Mom ROCKS her unmedicated birth with her supportive husband | Raw & Real Birth Vlog

This is the unmedicated birth story of our first child. More than just a birth vlog, this video shows the ups and downs of natural birth and how it can be a POSITIVE labor and delivery experience despite facing challenges along the way. You will see laughter, tears, excitement, anxiety, and joy all wrapped into one raw and real video. My goal was to be the most supportive husband possible for my wife and she ROCKS it. See for yourself in this emotional birth video.
#birth #birthvlog #unmedicatedbirth #laboranddelivery
This video was made possible with the help of my super talented friend and video editor/producer Matt Rice. Find him on his website if you're looking for an incredible partner to collaborate with on your next video!

[@MitchellMerrill]

To all of you preparing for your upcoming birth, here’s two more people wishing you the very best on your journey. If you have any tips or lessons from your own birth story, please share with us below. We'd love to hear! -Mitchell and Char

[@joselynfulbright8128]

And the families reactions are exactly why I keeping my mouth shut when I go into labor 😂 only people I'm telling are my sister and midwife

[@MitchellMerrill]

Haha very valid!

[@AnimalLover177]

I'm happy you did what you wanted to do with your labor and delivery. You didn't let your loved ones change your mind. Congratulations!!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aw thank you for your support!

[@ariaslutz9192]

This is probably the most engaging and cinematic birth video I’ve ever seen. You guys really put in the work for beautiful edits, camera shots, and the considered emotions throughout your journey. Congrats on your new family 💛

[@MitchellMerrill]

Wow, thank you so much for such a nice comment! I did put a lot of effort and love into this one so it’s always nice to hear when people recognize and appreciate that. Thank you so much. Wishing you all the best.

[@Ashley-zh3bp]

this is why I will not be making the mistake of telling ANYONE when I go into labor again. especially my bf's family lol.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Haha very fair decision to make!

[@karmenkitse]

The most well made birth video I have seen. Like looking at a documentary. Loved everything about it! You are beautiful!❤

[@MitchellMerrill]

Wow what a nice compliment! Thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@emilyboyum1301]

You are such a strong, confident woman to hold your ground on what you wanted! So great for you. Others stressed over your decision and the negative anxious feelings they were trying to share with you made me sad! I know they love you, no doubt about that, but so glad you did what you were wanting to do! Yay Mama and hubby!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aw thank you! I'll be sure to show this to Char. She really is amazing. Communication with family was definitely new territory for us, this being our first birth, and we definitely learned a lot from it. So glad you enjoyed! --Mitchell

[@crownofsplendor2023]

Wow, sitting here watching and crying. This really helped me. I have had 3 children and pregnant with one now at age 43. This will be my first without medication. I have many say things to put fear in me to even do it. This time we don’t have insurance, so it’s not really a choice, I believe God had led me to do it this way and I really believe I can like you said we were made to do it. I tell them God is the great physician and He will be with me. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Char here: wow thanks for sharing that. I’m so glad the video helped you! You absolutely CAN do it and you are totally right that your body was made to do it. If you have any questions about how to prepare or if I can help in any way, please reach out! Wishing you all the best in your journey and let us know how it goes!

[@KitKat10281]

I'm 42 and almost 20 weeks pregnant, so I can relate to the additional nerves and "negative Nancy" comments. We got this, girl! ❤

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@KitKat10281 Amen to that! You guys got this 100%

[@laurielangton9333]

So happy to hear of mamas who make the choice to trust their bodies. As a doula, my passion is helping moms and dads follow their heart and have the birth of their dreams. This can be a tough journey, but we are designed to do this! Babies' and mama's physiology work together in birth. It is such a beautiful miracle and one that is designed to give you the connection and confidence that will make you a stronger mama. Prepare and learn all the things and then go into your birth knowing you CAN do it.

[@crownofsplendor2023]

I will say that I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me. Whether it’s a natural birth or a hospital birth. I had my one before this last one in hospital and had no complications (age 40) and had a smooth, dream Labor. This one I just had, with a midwife at a birthing house, he got stuck in shoulder dystocia for 5mins and then I started hemorrhaging. They rushed him and I to the hospital by ambulance and according to drs we both could have lost our lives, BUT GOD. Not me, ALL Him. It was HIS strength that got me through the pushing (he was 11lbs 12oz) as they spun me around the bed like a rag doll. At one point in the pushing I literally reached the end of MYSELF. Only thing that could cross my mind was a verse He had given me in my pregnancy, He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength So I said in my heart to Jesus, I am weak I need Your strength. Shortly after he came out and the peace that surpasses all understanding covered me like a flood. Peace like a River.All the while I was losing blood, didn’t know the baby’s outcome yet, or mine, but peace. He is glorified most in our weakest moments because it’s when His strength takes over. So I wouldn’t recommend trusting our bodies or midwives or doulas or doctors or hospitals, as much as trusting Him. ❤ His peace that surpasses

[@jenniferbales2590]

Next baby don’t tell People you are in labor, all the stress in the beginning of this could have been avoided

[@MitchellMerrill]

Haha definitely something to consider for the next one!

[@omshomestead]

What does this mean?

[@mrsmeggers]

What a beautiful birth story, thank you for sharing! I'm 36 weeks and planning an unmedicated birth center birth. The way I was triggered by your family's remarks/ feeling like they were being selfish by making those comments lol! I know it's not how they meant it but this was a good reminder for me to try to set boundaries ahead of time and tell as few people as possible.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed and took some thing away from it! I think it can be so helpful to see other peoples experiences, so that’s great information for you knowing that you want to keep things more to yourself than we did. I’m so glad it helped you in that way. Wishing you all the best with your upcoming delivery! Let us know how it goes!

[@briannawilliams4020]

I didn’t tell my family I had been sent to the hospital, I told them the next day I had her, and I didn’t tell them when we were sent home. It was the most peaceful part of the whole process. Just me, my husband, and our new baby girl. Plan on doing it again with this baby, 22+1 now

[@kmalyszko]

I have been watching birth vlogs for weeks now to help prepare for my February birth. One of my fears is my water breaking before labor starts. You handled it so beautifully Char and Mitchell! It was inspiring to see how you navigated other peoples' emotions and relied on your birth team and intuition. I also appreciated the realness of how you portrayed transition (after two nights of little/no sleep) and the honest challenges of the experience of the partner support during that time. Thank you for sharing this. God Bless you and your family

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thank you so much for your comment! That fear of your water breaking before labor starts is definitely legitimate--and obviously we had to confront it head on (whether we wanted to or not haha). I'm so glad you appreciated the moments of real emotion that we were feeling. I definitely wanted to show all the emotions we were feeling. We're rootin for you and wishing you all the best with your upcoming labor! Let us know how it goes!

[@coppersulphate002]

Contact a midwife and or doula to try to give birth in birth centre

[@libbyboomba]

This is so beautiful! I can’t express the strength you carry, especially your mental strength that God gave you! You never once gave up or have in! I’m a doula and I rarely (if ever) have seen a first time mama labor like this! This is incredible! Thank you for sharing your story! ❤

[@MitchellMerrill]

Wow, thank you so so much! That means the world. I’m so grateful for the strength God gave me, there’s no way I could have done it without Him. That’s so cool that you’re a doula! After my experience I have such a soft spot in my heart for doulas. You all are amazing!! Thanks again for your sweet words.❤️ - Char

[@corasmith4987]

This is so very beautiful. I absolutely loved this video. Brought tears to my eyes. The trust you have for your body is amazing!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thank you so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! That trust is definitely something I had to work on over time, but I'm so glad I chose to trust my body to know what to do. Thanks for watching! --Char

[@janayahbrown3670]

Yeah it's important to keep cortisol levels low and oxytocin levels high. The family drama wasn't likely the greatest for Char's mental state. You guys as a couple have every right to just shut out the world for the well-being and safety of your family ❤ Congratulations on your now one year old!!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Well said, thank you!

[@victoriarichardson3871]

This was so real and beautiful ❤ I am due with my first baby next month and I cannot express how excited, anxious, nervous, and overwhelmed I am. But your vlog has helped out with some of those emotions. Thank you for posting such a personal moment, congratulations to you and your new sweet little girl ❤

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aww thank you so much, that means so much! I know how that feels to experience ALL the emotions haha. I’m so glad the video helped. You’re gonna do great. Wishing you all the best and let us know how it goes! -Char

[@juliajohnson6022]

Beautiful video. I always cry when I see a baby being born.🥰❤️👏

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aw thank you, it’s such an emotional thing. Glad you enjoyed!

[@jennyleister496]

I gave birth without medication on the floor of the hospital bathroom on my hands and knees and screamed at any nurse or doctor that suggested I lay down in bed and within 5 minutes my body ejected my baby girl and I literally said out loud “BOOYAH!” I love families that can advocate for the labor and delivery they want. I couldn’t for years until that time around. This was beautiful 🤍

[@MitchellMerrill]

Wow! What an experience. Yes well said, thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@lilBIGLaughz]

I’ve seen so many videos and I have to say. You are the strongest and calmest person to deliver your blessing🙏🏽 amazing truly👑‼️

[@MitchellMerrill]

Wow, thank you so much, that's so nice of you to say! Wishing you all the best. --Char

[@Cheri-Calif]

Made me cry when Grandpa held his granddaughter. ❤

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aww yes such a special moment for me too ❤️🙏 glad you enjoyed!

[@GaynorFamilyHomestead]

Homebirth with an experienced midwife is so so safe and totally on your terms!

[@omshomestead]

Can’t wait for mine in February!!!❤🎉

[@GaynorFamilyHomestead]

Home is least risk for infection. Next time you turn phone off 😉 you rocked it!

[@laurielangton9333]

Char thank you for all the beautiful and clear explanations you provided here about your physical and emotional progress. It was so good and helpful for mamas. The honesty of the fear in transition was great! Our bodies produce hormones in that stage that are meant to give that last burst of energy and power needed. But it also is the fight or flight reaction and it can be scary and deflating to feel like you cant do it. You were a warrior! Well done!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aww thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed and hope it helps other women (and guys) out there too. Well said about transition, that's exactly right. Much love and thanks for watching. --Char

[@benburns5995]

HI Mitchell, congratulations to both you and Char on the the birth of your daughter. Can't imagine the stress you both went through for all of the hours of labor. So glad for you both that you have such a cute and healthy little girl to love and support. This will be a memorable Christmas for you both as a family of 3. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2024.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thanks Ben! It was a difficult experience in some ways but also a memory that we will always cherish. We are just so blessed to have our healthy little girl. Happy holidays to you and your family!

[@jennathompson1689]

Currently 38w6days and patiently waiting the arrival of our first baby! I am hoping I have the strength for a natural birth, but have been having a lot of negative thoughts on if I actually have the strength to be able to do it. This video really gave me the motivation and strength to see someone such as yourself overcome one of our biggest fears as women and have such a positive, beautiful outcome. Thank you for sharing your birth story, and best wishes to you and your new little family!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aw thank you for such a nice comment! That means so much. I'm so glad the video helped you out. YOU CAN DO THIS. If I've learned anything, it's that laboring naturally is first and foremost a mental battle. If you do what you can to prepare mentally, and keep focused on staying strong mentally, you can get through the physical battle of it. Of course if you decide to not go naturally, don't feel any shame in that either. Wishing you all the best and let us know how it goes! --Char

[@coppersulphate002]

As I'm watching your videos I'm realizing that you weren't well informed by the professionals around you. Successful births are dependent on your preparation and being well positively supported by your family. Being a supported family means respecting your privacy.

[@Shalomfriend]

This is such a beautiful video. Brought me to tears ❤. Congrats guys

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aw thank you that means so much! So glad you enjoyed.

[@aymeesretep8754]

This was so incredibly beautiful. Made me cry.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aw thank you so much, so glad you enjoyed and that it connected with you 🙏❤️

[@jadajones8353]

LOvely video! Thank you for sharing and empowering women like myself!

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@jadajones8353 So glad you enjoyed! You’re so welcome. Wishing you all the best on your journey.

[@ItsMommaLisa]

The cinematography alone is wonderful! Thank y'all for sharing your stories. 💕 I'm baking baby 3, and I think this is a great film for people to see and understand how the process goes. Awesome job, and congratulations!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it, that means a lot!

[@harrietking8768]

Beautiful and empowering birth!!! You did amazing mum! Congrats on your beautiful daughter ❤️

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aw thank you so much! 🙏

[@mariaakers8961]

Have you considered a home birth? It’ll be less stressful and more relaxing to progress a bit faster! Congratulations none the less and you done fantastic! Beautiful birth!❤️

[@MitchellMerrill]

I have considered it, and while I like the idea of being at home, I don’t feel comfortable delivering without a physician and hospital equipment accessible in case an emergency situation were to arise. If something happened and we lost the baby because we didn’t have the equipment or professionals present, it would be hard for me to ever forgive myself I think. Thank you for your kind words!

[@soniabauer4643]

Congratulations ❤ love the video I'm a mom of two and just gave birth to my son in April

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@soniabauer4643 Thank you! So glad you enjoyed. Congratulations to you, hope everything went well with your labor and delivery!

[@morgancburns1]

Really appreciate the calmness in this labor and the video overall. All of the natural birth videos I've seen there is always so much stress and screaming and you made it look so effortless. Congratulations and great work!!!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aww thank you so much. What a nice, thoughtful comment. My wife Char was incredible and all the preparation she did (mental, spiritual, and physical) beforehand really payed off as you can see in the labor. Just goes to show that with the right preparation and determination, we can accomplish amazing things. Thanks for stopping by the channel!

[@CarolineBuigas]

this video was so amazingly well done!! beautiful (: congrats!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aww thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed 🙏

[@Khatoon170]

Pray for us every one who don’t have kids . Pains of maternity deprivation is more painful than pains of pregnancy and birth. May god all childless amen .

[@CarissaWesley]

This was a great video, thank you for sharing!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed!

[@Khatoon170]

Congratulations guys. God bless your family. Best gift for your little princess ask god to protect her you become of her . See her beautiful bride charming lady her kids too and bless with more gorgeous children too . Iam Arabic lady subscriber to several British and American KZbin channels. Happy new year.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thank you so much! We’re so glad to have you as part of our subscriber family! Happy new year to you and your family.

[@laurafaro9775]

This video is SOOOOOOO sweet

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@laurafaro9775 thank you 🙏 so glad you enjoyed

[@GaynorFamilyHomestead]

Thank the Lord you had a doula!! Birth doesn’t need a timer or stopwatch!

[@Amylou26090]

My water broke on a Thursday night at church. I went home and went to bed.. there were no contractions and I knew baby was coming soon because my water had broken so I needed rest! I got the best sleep that night and was woken up by family calling me back to back asking if baby was here or I was in labor or when I was going to the hospital?! 🙃 I was so annoyed.. I just cleaned around the house and ignored all other calls. Around 2:30pm contractions started and was immediately in active labor. Our sweet baby arrived at home as planned just 4 hours later! It was wonderful! If no conractions always sleep! 😅

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@Amylou26090 Wow, sounds like we had some similarities to your experience. Glad all went well, thanks for sharing that

[@kathyerb3134]

Congrats from Ottawa Canada. You did amazing both of you. What was her birth weight? She is adorable.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aw thank you so much! She weighed 7lb even 💕

[@maddystacy4082]

All the questions from family is the reason why I waited to tell anyone until i was admitted in the hospital.. im due in December and its gonna be the same way lol im so glad you went with your gut and stayed true to what you wanted despite what everyone else was telling you to do

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@maddystacy4082 I think that’s very wise of you. Such an important lesson to learn: to do what’s best for us regardless of what others think (even those closest to us). Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoyed 🙏

[@Abujon535]

Hey looks like you’re in SLC area. So am I . Btw I loved your birth vlog it was one of the best one I watched so far. I have been binge watching unmedicated l&d vlogs. Currently 25w with baby #5 and preparing myself for another unmedicated birth “hopefully” . Thanks for sharing your story. Congrats on your beautiful baby 💖

[@MitchellMerrill]

Yes, you’re right! Good to hear from a fellow UT viewer haha. Thank you for your kind comment, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Wow that’s amazing, congrats. Really hope your l&d goes according to plan. Let us know how it goes!

[@iwonac.295]

That was amazing! Congratulations

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thank you! 🙏

[@Suebearish]

That 24 hour thing is more about insurance. Infection is more likely to happen in the hospital than in your home environment

[@ashleyhatch33]

You all are amazing! Congrats! So happy for you! 💕

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aw thanks Ash!

[@janedoee4830]

So beautiful ❤ congrats!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thank you so much! 🙏🙏

[@ehsoe3992]

I relate to everyone here. I accidentally told them because I was so excited to have my baby. But for my next one I’m staying silent

[@MitchellMerrill]

Definitely understandable

[@morganrohnke]

God certainly did design our bodies well ❤️

[@MitchellMerrill]

Yes he did 👍

[@azerlynno]

Omg I would be turning my phone off…”do you know what IM going through” wow

[@MitchellMerrill]

I feel you on that one! Yes haha.

[@mbwilson8592]

You had a wonderful, knowledgeable doula.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Yes she was amazing!

[@elinbergenheim26]

I love this woman. Incredible and so real. ❤ You are amazing

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aww you so much, that's so nice of you! Wishing you the best! --Char

[@GlamifiedGeorgia]

Congratulations on your beautiful baby! I can tell how incredibly hard you worked for this! I’m just curious, but what was the plan if they did want to intervene or do a c-section?

[@MitchellMerrill]

Char here-Thank you! I really tried to give it my all to be as ready as I could possibly be since I knew the labor would be such a difficult process. Going into it, I was very much prepared and willing to have them intervene with a C-section or induction if they felt like my or my baby’s safety was ever in jeopardy. I was very clear with my OB that if it was ever a question of safety, I was more than willing to accept whatever intervention they thought was necessary.

[@kendel8695]

Beautiful ❤️ Congratulations 👏🎉🙏❤️

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed!

[@Jfkdabombk]

Great job and congrats!

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@Jfkdabombk Thank you! 🙏

[@Jfkdabombk]

@@MitchellMerrill np! Can I ask you a question please?

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@Jfkdabombk Yes of course!

[@Wildflower87]

This was beautiful ❤

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aw thank you! 🙏

[@heatherbonbell6392]

Omg survivor in the background heck ya

[@MitchellMerrill]

Haha we were on a big survivor kick at the time! Love that show haha

[@DanielleMisc96]

The family contanstly calling are exactly why no one will know when I go into labour

[@user-mo3cs7fx7y]

Sooooo sweet, I loved this video 🥹 what did baby girl weigh? I’m almost 28wks w number 6 now and can’t wait to see this baby boy!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thank you, so glad you liked it! She weighed exactly 7lb. Ahh congrats, wishing you all the best with your labor and delivery!

[@PharmTech_TN]

Loved your birth story, thanks for sharing! Very emotional, raw, and real. Do you have book recs for natural birthing and ones that you think were helpful in general?... She is so adorable! 🥰😍

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it! Yes here are some that were helpful for me: --HypnoBirthing, 4th Edition: The Natural approach to Safer, Easier, More Comfortable Birthing - The Mongan Method (by Marie Mongan). --I also did the Mama Natural Birth Course Online which was helpful and my husband did that with me to to prepare as well. --And "The First Fourty Days, The Essential Art of Nourishing a New Mother" is a great book to prepare nutritionally for postpartum that I would definitely recommend! --Char

[@PharmTech_TN]

@@MitchellMerrill Thank you so much for your recs! I am definitely going to look into these 😊👍

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@PharmTech_TN Anytime! Best of luck to you on your own journey. Please let us know how it goes!

[@PharmTech_TN]

@@MitchellMerrill 🙏💫

[@christyb.2272]

My last birth was a home birth using Lamaze. Thirty minute labor at most. It was the highlight of my life next to my wedding day. That was 55 years ago.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Wow what a quick labor, that's amazing! I'm sure that's a special memory to hang on to now!

[@johnsally2325]

First off congratulations! ❤️ As a 22 year old male, I know I’m not the normal type of target audience for these types of videos! But, my mom is currently 37 weeks pregnant and she’s planning on giving birth naturally! She wants me present for the birth & we watched this together! As she wanted me to get an idea on what I may expect in the delivery room. I was wondering if you can offer me any tips and/or tricks that may help me better prepare myself to offer support during the labor & Delivery?!

[@bethany9563]

How long did you wait until people saw you in the recovery room?

[@MitchellMerrill]

She was born around 4pm, we then slept (or tried to sleep) that night and our parents were the first ones to meet the baby and they came in the morning around 10am.

[@coppersulphate002]

I've never given birth but I am curious to find out from you moms whose had an unmedicated birth, is your bond stronger with your baby compared to your medicated birth or C section?

[@MitchellMerrill]

That’s a good question. This was our first birth and neither of our moms gave birth unmedicated so I’m not sure!

[@ReginaApple007]

I think the main motivations to go unmedicated are faster recovery, less tearing, avoiding the 'cascade of interventions' that come with with epidural, and lower risk of things like amniotic embolism.

[@beryl9538]

If you haven't experienced birth, then you really have missed out. Pure joyful experience

[@MitchellMerrill]

It is an amazing thing to be a part of.

[@colleenross8752]

Welcome, Charley

[@MitchellMerrill]

Charley says thank you!

[@yasminehilary]

Next pregnancy keep it to yourself lol to avoid everyone else’s opinions.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Haha I don’t mind. I put this video on my channel to help those who are preparing for birth so they can have a slightly better idea of what to expect. I know everyone has their own way of approaching this very personal topic so I welcome everyone else to share their opinions and how they would have done things differently!

[@yasminehilary]

@@MitchellMerrill oh no I meant with family not the channel 😂 … because in the video you can see how stressed out everyone was and giving their opinions on what you should do and I know it can be overwhelming for someone who’s expecting their first child. I meant no harm by my comment lol ❤️

[@stephaniejoy1500]

@yasminehilary I 💯 agree 😂 if my family was acting frustrated at me that way when I’M the one having the baby, I’d be like “I’ll let you know when there’s something to know” and turn the phones OFF. I’ve been through way too much of people pleasing in my life especially cause I think, well, it’s family so… 🤷‍♀️ and the only thing it brings is more stress. It doesn’t do them good to be catered to nor good for the person doing the catering. After 2 babies and being pregnant with my 4th, I think I’ve finally learned my lesson. 😅

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@yasminehilary Oh! Haha 😂I see now what you're saying! Yes I totally understand that point. Sharing details with our families was definitely a point of stress throughout the labor haha. We're definitely going to re-think that for the next one a little bit better. It's tough though because if you don't keep them informed, we have anxiety from THEIR anxiety of not knowing what's going on and worrying, and if we DO keep them informed, they share their feelings and opinions with us on how to do things which also causes anxiety. Definitely something to consider.

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@stephaniejoy1500 I love this comment haha ^^. I definitely feel much more this way now than before we had our baby. I love the quality in people who are able to shut off what others around them think and just do THEM. That can definitely be a really good and attribute and it's always refreshing when I meet someone who exemplifies that. For us, at least, I think the heightened anxiety from our families came from the fact that Char was laboring and delivering naturally (without an epidural) and didn't want intervention with an induction if possible. This was not only new to all of our family members (none of them had ever experienced that themselves), but it was also new to us since it was our first baby and we had never been through it before. So I think going into the next one, we'll all hopefully be more confident and able to remain a little more at ease.

[@bridgwll]

I had two labours without any pain relief. One was so quick but very very painful.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Wow, I’m sure that was not easy!

[@zoefinafisher3973]

Anderson Cynthia Brown Charles Gonzalez Sharon

[@TomOchoa-v1e]

Hall Larry Hernandez Cynthia Johnson Brian

[@hannataylor2254]

Did it hurt when you tore ? Did you feel burning or the ring of fire during pushing

[@MitchellMerrill]

I honestly didn’t know when I tore, I was so concerned about pushing and honestly more excited and proud that our baby was almost here. I did feel some burning (what I imagine some call the ring of fire) but it was a fairly short period of time compared to everything else. The hardest part of labor was transition (usually when you’re dilated 8-9 right before pushing). This phase is the hardest but also the shortest typically (30-45mins). Once you get through that it gets better! -Char

[@hannataylor2254]

@@MitchellMerrill Thank you. I’m due w number 2 end of February I’m pretty terrified after a traumatic birth experience with my first

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@hannataylor2254 You're welcome. I'm so sorry you had a traumatic birth experience with your first. I know of women who have had traumatic birth experiences and I can only imagine how difficult that is to work through. It can definitely be super scary. I would take some time to sit down and really consider what may help make your experience this time more comfortable. An epidural? Having a certain friend or family member there with you? Having a clear birth plan laid out and discussed with the Dr. and staff beforehand so everyone is on the same page? Meeting with a therapist to work through that? Etc. Just some ideas of what could maybe help. But wishing you all the best. I'm sure you'll do amazing. Please let us know how it goes!

[@hannataylor2254]

@@MitchellMerrill with my first I had an epidural but it didn’t fully work so was able to feel everything.

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@hannataylor2254 Oof I can only imagine how scary and hard that is when you're not mentally prepared to endure that kind of pain. I think mental/physical/emotional preparation is the key so you go into it knowing what to expect and how to get through it even when it's super hard

[@JoulePaul-v9r]

Martin Ruth Rodriguez Sarah Smith Christopher

[@AbdulBarek-p3q]

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[@bethany9563]

Hate the peanut gallery of inlaws and family and alllllll their opinions. It’s so intrusive and entitled. Going through the same thing at 41 weeks. I haven’t gone into labor naturally yet and everyone is just so annoying.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Totally understand those emotions. Wishing you all the best with your labor 🙌🙏

[@kathypotter1323]

Them pain hell in wall pushing ain't no better what good husban child brith is hard

[@JaniceBradberry-r9f]

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[@RoyanaKhatun-c8n]

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[@judyholiday1794]

I asked my auntie to watch this because she is an OB nurse and she does not agree with the lack of urgency when these KZbinrs film about not going to the hospital after their water has broken..I heard that her doctor left it up to the soon to be parents and I respect that.. However, after talking to my auntie and her sharing some scary situations made me not understand why it would be so bad to just go and get checked at the hospital..I respect every mother that has given birth without medication or an epidural God knows I was begging for my epidural when I had dilated to 5 centimeters..I am not attacking anyone all I am saying is that things can change within a nano second during the labor process so it's better to be prepared and to not take any chances when it comes to bringing another life into this world..Take care and congratulations to this beautiful family..❤

[@MitchellMerrill]

Thanks for your comment Judy. Of course our video is simply showing our experience and in no way serves as advice for how anyone else should proceed with their labor or delivery. I agree that exercising extreme caution and consulting with medical professionals should be top priorities for anyone whose water has broken (in terms of how to proceed with getting appropriate medical attention). This was our first birth, so Char felt unsure and somewhat fearful about hospital staff potentially pressuring her to get induced if she decided to go into the hospital right after her water broke. She wanted to avoid induction, if possible as long as it was safe for the baby to continue naturally. Char knows women who, after desiring to proceed without an induction, had their water break, went to the hospital, and came under a lot of pressure from hospital staff to get induced or have even more invasive intervention than they wanted. Because of those stories, I think Char was anxious that she would face similar pressure from doctors or nurses to intervene when still not totally necessary. However, looking back, we could have definitely gone in sooner and there would have been no pressure from the hospital staff to do anything against her will. We had great, supportive staff and I think next time we will feel far less anxious about going in sooner, as we now feel more confident in making our wishes known and working with hospital staff to fulfill Char’s birth plan wishes (within the bounds of safety of course). All that being said, as you can see in the video, we were in close communication with our OB and our doula, as well as trusting our intuition and relying on prayers to God for guidance. We felt that all of those influences gave us the guidance and direction to make the choices that we did with confidence. We’re so grateful that everything turned out as well as it did and that our baby was safe. Thank you for your kind wishes! Wishing you the best.

[@sbabywhine]

Because they check you and if you're not dilated enough and there's not enough rooms available they send you home for 24 hrs unless there's cause for emergency. What your aunt is probably referring to is when the waters is not clear. It's really not that urgent. Checking too often after water has broken is actually MORE cause for infection. Everyone has preferences but the science is science. The doctor said it was fine because..... it was fine.

[@ashleysherman1400]

@@MitchellMerrillbeautifully said ❤

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@ashleysherman1400 Thanks Ashley 🙏

[@kkkristi]

Calmest birth I’ve ever seen. Beautiful baby, you guys. ♥️

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@kkkristi Thank you! I appreciate those kind words 🙏

[@malkakass4619]

Woww

[@DoloresRichardson-n8q]

Anderson Laura Lee Sharon Jones Scott

[@mariapisarek740]

I felt so bad seeing your husband crying feeling so helpless. I’m glad you did what you wanted but man, an epidural makes it so much easier on you and your partner. Congratulations!!!!

[@MitchellMerrill]

Aw that’s sweet of you to say. Doing it unledicated definitely took a toll both physically and emotionally that probably we wouldn’t have felt at all had Char done an epidural. That being said, even though it was heart-wrenching watching my wife go through that pain, my respect and admiration for her grew so much. I saw how incredibly fierce and strong she was and it really connected us emotionally in a deep way that I don’t think we would have experienced with an epidural. I know she felt similarly with how much support she felt from me. Once our baby was finally there, we truly felt more connected emotionally than ever before. It was pretty special in that sense. But you’re definitely right that an epidural would have made it a whole lot easier! -Mitchell

[@EvaMariaLotte]

The reason why you should be seen after your water breaks is the chance of the umbilical cord to get in front of the baby and being sqished by the baby on the way out of your belly restricting bloodflow through the umbilical cord to the baby. The outcome can be very bad.

[@mbwilson8592]

Not true.

[@EvaMariaLotte]

@@mbwilson8592 No, completely not true... This is why they tell you in preparation classes, right? Because it's not true... 🤨

[@mariannejones1148]

The likelihood of this is incredibly low especially if your water breaks in its own at term. Also, if that did happen and you're not already at a hospital the outcome wouldn't change.

[@EvaMariaLotte]

@@mariannejones1148 You're wrong.

[@jazminebermudez4976]

I was told by my labor and delivery nurse that you HAVE to come in after your water is broken because it puts the baby at risk for infection 🫣😮

[@IrisGTxGurl2]

Mothers been having babies for centuries without medicine shoot I had no medicine for my labors ! Sorry this is nothing new

[@featheredfarmgirl]

her mom "for you?! do you know what we're going through?" ... what the hell, yeah i know you're not the one going through labor.... narcissist?

[@MitchellMerrill]

Haha that was definitely a tense moment with emotions all over the board. Involving family, we learned, definitely complicates things

[@wyohtheshepherd7681]

i am very natural. I use my intuition for every major thing I do. I would be REALLY PISSED for all of those opions. Honey do what feels right. let everyone else be silent. you don't owe them your pregnancy.

[@lexus8200]

I am 28 weeks pregnant with my first and all I do is watch delivery videos but this was the most engaging, touching, and emotion evoking video I've ever seen on the topic. Thank you for the thought, time and effort to share your experience with all of us. Very appreciated.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Wow, what a nice comment! Thank you so much for saying that, it really means a lot. A lot went into this video and it was all worth it to know that people like you enjoyed it. Wishing you all the best on your upcoming labor!

[@sydneymcgee-re2hu]

Moore Eric Lopez Kevin Lopez Lisa

[@marvinesfabersa401]

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[@meghanbarone6642]

I’m currently pregnant & having an unmedicated labor and birth is something very important to me and I have been praying for. Thank you for showing this raw, emotional and beautiful story. Your strength is inspiring & motivating. Congrats to you and your family. ❤

[@MitchellMerrill]

@@meghanbarone6642 Thank you for those words, so glad you enjoyed. Good luck to you on your journey. We hope all goes well on your journey, best wishes!

[@see_bear7]

congratulations on your sweet little love. i gave birth to my daughter a year and a half ago and i was pretty scared and unprepared. i had her unmediated, in the hospital an hour and a half after we arrived. i was shocked at what my body could do. God is so kind to lead us when we don’t know the way and He designed our bodies to do what they need to without us knowing how. incredible. my strategy/tip was to be at home as long as possible and ignore labor in every way until i physically couldn’t. i honestly didn’t accept i was in labor until the triage nurse told me i was having a baby today! lean on The Lord. trust in your bodies ability to do what it was made to do. and pack some killer snacks. you’ve got this.

[@MitchellMerrill]

Love your story, thanks for sharing your experience. And great advice!

[@HerbertPhillip-o9l]

Moore Edward Martin Matthew Johnson Ruth

[@skymandude5711]

God bless you 🎉

[@GaynorFamilyHomestead]

I’m so sorry you felt deflated after the cervical check, totally not necessary. And your cervix can totally close back up with stress and change of environment

[@TenaHosan]

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