole story and how REAL this is. I got a peep of my daughter over the curtain and then after I was sewn up the took me over to her room to which I only was able to see her little feet. I didn't get to hold her for 2 days

[@franciaklein6617]

This is my favourite podcast. I love it when family get together and just click, laugh and cry together. So precious

[@erikavuckovic7453]

Abby is freaking GLOWING and STUNNING! Always has been but extra these past few videos!🤍🤍

[@TheMunchie1983]

My kids are 8.5 years apart and it definitely sucked to start over. my oldest is a freshman in high school and my youngest started kindergarten. They love each other but literally have nothing in common and are not into anything remotely the same at all. Don't wait forever. I think 3- 4 years is a good age gap.

[@twocathome399]

it will get better later on though. i’m 22 and my brother just turned 15 so we’re about 8 years apart. he’s annoying as crap but i love him to death and we go out together all the time to get food or watch movies. mostly cause i have no friends but i still like spending time with him and he enjoys it too!

[@joshuahernandez1430]

Matt, you know every induction is also different. I got induced and had my baby within 6 hours of being induced. But I also know that is not the case for everyone. Every "body" is different. Love how honest you guys are. Love these podcast.

[@Abby_okay]

5 years to the day that I had a c section that resulted in hemorrhage. It was the scariest day of my life and really makes the whole birth experience a difficult one. Thank you for sharing. It’s definitely not talked about enough.

[@noralislopezlambert3501]

Abigail has such a great sense of humor! And I love how Abby looks at her sis in law with so much admiration. Loved this episode! :)

[@billiebrown6211]

This was such a fun episode despite the raw and real emotions of labor and delivery. Would love to see Caleb and Abby on the show again soon!

[@brigs1856]

Having a baby go into NICU is traumatic. We had a lot of various trauma with our daughter's birth. We struggled to bond with her, it was a really really hard time and the disconnect I felt with her and my own identity was absolutely unexpected. She has a rare, severe disability, and the first two years were really challenging enveloped by a lot of guilt etc... it DOES get easier. Get help, see a psychologist... take care of yourselves. Also for all the Christians on here, instead of telling ppl you will pray for them, literally pray with them then and there-in person and offer help. Ask new moms questions like "WHAT do you need today?" instead of "do you need anything?"...

[@marielpindar6312]

I had the exact experience that Abby did except my induction went terrible. I got a fever and contractions were terrible! Rory was stuck also though! So scary! So glad that you’re okay and that CJ is here and healthy!!

[@haripriyachandrasekar8314]

I love this episode specifically. The binding you guys have and the way the family dynamics is..... it is just so cute❤🧿

[@godislovepraisehim8483]

I can’t help but say this is case in point of why you refuse a non medically necessary induction. They end like this more often than not.

[@briamateo]

I wasn’t induced, went into labor naturally and had the same outcome as her

[@godislovepraisehim8483]

@@briamateo ok? I mean it can happen obviously without induction, but it’s the rule and not the exception really that inductions are much more likely to end in C-section than a labor that begins on its own. Unfortunately that doesn’t always jive with the MDs schedule 🤨

[@crystalkring]

Love this conversation so fun and inspiring! ✨ Now I know why Matt and Abby are so successful because they are so real, relatable and fun to talk to. Love all the way from Australia 🇦🇺

[@jessc6119]

It’s all about choosing your hard with birth. I got induced around 40weeks with my first- it was very difficult and my husband and I did not enjoy the hospital experience. We did a homebirth with our second, the birth was amazing but going 2 weeks overdue was hard so hard😅

[@ilovetumblr99]

I hemorrhaged in january when I had my son. I know exactly how you felt and i’m so sorry you had to go through it. I cried with you and actually get ptsd talking about.I almost had to have surgery as well, although i did have a blood transfusion. I lost 3000 ml of blood and mind you we only have 5000 ml in our body. Scariest thing i’ve ever experienced and i know i was so close to dying. I could literally see “the light.” I just prayed to God to not take me from my kids and i felt that same peace you did. So sorry you experienced that. ❤

[@emily.lynne4]

The way Matt & Caleb are constantly fidgeting their feet lol

[@UnplannedPodcast]

🤣🤣🤣

[@blazerprophet]

What made this podcast so fun was that you all connected well. It was sad, touching, funny.... all mixed together. You need to gave them back.

[@MarissaMezari]

I love them!!! Abby is so genuine and I love her!

[@taylorlittle4678]

I was the same way as Abby! When they laid my baby on me I was like okay this is a baby and it’s my baby. But it took me about 12 ish hours to feel that connection and in one moment it just shifted and she was my whole world!

[@ass16104]

Love that Caleb has dirty feet and Abby has a huge hole in her sock 😂😂😂 They’re so funny and just natural 😍

[@RuHo16]

And the carpet is a mess.😂

[@SageRosemary]

Abby in the hat and Matt's brother had a very traumatic birth. If you need therapy and get PPD do not feel bad. My birth was traumatic but nothing like what you guys went through. I hope you can get over all the trauma. Much love...❤

[@sariahutsch7284]

I loved hearing the birth story. This is the first episode that fully had me in tears. My baby is 12 weeks and I could not imagine if I had to be away from him that long and not even get to see his face. Strong warrior women! ❤️❤️💙

[@kellcaudill4820]

Definitely not the least watched episode!!! Had to take time out of mu morning to watch when I saw who the guests were. Four of my favs!!!

[@TLMwife]

Abby, your experience is almost exactly what I went through. We had the same expectations going in, needed an induction, 3 days and 3 hours of pushing, a c section, NICU baby. It was so so hard but we made it through. It felt a little isolating having been through that experience when so many people have a much simpler and "easier" experience. Although I hate that you had to go through that struggle too, it is comforting to know I am not the only one. So happy you made it through and baby CJ is healthy 😊❤️

[@TLC315]

Miss seeing Matt’s parents! Best episodes are with any of your family! So relaxed and joyful ❤️

[@jacquelinelobianco7248]

I really enjoyed this podcast I’m glad you had Caleb and Abby on they’re my favorite couple and you can see and hear the love they have for each other

[@user-xy7is1zh1w]

Such a wonderful episode! Caleb should know - that this one is definitely my favourite! It's so nice to see how good your connection as family and friends are☺️

[@moigenny8995]

Caleb… “share with a mother or a pregnant woman… or don’t share cause I might scare them” 😂😂😂

[@mirroronthewall6995]

I hemorrhaged too after I gave birth with my daughter and no one ever has talked about it in a way that I felt more

[@Fam4Moore]

This might explain a little or at least put it into words. I came across this verse for the first time, that I remember, when I was pregnant with my first child. I didn't know I was pregnant so after I found out I kept going back to this verse, Jesus is trying to explain to his followers what it will be like after they were wonder what would happen where they wouldn't see him. It brought me comfort. Babies are so worth it, but they grow up so fast, I have four kids (young adults). John 16:21 New King James Version 21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

[@HelloMoto_]

Aww please invite them over more often!! Love how easily the conversation flowed and the laughs! I could watch y’all talk all day while I grow this 26 wk bump hahah

[@priyankachowdary3395]

You guys! Thank you so much for being raw and real. You did not have to share those personal things but you did! Thank you for being strong and making us strong. I wish your family so much sooooo much love for the holidays❤❤❤ I wish you guys health, joy , gratitude and beautiful blessings ❤

[@nkl882]

You guys have such a special little boy considering the fight it took for you guys to get him. Your faith in God is so admirable and I believe and pray that He will truly bless your beautiful hearts.May God bless you and your family. May He also restore your peace and heal your hearts. Lots of love. God bless Abigail and Caleb❤!

[@gianna6950]

You guys should have Dallin and Bella on again, so they can share their experience since having Story

[@Stargazer95485]

They did have Bella and Dallin on again after they adopted their daughter. For some reason, almost immediately after that episode was uploaded, Matt deleted it and it was never seen again except for on their snark Reddit sites.

[@sarahloohoo2312]

I wish Dallin and Bella would take some notes from Abby and Matt on how not to shove a camera in your baby's face.. It really turns me off from watching them. I loved their channel and was so excited for Story but as soon as nearly every video featured her face in the center I had to stop watching completely. I feel Matt and Abby are getting similar Ick vibes watching them parent online...

[@gianna6950]

@@sarahloohoo2312 Every online parent can make their own decision on how they want to parent on social media. It's not your business and job to tell them how to parent. Period, end of story.

[@gianna6950]

@@sarahloohoo2312 if you really have a problem with it, then stop watching.

[@sarahloohoo2312]

@@gianna6950 I'm not telling them how to parent. I'm telling YOU that their parenting gives ME the ick. Lol Weird to defend someone you've never shared a word with, but go off Gianna.

[@freddymartinez2240]

I enjoyed this much more than the last few. More relatable guests. Glimpse into the complications of birth. Abby and Caleb so much fun to listen to.

[@kellywilson4293]

This conversation was so fun! I have to say though that as the tenth kid in my family, big families are sooo fun and I wouldn't have it any other way! Now we're all older and getting together is a big party. ❤️

[@lenakiyan5582]

Such a sweet podcast! Love all you guys🥹 Me and my husband relate to their story, I was high risk and wasn’t even in labour and they induced me at 1cm and was in labour for 48 hours and had emergency c-section and our baby was born 3lbs and was in nicu for 18 days! I know how Abby felt when I couldn’t even see my baby not even for a second till 24hr! But all in God hands! So thank you Jesus for everything!! Thank you for sharing! Must have been hard for you to talk about it!

[@MDiL22]

I love love love when you guys talk about birth/miscarriage/hospital experiences.

[@tatyanavukovic2387]

Thank you as always for your vulnerability and sharing! Please remember using anatomical names for parts of the body for kids is extremely important for their safety!

[@brandythalmann9621]

Y’all are so sweet and a joy to watch! Thank you guys for allowing us a little glimpse into your lives. Also y’all should do a Q & A style of Matt and Abby with Caleb and Abby or even some cooking videos of simple and quick meals for parents with littles or just your favorites!

[@priscillakp991]

This is raw and honest and beautiful at the same time. As women, we are stronger than we think. Much love❤

[@beccaroo1990]

Anytime your baby has to be in the nicu is terrifying. My 2nd was in the nicu & I was so scared! Luckily she is a happy, healthy baby girl now😊. So glad their little one is home & doing well! 🥰🙏 great episode!

[@user-bu6gv5jd4j]

I am currently in the situation you guys are in. I just gave birth in June and I’m now pregnant😳 I love you guys and your podcast has definitely made my situation a lot easier to bear.

[@carlarock9706]

An epidural is NOT fentanyl, it is bupivacaine. It blocks pain through a completely different mechanism than opioids such as fentanyl. Fentanyl may be given during birth, but it is not an epidural.

[@alinaallison448]

Thank you all so much for being so honest and vulnerable about the birthing process and parenthood in general! ❤️

[@jordanjohnson6810]

I am so sad I have to go to bed but I am super stoked to wake up and watch it later! 😁I love you guys so much and highly enjoy the podcast I always listen to you guys while driving! Thank you for showing your creativity in so many ways! ♥️🙌🏼

[@alexis_253]

Yep same here! Goodnight haha 😂

[@MommyandMelanie]

I hemorrhaged immediately after the doctor inserted the foley bulb and had to have an emergency c section. The foley bulb caused a placental abruption. The foley bulb is dangerous! There is a pub med article about foley bulb hemorrhage. It can hit vessels within the cervix and cause hemorrhages and even abruptions like in my case.

[@nikr9240]

Just to any soon to be moms: the nipple shield MAY impact supply but it does not mean it will! If you need to, use it! With my baby i used it for 2 months until she got a lip/tongue tie release and then after that she went onto the nipple two weeks after the tie release. We are at 6 months and strong. I do think my supply went up since then but i didnt have to pump after each feed. When trying to get my milk to come in (i was 10 days post partum) i did have to pump 2-3 times a day but not each time. Try out different consultants if you need to