FAST NATURAL LABOR VLOG // NO EPIDURAL (POSITIVE BIRTH STORY)

NATURAL LABOR VLOG: He’s finally here!! My water broke and baby Bennett made his debut at 37 weeks after just a few hours of labor. I am SO glad I was prepared for a natural birth and I feel like the things I learned beforehand were so helpful. My story was a whirlwind but honestly - I loved it! It wasn’t easy, but our natural birth without an epidural was such a great experience.
First 48 Hours with Newborn (Hospital Experience): • First 48 Hours With Ne...
First 2 Weeks with Newborn: • Tips for the First 2 W...
Breastfeeding Tips: • BREASTFEEDING TIPS | O...
If you haven’t seen my other videos, I was in prodromal labor for a few weeks and desperately awaiting the arrival of our baby boy! Watch my Prodromal Labor video here: • PRODROMAL LABOR - How ...
I also have EDS and Chiari so a natural labor without an epidural was really important to me to avoid the risk associated with these conditions. EDS & PREGNANCY VIDEO: • 26-Week Pregnancy Upda...
MY LABOR MUST-HAVES:
Clip-on Fan: amzn.to/2YJh8zk
Exercise Ball: amzn.to/3gvYT6w
Organic Perineal Spray: amzn.to/31C9Krb
Organic Nipple Butter: amzn.to/2FY87M6
Clary Sage (for contractions): amzn.to/3hxllxn
Water Bottle: amzn.to/3b23sV4
Bluetooth Headphones: amzn.to/2EF3Qga
Labor/Nursing Robe: amzn.to/34FMg6w
Comfy Slippers: amzn.to/3hCbNkL
COOKIE RECIPE:
Mix 1 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 mashed bananas, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 2 1/2 cups oats, 1/2 cup raisins/cranberries, 1 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (or other nuts), 2 tbsp chia seeds and/or flax seeds and bake at 325 for 15-20 min (depending on oven!) I also mash them down into flat circles on the pan before baking 😀 And honestly, you can add anything other nuts/seeds/dried fruits that you want!
DEVOTIONALS: couragehopelov...
Follow me on Instagram: / nicolekauffman
FTC Disclaimer:
This video was not sponsored. The recommendations and opinions expressed in this video are completely my own. Some links may be affiliate, which means that if you click on one of them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I sincerely appreciate your support!
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[@mischaila]

As an L&D nurse, I am so glad you had a supportive one by your side. Congrats, mama! You did amazing!

[@NicoleKauffman]

Aww, thank you so much!!

[@KatyKidder]

Watching pregnancy videos have definitely been helping me cope for the birth to come! Documenting our life with babies is the best! ❤

[@NicoleKauffman]

Yes for sure!! Hope all goes SO well for you!! :)

[@KatyKidder]

@@NicoleKauffman thank you! You as well! ❤

[@ShannonCarpenterTHMCoach]

I’m 39 + weeks with Baby #4 and still love watching positive natural birth stories!!! I’ve been blessed with 3 positive experiences so far and hope & pray for the 4th one very soon! ☺️

[@sheis_mariah17]

Omg I’m due in 3 weeks & im so glad I came across your video!! It gives me hope. Also, congrats on your new bundle of joy ♥️

[@beedone5398]

Thank you so much for sharing! Your positivity made me feel so happy and excited. Congrats!

[@chiikage2]

I love this positive birth story! I’m due in 2 days

[@NicoleKauffman]

Thank you!! Ah so exciting, good luck!!! :)

[@deniseparis6820]

Congrats on adorable baby Bennett. Loved your story!!! Thank you for your great tips! I’ve been stressing out about being rested enough for labor, eating, and what labor/contractions feel like... thank you for covering all of this !!! You rock momma!!!

[@NicoleKauffman]

Thank you!! Watching labor stories helped me SO much in relieving anxiety because I just like to know what to expect as much as possible! Just do what you can but try not to stress! Your body will know what to do - it's crazy how that instinct/intuition kicks in!! Good luck!

[@willdrn5750]

Congratulations on your baby boy, he's adorable 💙

[@NicoleKauffman]

Thank you so much!!

[@vonnique]

Love how positive you were!!! Great story congratulations!!

[@NicoleKauffman]

Thanks!!!

[@juliagom1715]

I had 4 kids and no epidural everyone says I’m so crazy and have a high tolerance for pain but i feel all the pain and man it isn’t fun I feel it makes the labors more fast without side effects of meds and i just want the baby out once I go into labor, and YESS i love the nurses if it wasn’t for them labor would be so much worse

[@NicoleKauffman]

Wow, that's awesome! Yeah, I do feel like no epidural can help speed things along in many cases :)

[@elizabethc.9215]

I agree with the "Magical moment" thing, when I hold her in my hands I just felt I was holding a little stranger, it felt soooooooooo weird, and then you hear the baby crying a bit and it feels so odd but you are so glad you got through it! Then you start falling in love with the baby so much!!! Its the best feeling because you feel like a champ!!! Also Congrats!

[@MarissaJonasson]

this is amazing I sort of always wish I went into natural labor but my twins had to be evicted at 37 weeks and my youngest I had pre-eclampsia so it was an emergency csecton. I love the whole idea of doing it natural! what a beautiful story and memory to have forever to share with baby Bennett! I love the name by the way!

[@NicoleKauffman]

Thank you! Yes I was so grateful to be able to have a natural birth, BUT the most important thing is having healthy babies no matter how they arrive into our arms

[@ChaplainReece]

Congratulations!!! Praise God for His Providence.

[@NicoleKauffman]

Yes!! Thanks for watching :)

[@InHerRubberboots]

Thanks for sharing your story!! So glad the labour wasn't long and your were able to have a natural birth.

[@NicoleKauffman]

YES! I'm so grateful for that! Thanks for watching :)

[@shaymccloy3437]

Such a similar birth story to my first birth with my daughter. Watching labour vlogs because I’m about to have my second baby in a month and this is bringing back all the memories. Happy I came across your video 🤍

[@NicoleKauffman]

I'm just starting to watch more as well because we're due in 2 months! Hope all goes well with your second!!

[@TheRashidies]

Hey Nicole, thanks for sharing your labor vlog. I think it's so cool that your water broke naturally! I've had two labors and needed my waters popped both times. I'm currently pregnant with our third and I wonder what will happen with this labor. Supposedly they become shorter and more efficient *let's hope* Eating before going to the hospital is always a great idea ;) you need your energy for what is going to happen. I also tried being in the water - my first labor went from 6am popping water to 11:45pm so I didn't spend too long in the bath more so in the shower. I'm sorry that the pushing feeling was miserable for you. My two girls were 8 pound babies *eeiikk* I'm only 5 ft. I really really enjoyed this video and have subscribed xx

[@NicoleKauffman]

Glad I'm not alone in trying to sneak in some food before!! And congrats on your third!!! I hope it's shorter for you! Thanks for watching :)

[@mommyslildancer]

Amazing story! You had a very quick delivery! Baby Bennett is so adorable 💙

[@NicoleKauffman]

Thank you so much!!

[@clarkfamilyyy]

Ugh I had to gat an episiotomy and it was awful! But it helped so much! My baby came out in 2 pushes after as well! It’s just so crazy once the baby comes out completely unreal! Congratulations mama!!

[@NicoleKauffman]

YES, I was desperate so it was worth it, but the healing also was no fun!

[@loveeveryone8228]

All births and labors are natural yours was just unmediated 💕

[@NicoleKauffman]

Love this :)

[@dryxeyes]

Im due on November 23rd, and I’m going to go as natural as possible. This was really encouraging thank you

[@NicoleKauffman]

Congrats!! I'm so glad you found some encouragement, soak in all the positive stories that you can!! And thank you so much, we love him! You got this, mama!

[@teresamurray250]

My birthday is 11/26 I was actually born on Thanksgiving day many years ago..best wishes on a stress free delivery!

[@lizardlover9579]

I was reading this and looked up and saw today is November 23rd! Hopefully you’ve had your baby! And congratulations!

[@dryxeyes]

@@lizardlover9579 2 days over!

[@lizardlover9579]

@@dryxeyes oh no! Well hopefully soon!

[@ivannapier4233]

Great video, thanks for sharing... Had braxtons since 20 weeks and prodromal since 33 weeks.. Lost my plug again, I feel your pain, my uterus is so tender now im now 34.5 weeks 🌻(man in pics wife)

[@kristendlugosch4923]

Thank you for sharing, this was really positive and helpful! I hope to be as great as you were with a natural labor!

[@NicoleKauffman]

Thank you!! You're gonna do awesome! Every labor is different and powerful! :)

[@isabelledavis2981]

I love 💗 watching all of the birth vlogs

[@ashleyhogermeer]

Contractions were so gentle when I went into labour, but man once the waters broke. All hell broke and my sister swears I turned into a demon 😂😂 I’m super bummed I couldn’t put my essential oils on. (43 minute labour) didn’t help. So happy for you that you went into spontaneous labour. Water breaks it’s game on! Definitely scary and exciting the first time!

[@NicoleKauffman]

I was bummed not to use any of my oils or other things I brought too! But I guess I'm grateful it went so well without!! Thanks for watching 😊

[@alyssafunk6166]

I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome as well! 34.5wks with my first baby hoping to do unmediated as well! Amazing story ❤️

[@NicoleKauffman]

I hope all goes well for you!! It's so great to find others with EDS - community is so important!

[@Klutzy17]

Thank you for sharing your story! I have ehlers danlos as well, and my fiancé and I are planning on trying about a year after our wedding (in January). We have already established care with a high risk OB at U of M, but it's nice to hear from someone who has actually been through pregnancy with EDS. Looking forward to your videos regarding that so I can know more of what to expect in the future :)

[@NicoleKauffman]

Thank you!! And having a good doctor is SO helpful!! Congrats on your wedding!!

[@razeljustice]

Aaaaaaw your little boy is SUPER CUTE. Watching labour videos is so interesting because everyone have different experiences. My baby was the opposite, she was smaller than they thought considering she was exactly a week late 🤣

[@NicoleKauffman]

I loved loved watching labor videos. They were so helpful to see all the different experiences, plus they were so exciting when I was expecting!! And thank you so much!!

[@jhertz13]

Thank you for sharing!! Loved hearing your story paired with helpful insight throughout!

[@NicoleKauffman]

Thank you!! Thanks for watching!!

[@exwhy5867]

Man I wish I would nest! I did for like 3 days in the second trimester but I'm 5 weeks out and have ZERO energy or motivation. I'm really starting to get overwhelmed with what needs done now.

[@Dotfsh]

Why didnt i find you sooner?? I have hypermobile EDS and i feel like your videos will he so helpful for when i get pregnant! This is the first of your videos I’ve seen. Cant wait for more!

[@spiritualbarbi3802]

I have that same crib what brand is it my husband and i can't figure it out Because it was a gift and we need ti find the rod for it

[@MentalHealthMom]

Beautiful story! I also have several weeks of prodromal labor leading up to child birth, I find it super helpful for preparing your body, but it is exhausting! Rest is a tip I would agree with, leading up to labor, in the early stages of labor and staying hydrated! I’m glad you had such a great experience! I also had a wonderful natural birth with my first and hope to with my second, sue any time now!

[@NicoleKauffman]

SO exciting! Congrats!! And yes rest was huge! Prodromal labor is tough, but I learned so so much during that time!! Good luck with your second!!

[@megancastro9225]

did you work out a lot during pregnancy? anything you did during pregnancy that you think helped you dialate,?

[@machaelaailene]

Hes so precious

[@NicoleKauffman]

Thank you so much!!

[@samanthacartersurrell9068]

Congratulations! I'm 35 weeks and I'm hoping to go all natural. Were there any things you did to prepare for a natural birth before you went into labor?

[@NicoleKauffman]

YES! My next video is on just that! (hopefully out next week). One of the biggest things was watching other vlogs & informational videos so that I was prepared for lots of different scenarios. Look for my video next week :)

[@gisselleramos5550]

Raspberry leaf tea helped soften my cervix and strengthen my uterus so my contractions weren’t all that painful.

[@coralpuente2780]

@@gisselleramos5550 which brand did you you use ?

[@gisselleramos5550]

Coral Puente sorry for the late response! I used Traditional Medicinals organic raspberry tea.Can be found at your local grocery shop!

[@dustinsicedragon]

We probably have the same due date. I'm 36 weeks now. God bless.

[@mw87675]

I'm getting ready to have my 4th natural birth and I'm still nervous thinking back on the pain. But once I start pushing with the contractions the pain isn't so bad. It's really just bad before I can push. I should be having my baby next week. My labors go fast so I don't feel I need an epidural slowing me down. When my baby's head comes down I panick and just push so hard and fast the baby comes out with 1-2 final pushes. I do tear every time which sucks but oh well. 😂

[@NicoleKauffman]

Wow 1-2 pushes is amazing!! I'm the opposite, I hated the pushing pain but could handle the contraction pain 😂 I bet you will do amazing! Especially with this being your 4th!!!

[@jessitracy9881]

Do you have the recipe you used for the breakfast cookies? They look delicious!

[@NicoleKauffman]

Mix 1 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 mashed bananas, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 2 1/2 cups oats, 1/2 cup raisins/cranberries, 1 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (or other nuts), 2 tbsp chia seeds and/or flax seeds and bake at 325 for 15-20 min (depending on oven!) I also mash them down into flat circles on the pan before baking 😀 And honestly, you can add anything other nuts/seeds/dried fruits that you want! I tried to pack them with healthy nutrition!

[@ChronicRapunzel]

C-EDS First Time Expectant Mom here. Any advice for chronic illness during pregnancy and birth?

[@NicoleKauffman]

I do have one video where I share updates of EDS and pregnancy (26 weeks) but my best advice would be to REALLY be intentional with how you manage your symptoms - for me this was natural foods & products, PT & exercises and just taking care of my body! I also saw all the dr's to just be checked out entirely as I was pregnant and preparing for birth. Hope this is helpful! I know it is different for everyone depending on symptoms. With EDS my biggest thing that I wish I had done more of to prepare for labor was strengthening my body! Especially legs/hips/core. Good luck and congrats!! It's so amazing being a mama :)

[@mrskeppers1]

Wow!

[@makaylaboren445]

Does the jacuzzi tub help with pain?

[@tijay8507]

She said several times it did help, she typed it on the screen and she said the midwife said it helped ..did you watch the video LOL!

[@makaylaboren445]

Ti Jay yeah I just skipped around a bit

[@tijay8507]

@@makaylaboren445I only do that when i am not interested and have no questions LMAO!

[@queenkoi]

I have eds type 3 and am so stressed about giving birth. Did you have any trouble with bleeding afterwards? My understanding is EDS patients have a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage. I havent been able to find any eds women who had babies to talk to but today your video was suggested by KZbin.

[@NicoleKauffman]

Hi Elizabeth! So glad you found me :) I did not have issues with bleeding afterwards, however every person with EDS is a bit different. Definitely talk to your doctor - are you seeing a specialist? I saw Maternal Fetal Medicine all throughout my pregnancy and they really helped to prepare me and my OB. I hope all goes well for you!

[@queenkoi]

@@NicoleKauffman thanks for your reply. I am actually living in Japan right now and they have no real knowledge of the condition, but i am going to a high risk obgyn in Kobe. They are aware of the increased risks for some of these problems, so hopefully that will set us up for success if there is an issue, but it is a great comfort to actually talk to someone else who went through it. Are you hypermobility type also or something else?

[@NicoleKauffman]

@@queenkoi yes, hypermobility type! My PT just actually told me today, physical therapy during pregnancy is super beneficial. And yeah, just having doctors that are aware of how to treat the increased risks is definitely important! I'm here to answer any questions you have! (of course just based on my own personal experience ;) )

[@cmgardner2003]

Fellow zebra here. I had precipitous labor with all 3 of mine. My first baby was almost born in the parking lot. Apparently common in eds moms. And yes, my second and third babies were even faster!

[@NicoleKauffman]

Wow, that's so scary!! Yes, I'm nervous and will be doing lots of research & asking questions for the next baby!!

[@dvsdawl]

Hmm that’s weird. Really not supposed to get into the run after your water breaks. Infection risk.

[@lm6424]

Did your Chiari affect your decision on getting an epidural or not? Did you end up having any issues in pregnancy or delivery regarding the Chiari? Also, had they recommended getting vs not getting epidural or did they say there was no difference? Also did they recommend a limit on pushing? (Again regarding the Chiari)

[@NicoleKauffman]

Yes, it did affect my decision! The anesthesiologist at first said they wouldnt do an epidural with Chiari and that it was unmedicated birth or c section, but after an mri and further discussion, they said they would do it. I still didn't want to take any risks and so was going to do everything I could to avoid it! I didn't have issues with my Chiari, more actually from EDS, but it's important to be monitored closely by a neurologist! I hope all goes well for you!

[@jennyporada2079]

Do you have that cookie recipe? Thank you!

[@NicoleKauffman]

I just added it to the description! :)

[@OGWow555]

Amazing 😍😘

[@NicoleKauffman]

Thank you!!!

[@AnniePhan0709]

Did you feel the ring of fire?

[@NicoleKauffman]

As I think about this, honestly, I'm not sure! I SO hated the feeling of pushing, the pressure, and so I didn't really notice it!! Or if I did, it wasn't super memorable! lol

[@violahb]

❤❤hi dear, thanks for sharing your story. Pregnancy is an experience that is incomparable. Mother's go through alot . Here to gv💕 Come to my place too shw 🛎👍

[@NicoleKauffman]

It definitely is, but definitely a beautiful experience! Thanks for watching!

[@tijay8507]

I know this was months ago so not that it matters now but i gasped every time you didn't support your beautiful boy's head .....their head's are so heavy in comparision to their body that they need constant support

[@jazzgonzalez4869]

Ti Jay it’s her baby and she knows him best. He’s fine no need to worry

[@tijay8507]

@@jazzgonzalez4869 New mothers are often not aware of how to care for babies and are not told of dangers . I am not being unkind or rude so what was the point in you jumping on my post! The baby did not have his head correctly supported, when i see something that is dangerous then i feel it is important to mention it! I am highly qualified in Human biology also in Anatomy/physiology but specialise in injuries in London so i know how delicate the neck anatomy is.. It would be negligent and cruel to see it and not comment!

[@Coffeeaddict9]

Girl your eyebrows need some serious love !!

[@nickielise1]

Hi Nicole 🥰 thank you so much for posting! I hope you don’t mind me commenting, but I sent you a message on Instagram in the hopes you’d be able to help me with something surrounding Chiari and labour! Thank you so much! Really hope you hear from you 🥰

[@NicoleKauffman]

Just replied! Thanks for letting me know, I always forget to check my message requests folder!!