53 Ashley Faldmo Her viral birth photo, the Accidental Home Birth & the Fire Department

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Does a contraction feel like? How do I know if I'm in labor and what did the day of labor look like? Wait, is this normal? Hey, I'm Heidi. My best friends. Call me hides. I'm a certified birth doula host of this podcast and author of birth story and interactive pregnancy guidebook. I have supported hundreds of women through their labor and deliveries, and I believe every one of them and you deserves a microphone and a stage.

So here we are, listen each week to get answers to these tough questions. Birth story, where we talk about pregnancy labor deliveries, where we tell our stories and share our feelings and of course chat about our favorite baby products and motherhood. And because I'm passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from some of the top experts in labor and delivery.

Whether you were pregnant, trying desperately to get pregnant, or you just love a good birth story. I hope you will stick around and be part of this birth story family. Thank you for listening to the birth story podcast. If you are tuning in for the first time, I want to encourage you to start the beginning.

I want you to go on a journey with me and allow me to be your virtual doula and teach you. All the things along the way. So I'm just going to give you a couple of highlights. Some of the earlier podcast episodes, if you are just now tuning en so very first episode, episode one, you can learn all about me, who I am, why I became a doula, why it is I do what I do and also my very own birth story with myself.

Second child Jagger, then I've interviewed some really cool CEOs. So episode three, Tori Jones is the CEO of shell triangle and she was awesome. Featured on Rachel Hollis's. The rise podcast episodes seven was Rachel coli. The CEO of can do kiddo. She was on good morning America. She's an incredible occupational therapist that teaches you how to play with your baby in her.

Birth stories are incredible. Episode 10 was one of my best friends, Amy, a VBAC in the car. We have done episodes on micro preemies episode, 1821 on international adoption out of Uganda. 24 and 25. Oh, those episodes like get a box of tissues. They're on Seragusi and cancer. We've addressed hypnobirthing, fertility, really easy, joyful medicated birds, really hard, long labors, Kayden, unmedicated, everything in between.

So I hope you'll start at the beginning. Let the birth story podcast take you on a journey. All the way through and enjoy this episode and then remembered a rewind all the way back to episode one. Thanks for tuning in. Hey, Ashley. Welcome to the birth story podcast. How are you? Excellent. How are you?

Thank you. I'm so good. And I'm really excited that you're on because I really, all I know about you is this kind of like viral photo of you at your house and like this funny story on Instagram. And so why don't you just start off and just, I don't know anything about you. So tell me a little bit about like who you are in your life and where you live.

Absolutely. Well, we live in, I live in Dallas, Texas, and I'm, I'm married to my best friend chase and together we have three daughters now, a four year old, two year old and a one month old now. And that's our family. Have you always been in Texas? Like, is that where you're from? Yes. Yeah. I was born and raised here.

I lived in Utah for a few years for school purposes, but we got back to Texas as fast as we could. Sorry, it's a place we love. Yeah. It's and how are you guys doing with everything with COVID? I kind of like looked at a map and it seemed like there were sort of lot in Texas, but then I also know that Texas is there's a lot of land and people spread out.

Um, so are you feeling pretty safe or are you feeling pretty isolated? Yeah, we're, we're feeling pretty safe. Obviously the first few weeks, um, was a big change and adjustment. We're not necessarily in the city of Dallas, we're in a suburb outside. Um, but there's certainly still a large population of people.

Yeah. The adjustment was the biggest part as far as isolation goes, but of course, things are opening up slowly now. And so things are feeling a lot more normal, especially this week. So we're, we're feeling great. Yeah. Well, we are going to hear about the birth story of your one month old and all of the like crazy details and all the fun was, but I wondered if you just wanted to kind of tell me what it was like to be pregnant with your third at the end of your pregnancy.

And then. Boom COVID hits. Like what changed for you? Like maybe it was prenatal appointments or your birth plan, or like what, how is it different a month ago when you were going into your birthing time compared to your first two? Well, as far as the appointments go, um, I had planned to birth at a birthing center, which we use private with our previous two daughters.

And so they transitioned to zoom call appointments when we pull in the parking lot. Um, we began like as far as like, The questions your midwife asked you or, um, Oh, DUI and asked you, um, at the beginning of the appointment, we're just conducted via zoom in the parking. Okay. And then as far as vitals, um, I went inside for those afterward, so it was minimal contact and obviously they.

Did their very best to keep everything safe and sanitary. It was great. They took great precautions. So that was kind of a bummer, just not having as much face to face time with my midwife, who I know really well and the multiple midwives there and the staff who we love. So that was definitely different.

I think just like the emotional stress of the economy and things changing. So drastically day to day, you really didn't know what the next day held. Um, As far as the last term of my pregnancy, or as far as COBIT, in other words, during the last time of my pregnancy. So that. Yeah. Brought on a lot of emotional stress, I would say, but I was also really excited for this baby to come.

And so I did my very best mentally to prepare myself just to avoid the fear, avoid the, the stress of it all and just focus on the baby as much as I could. Um, that was definitely a challenge, um, to say the least, but that was my ultimate goal. Yeah, well, so I'm a doula in North Carolina and a lot of my moms right now that are due with BB three and four, the biggest change for them has really been like what their childcare plan is going to be everything.

And so, um, I know we're going to get into your story, but like, was that part of your story at all? Did you know that you had a solid plan for like you and chase going to the birth center and the like, who was going to take care of your two and four year old? Yeah, that was a bit stressful. I'm just wondering who to ask and who would feel comfortable?

Not making people feel obligated or awkward at that certain time? Thankfully, we had a few close friends. We attend church with, um, within like a five minute drive that actually. Offered to take the girls. So that was a huge blessing. We had a couple of backup plans, um, and one particular friend that said she would take them.

So it worked out. Yeah. Okay. Well, I guess for those listeners to you, we sh I usually don't put dates on here, but I do want to Mark that it's like may the seventh. And so what day was your daughter born on. April 8th on April 8th. So April 8th. So if anybody's listening to this later, they can kind of have a time reference of like what it would, if you could remember back to April 8th of 2020 on like what kind of was going on in the world at that time with COVID no matter when you're listening to this episode.

So Ashley, I am just, before we get into like the birth of baby number three, and what's her name by the way. Colin's Grace Collins, grace. Okay. Such a cute name and the floor we get to like Colin's grace, will you just kind of give me the like high level view of like your first two births and like, did you birth the first two at that first center and kind of what led you to midwifery care and a birth center?

Absolutely my first birth, we planned to do a birth center. My husband's in was attending chiropractic school at that time and practic school, you learn quite a bit about. Different options of birth and medical freedom and just freedom of choice, things like that. And so we researched it, prayed about it, and we felt like a birthing center was the right option for us.

So we found when we loved 'em with a wonderful staff and. Um, thankfully my, the birth worked out there, um, with her first, she was actually 15 days late. I physically, I felt great. I didn't, it wasn't really a stressful pregnancy. I mean, it was, it was fine. The only hard part was everyone asking constantly after the due date, is she here?

Is it safe or union dues? Things like that. Just the energy from everyone else. It's the stressful energy from everyone else building up. But as far as I felt, I felt fine. And then she came out like seven pounds, six ounces. So she was totally fine, not too big or anything like that everyone was concerned about.

And then the second birth, she was actually 14 days late. So it's just how my body works. My, my kids are just late. And so that one went well. Also we plan to do a breathing center and I labored there for about. 45 minutes. And then as my midwife was, is monitoring her heart rate. It actually dropped to a concerning level and she said, let's head over to the hospital just out of precaution.

Luckily it was, I don't even know if it's half a mile. It was very close, like a one minute drive. And so we headed to the hospital and I actually had her there naturally within 20 minutes. And, um, the reason her heart rate dropped was because the cord was around her shoulder and everything worked out fine.

She was completely healthy after that. So. Those were my two first two experiences. Yeah. Okay. Well, first of all, I want to interject from a teaching moment because I think it's so important, right? Like birthing and a birding center, like autonomous birding, like there is medical freedom. Like there are so many beautiful things that go into that decision, but like, I really love.

When birth centers are very close to like a hospital in certain cities. So like what a beautiful thing that you had the best of both worlds, right? To be able to have that midwifery model of care and all kinds of like a freedom over your body and your birthing experience. But when, you know, you may be needed.

A little bit of extra attention, like continuous monitoring, then you could jump right over there. And so I do want to jump in right there because it's so important to talk about like when the heart rate drops. Number one when we go looking for things like I E monitoring, we tend to find things and a couple of things when baby's heart starts having decelerations, we typically, we know that either one of two things are happening.

Either the cord is being compressed out. I'm guessing your water had already ruptured. And it typically is like after the water ruptures and like that cord is being compressed in some way. Sometimes our baby is like, are just holding the cord and squeezing it. And then other times our babies haven't wrapped all the way around their body or around their neck.

And then as they engage in the birth canal, the uterus squeezes, and it puts pressure cord compression on the umbilical cord, which, you know, cuts off a little bit of that continuous blood supply that goes back and forth between baby and placenta. And what we see on the monitor are these little dips in heart rate, but then the contraction ends and the heart, the squeezing is over.

And the heart rate goes right back up. So if you are getting ready to go into your birthing time, someone who's listening and you're being monitored, and there's a little dip in the heart rate, please just know how normal that is. Like I experienced it with both of my babies, almost all of my clients.

Another reason is, is that you're just ready to go deliver the head is so low and the head is also getting squeezed and a baby won't tolerate that for so long. Before they have some dips in heart rate. So I'm just glad you brought that up, Ashley, as a side note, so we could teach them about if someone's, you know, if you're, you know, laboring and we see whether you're at the birth center or you're at a home birth or you're in a hospital.

And there's a few dips in the heart rate that it's usually no big deal, but it is good to go take some precautions just in case they be needs a little extra attention. So really healthy. You just ate at 42 weeks, like really healthy pregnancies. So what about with little Colin's grace? Did you, did you go two weeks over also just about, she was 13 days late.

She was 13 days. So, you know, your body at this point and like what your gestation is, or maybe you're an elate oscillator also. I don't know. Some people obviate really early and then some people obviously late to Ashley, I Jessie, to do 43 weeks. Oh, wow. I burned the debt 21 days over, I was in kind of like prodromal labor that whole like 42nd week, and then finally birthed at the rate at 43 weeks at 21 days over.

So I know what it's like when everyone's calling you like,

and you're like, Oh yeah, Um, the baby will come when the baby wants to come. And so, well, it sounds like you had really good midwives too, that were just really supportive of letting your body do its thing. And weren't like scaring you into inductions or anything. No, it was baby number two in that seven pound range also.

Yeah. Yeah. They were all within the seven pound range. So this was the biggest, but seven pounds, 12 ounces. So nothing concerning like, like others may have guessed, so she was perfect. Gotcha. Okay. Well, let's get into Collin's grace. I want to know, like, from the very beginning, like, were you planning this pregnancy?

Yes. Yeah, we definitely were. I was going to say, when you usually see them, like exactly two years apart, I'm like, Ashley knows what she's doing here. You know, so planned pregnancy. And then how did you find out, found out just. I don't know. It just, it wasn't anything. It wasn't anything exciting or, yeah. We just found out together at the same time and we're thrilled.

We were so excited. Um, yeah, we thought for sure it would be a boy because actually chase and I, when we were without, before we had kids, we pictured ourselves with six boys, we thought, Oh yeah, we'll we'll have all boys. They'll be in sports. Our girls are athletic too, but we never thought or thought we would have girls.

So I think for saying that we're going to get a lot of girls. I love it. Now. I know you're only one month postpartum, but do you still want to have six? We do. Yeah, we want a lot of kids. I love it. I'm one of five. So I love really big families. I could go back in time. I would have had at least four more, but I met my husband pretty late in life.

And so I was a much older mom when I started the process, but I love big families. I love being one of five. It's really fun. So tell me, how did your pregnancy go? Um, it went well, this was actually the smoothest one on until obviously the virus hit and that was a little stressful, but as far as like physically and emotionally, I felt really, really great.

Maybe it's just because my husband was out of school and things, and our lives were a little more stable, but physically I felt, I felt great. It went by really fast, probably because of the older two, but I didn't have any complaints. Okay, perfect. Okay. Now I sent all of my doula clients for chiropractic care.

Like I think it's are really, really important part of it having a healthy pregnancy and having a healthy mom. And so talk to me about like being married to a chiropractor and you just get adjustments whenever you needed them. Like, how did that care? Did your husband take care of you or did you see someone else.

Both actually. Yeah. I always tell people chiropractic is my saving grace when it comes to pregnancy. Yeah, I couldn't do it. I couldn't, I can't imagine pregnancy without. The daily, weekly adjustments that certainly saved me. My husband doesn't necessarily specialize in prenatal care. So he just did what he did could as far as like neck adjustments and things like that.

He does a lot of lymphatic work and. Deep tissue massage. So that was tremendous. And then I also saw a chiropractor that specializes in prenatal care, which was phenomenal, so that relieved and eliminated a lot of back pain that I, I experienced some with the first, um, just because my husband was in school and we didn't have a big network of chiropractors that we knew yet, but this one, I think it.

Went so smoothly because I had a lot of chiropractic care. So it was a tremendous blessing. Yeah. So anyone who's listening, if you are pregnant, like check the box, like your research find a good chiropractor that does specialize in prenatal care. I mean, I literally like just went to the chiropractor, like here in Montana, like two hours ago and I wasn't, and I was, you know, it's everything, everything just kind of was not feeling good.

I was also feeling a little anxious when things get out of alignment for me. And then I walked away with all of the amazing endorphins and feel amazing. And everything's fabulous. So if you're listening and you're pregnant, do it find a good, good guy, Rick Jordan, if you're in the Dallas area, bye or one of, or maybe your partner can find chase too, since chase doesn't do.

I specialize in prenatal care, but we recommend funny taste. Okay. So totally healthy pregnancy. Like no gestational diabetes, no group beta strep. Like, was there anything in your pregnancy with blood pressure or was just like picture perfect all the way through. It was, it was a great blessing. It was, it was pretty perfect.

I can't complain. Love it. Okay. So now you're on baby. Number three, you know, you just eight to 42 weeks. You're like, okay, I'm not expecting this baby to come at 38 weeks. Like most moms, you know? So tell me about like those specific things on baby three, when you have a two year old and a four year old and you're so excited and you're like, You know, I know that I'm going to 42 weeks.

Tell me about those last couple of weeks. And I asked this question because, so this is where I lose so many moms, like in my doula business, mentally, we do so much work like that, that guest state comes and goes, and then it's like spiral. And so I was hoping you could share a little bit about that. What are some of the things you did to stay busy and stay positive and to know going to 42 weeks is healthy.

Sure. Yeah, they certainly kept me on my toes. I mean, they always do. They're just little toddlers. So they made the time go by really fast. I did a lot of research, um, regarding meditation and just having a peaceful, peaceful state of mind, in other words, and reminding myself to be grounded. I also did a lot of spinning babies.

Um, if you're familiar with absolutely, which is funny that I'm saying this now, because I was one to knock on it, the first two pregnancies, I thought it was a joke as far as like. Meditating and mindfulness, I thought no way, as long as you're like fit physically, it's all in the physical aspect. I, I didn't, I discounted the mental priority for sure, with the first two pregnancies, but this one, I felt like I had it in the bag because.

I had researched so much about having a peaceful state of mind. And so I just reminded myself constantly to stay grounded. I reminded myself each night, positive affirmations each morning and each night. And I felt like that really helped me stay calm and stay peaceful despite everything that was going on.

Outside of our house. I, I made it a point to keep our house at peace and happy and uplifting. And despite everything the news was telling us, I just tried to stay positive. And I think that really helped us. Throughout it all. I love it. So I have a certification as a hip, new baby's doula. And one of the things like, kind of what you're describing is similar to like fear clearing, just kind of like, and they also have this thing called like the bubble of peace where you like put this bubble around you and then you just don't let those negative messages like infiltrate into your space.

And so that sounds like Ashley, you are really good at. So before I get into like the duh, duh, duh, duh, like going into labor with your first two, about how long were you in labor with number one and number two. 16 hours with the first and about four hours with the second with, I should mention with the second I did take castor oil, a blend of Castro oil.

It's like a smoothie blend with different things to counteract a taste and texture, but. Within about an hour and a half, it kicked me into labor. So it was pretty quick. Yeah. So I have a guide to natural induction methods and it was like, I think episode 22 or something on the podcast. And I always say like last resort.

Well, like if you're like, if you're at 42 weeks, you know, and maybe you've done it, all the other things like, you know, nipple stimulation and red raspberry leaf tea and whatever. Um, I do highly recommend if you're, if you're bumping up at that 42 week Mark, and then I'm speaking from someone who made it all the way to 43 weeks, I'm like 42.

I see nothing wrong with a little cast, castor oil smoothie. Did you also do some black and blue cohosh or any herbs or just stuck with the castor oil? I did take an herb tincture. It's called a gentle birth. I wish I could remember off the top of my head what was in it, but yeah, I took a tincture as well as the red raspberry tea.

So awesome. All of these, like there's going to be people that are listening for the first time, you know, stick with me, I'm going to link to everything in the show notes, listening to this podcast certainly might help you know how to go into labor. Okay. So now here we are with like columns, grace, you knew it was a girl.

Had you already named her. We did. Yeah. We picked it pretty early on. You're like talking to her and you said that you went 13 days late, right? So this time, did you do any of these like magical natural induction things to try to get things going. Um, I did have my membranes stripped. I think that's the right term for it, um, the day before.

So I think that was a big factor as to what kicked things into gear the following day. And I was taking the gentle birth tincture as well. So those were the two. Oh. And I also did take the red raspberry tea leaf. I think that's what it's called. And my midwife actually told me my appointment was the day before she was born.

And she was like, just put like, Put a lot of teabags in, in a cup, just you can go wild. So I did like six and I mean, obviously I'm not a practitioner or anything, so I can't, I don't know if I should recommend that, but I used a lot. And so, um, maybe it was the combination of those three. Yes. Okay. So in my guide that I like have out into the world, I usually say four to six teabags.

So like to make it really thick and strong, and some people will sweeten it with some things, but I think it actually has a nice flavor and it wasn't bad. Yeah. And so a lot of times I'll tell my mom's like, okay, just take a Mason jar, put like four or six bags in it, but your water and put it in the fridge overnight.

And then you have kind of like a cold brew in the morning, too. That's really refreshing. Sorry. That's a good way to do it. Okay. I want to interject really quick with another teaching moment and sweeping the membranes. Because again, I have a lot of listeners that are first time moms and they have no idea what that means.

So. I will explain what it is. And then I was hoping you might explain how you experienced that procedure. So a membrane sweep is where if you, you have to be at least one centimeter dilated and you have to have kind of like a soft cervix that's front and center and kind of ready to go. And what your practitioner will do is gently separate your bag of water from kind of like the top of the cervix.

And what that does theoretically, as releases prostoglandins. And we believe that this is one of the ways in which we go into labor is through the release of prostaglandins. And so, um, you know, at 13, 12 days over at this point, I think you are a membrane sweep could be quite effective. There's some like data.

Uh, if you are interested in learning more about membrane sweep, set evidence based birth.com, I really like Rebecca Decker and her evidence based birth. But I was hoping Ashley, you may like share with us what it felt like to get your membrane swept. Sure. It, I wouldn't say, I mean, it was a little painful, uncomfortable is a better word for it.

So yeah, just, just a little uncomfortable, not too bad. And it's definitely worth it because it brought on labor. Yeah. And how long did the procedure lasts? Um, it's really fast. No more than five minutes, at least for me. So yeah. Now we're going to take a short break to just share a few things with you.

Things for listening to the birds story podcast. I am so excited to announce the launch of my book story of 42 week guide for your pregnancy. A collection of these birth stories, a ton of doula advice and journaling prompts. You can order a copy today@birthstory.com. It also will mean the world. To me, it feels spread the word about this podcast.

So on Stitcher or on iTunes, just leave it. Thanks. Okay. So you're at 12 days over you go get your membranes up. Do you take your tinctures and your herbs? And then what happens? So do you want like a play by play? Yeah. How did you know you're in labor? Like what, just roll with the whole story now. Cause I know from the Instagram photo, what happened, but I want to know like what happened between those meals?

Yeah, absolutely. So following my. Appointment with my midwife. I of course took the tincture. And then we went on a family walk. It was about a mile and a half to two miles because obviously walking is a great way to bring it on. And then, um, that night around, I would say 11:00 PM. I started feeling cramping and it wasn't anything consistent, but I went to bed around 1230.

I'm still feeling it. And then throughout the night I would wake up and I felt a lot of cramping, but. Again, it wasn't significant. It was just uncomfortable. And, and that morning I woke up around eight or between seven and eight, my husband was getting ready to leave for work. And the cramping had definitely gotten stronger.

I feel like at that point it was probably contractions, although my water hadn't broken and, um, with the first two, my water broke while I was asleep. And then I woke up and then within a few hours, Uh, contractions began. So I just kept brushing it off because my water hadn't broken yet. And so I didn't think it was anything significant.

So I told him that I was gonna leave for work. Um, I told him I'd be fine. I was, uh, the pain was beginning to be more intense throughout the morning. And, uh, a couple of hours later, I noticed they were beginning to be more consistent and more intense. So I gave my husband a call as I was making my daughter's breakfast downstairs and said, I can't do this anymore.

I need you to come home. I knew he was coming home early. He just had a couple patients, but I asked him to come home and. Let's see, interject right there. I love, I love like third time moms, right? Like a first time mom. We're like every little twinge. Oh my gosh. What is that? What is that? And a third time, mom, you're like, well into labor and you're like taking care of two kids and making breakfast or like, Oh, to chase, go to work, big deal.

It's just so different. The laid back. Cause it's like, you know what the finale look, and then it's like, so everything by the time you're on baby, number three, it's like everything. Besides the finale is like, you know, no big deal. So looking back, I'm like, Oh, I'm such an idiot. Like, why did I brush it off?

No, no, no, no experiences were so different and they, and they paved the way, right? Like when we've, when we've taught ourselves the first time you climb that mountain, it's very intimidating and you don't know how you're going to make it to the top. And you're not sure what is around each corner, but like, after you've done it, a couple of times, you're like, Oh, I know this.

It's mountain guide. The top is still like way far way back. Exactly. Exactly. That was my mindset for sure. So I'm to continue on. Yeah. I asked him to come home and, um, I hung up and within about, I'd say. 10 or 15 minutes. I gave him a call back in tears saying, I need like, I need you to hurry. And he was in the car, um, by then.

So he was on his way. And, um, luckily, while I was on the phone with him, my water broke. Yeah. Why do you think you were teary? Were you scared or did it just get that intense that quickly? It was a portion of it. I was scared for my daughters. I wasn't like scared for myself. I was scared for my girls, like the fear of having, having her, like by myself with the girls and to have them experience that trauma.

Um, and, um, so yeah, that, that was what was going through my head emotionally. So, yeah, I thankfully was on the phone with him when my water broke and then the pain definitely escalated from there. And I told him to call nine one one just after my water broke, because I, for some reason, just immediately knew I had the impression that we wouldn't make it to the birthing center, which was about 20 minutes from our house.

And with the time it would take him to come home. Thankfully he called right away. Yeah. So you're just, you know, going about your normal day, like you said, but then it's important to note, like something changed. Like it's almost like a switch flips, like just like, okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. And then, Oh, it's not I'm in labor anymore.

It's like, Oh my gosh. I'm about to have a baby now. And so under any normal circumstances, you know, uh, not on baby number three. And when you didn't have a four hour labor, I'm your second one, which tells me, like, you know, you have that built your body has the ability to burn very quickly. You know, most people, I would probably encourage if you get that, that flip switch, like your clothes, try to go to the, but if your water breaks.

This is so important. Your, I mean, your baby's coming, like if your water breaks, like, so you're on the phone and your water breaks and I'm hearing your story and I'm feeling this all. And so immediately, did you have pressure or was it just the intensity of the contractions? Like, um, went up. While I was on the phone.

It was the intensity of the contractions. Um, went up. I didn't feel pressure. I don't think until, well, I don't. So what happened was, as soon as I told him to call nine 11, my body just went into this mode where I like needed to be on my hands and knees. For some reason. So I dropped to the floor and was on hands and knees.

And like, that was way more comfortable than standing. And that in that moment is when I felt pressure. So yeah, I guess it was right, like just within a minute after, after my water broke. So very fast. Okay. So now you're in the living room floor. This is my favorite part of the story. And you dropped to your hands and knees and you're, I guess chase is still on the phone, but on his way home.

Yeah, he was on speakerphone. So I just heard him say, okay. Okay. I'm calling nine one one, and then. Um, that was the last I heard and I left the, yeah, I dropped my phone. And as soon as I hit my hands and knees, I was just, I was like looking at the floor and I couldn't really look up because I was so in the zone of the pressure I was feeling and knowing this child was going to come ASAP.

So I didn't look up from there. You were like, we're having a home birth. This is perfect in the middle of COVID, you know, this is, I mean, really, I mean, in my eyes I'm like, this is ideal. Yeah. Okay. So will you share this hysterical story with your other daughter? When you're in this moment, this very intense labor land moment.

Yes. So I was in the middle of making them breakfast. And so, um, of course one has a bagel in her hand. And when I get to all fours, my two year old runs over with her bagel jumps on my back, thinks we're playing force because that's what you do and all fours, you know? And so she jumps on my back and starts playing and I'm just like, Oh, this is the last thing I need.

And my four year old walks over and he's like, mom, and like yelling at me too. Finish making breakfast, like what are you doing on the floor? And think when she heard me tell my husband to call nine one one. And so, um, when she heard that she looks at her sister, Amanda, the two year old and says, mom's calling nine 11 and just starts laughing hysterically thinking it's like a comedy routine.

And, and one's on your back playing horsey. I mean, I just, yeah. Yeah. It probably felt really good actually. Like I was thinking like, maybe like the pressure on your seat drum, like maybe it felt good. I don't know. Yeah. That is you would think it would though, but yeah, it definitely added to the chaos and my worry of these poor girls that, that may have to witness this.

I mean, pretty stressful. Um, but thank heavens within, I would say like, well actually before. Anyone arrived. Of course, I realized our front door has a child lock at the top. My daughter can not reach. And so I, in that moment I realized she wouldn't be able to let anyone in with paramedics on their way. Um, and I had, I should mention, I also texted my friend to come pick up the girls.

Moments before I had dropped the phone. So luckily I knew she was on her way as far as paramedics and thank heavens. Our neighborhood is actually next door to the fire station. So within seconds we heard the sirens and I told my daughter to open the garage. Um, I. I'd fallen just in our kitchen, which is just a few feet from our garage door and our front door.

So luckily it was still convenient for everyone. And my daughter through some kind of inspiration runs over to our drawer where my keys are. I always make a point to try to hide them because I always have a fear for trying to start our car with the garage door closed. So how she knew right where my keys were, I was.

So grateful. I have no idea. She grabs my keys, jumps in the car and opens our garage, um, from our car and then runs into the driveway, kind of waving everyone in. Okay. This is like a huge God moment because I have a, I have a four year old, they don't do this. Don't do that. Like a huge God moment. So like your four year old is like literally saving the day and running the show and opening the garage store and getting everyone, you know, and I mean, this is pretty miraculous.

Yeah, definitely inspired because go ahead. Say so who arrives first? I'm the first person that runs to the garage is my friend, Julie, who got there so fast from my text, her, I don't know how she got there that quickly runs in, sees my girls wrangles them inside. Of course, my two year olds in her diaper, we were in the process of getting dressed for the morning, wrangles them both inside from the driveway.

Actually, I didn't, haven't mentioned this in any other yeah. Interview, but she ran inside since this is a birthing podcast. She was like, what can I do to help? And she was so called the, I should mention the miracle of all of this. My friend, Julie, she's outstanding. She has five children and she was born without a, um, A uterus, I believe.

And so she wasn't able to give birth. She adopted five for kids, so she's never experienced childbirth. So she, in the midst of this, she is just unbelievably calm. She's like, what can I do to help? And she's like holding my girls and I can barely speak I'm. So in the zone, I just say, pull down my pants. And um, if you've given birth yeah.

You know, at that moment. Yeah. It just doesn't matter. And so she helps me with that and I'm just like, Oh gosh, poor Julie. And so she does that. And she, as soon as the firemen, the firemen run in right after that. And so she takes the girls upstairs, as soon as she knows I'm good with them. And did you want me to go on from there?

Yeah, I'm just so in it, I'm like, okay, I can see all of this happening. And I'm like, yes, Julie's like your doula angel for like, and I'm also thinking like what a beautiful gift you were able to give back to her. Like, if she's adopted all of her children and maybe hasn't had to the opportunity to like, be part of that.

And like, that was just a gift that she got in that moment to, to be part of like birding time. You know, I think that's super. It's special. I don't know if she thought it was the school as I think it is, but, you know, but I just think, Oh, what a neat thing. So she's upstairs with your girls and then the firemen are there next to come.

And are you kind of like, I've got this, like I can catch my own baby or like, did you want them to help you? I wanted them to help me for sure. Yeah. So I'm the first one walks in and says, is this your first? And I said, it's my third. And he said, this baby's coming right away. And the next walks in and says, I'm going to put some oxygen on you.

Um, they were really sweet. I love that. They just notified me before they did anything. I mean, it wasn't like. Anything was just being forced on me. I felt really safe. And they were really patient. They gave me options, which is what I absolutely loved and respected about them. Um, they said, do you want to, do you want to, um, jump in the ambulance?

They had, they pulled a stretcher in. It was like right next to me, I could see, they were like, do you want to have her in the ambulance? We're here? And I said, here, the thought of getting on my back was just terrible. So I was not about to know. So I was so grateful. They let me stay there. Um, and then five minutes later, my husband runs in he's super positive.

Sharing me on saying, you've got this, she's almost here. And I was pushing you that point. Yeah. The fireman said it was four pushes. Um, and she was there. I just remember the head firemen saying, okay, big push on this one. And they saw our head. And then, um, within the next push, she was out. Okay. The rest is history.

Oh my gosh. Okay. I have 70 like follow up questions right now. Okay. I I'm in Montana right now. We kind of have like a side house over. Yeah. I mostly live in North Carolina. And in North Carolina, you have like a P you have like ambulances that come with paramedics, and then you have a fire firemen that come from the fire department.

And in my city, those things are not the same, but my best friend, Megan, she lives in Orlando. She has five kids, her husband's a firefighter and he's also a paramedic and they kind of like work together. So my question is, is like Dallas, Texas is this fireman like. A fireman or like also an EMT or paramedic also.

He's both a certified paramedic as well. Because when I went to the, I went back to the station a week after she was born to thank all of them and yeah, they're, they're all firemen and certified for medics. So, and it was a, a male. Right. So like he then, and so he's like, kind of got this, like I've done this before, like totally calm.

I'm good. Right. Because. I have a really good friend. Who's a paramedic like a really, really good friend. And he, they like live for these calls. Like he's only had like a few of them in his whole career and he's like, yeah, it's so cool to catch a baby. That's actually what they said. And he said he had only caught my husband, asked him later and he said, he'd only caught like seven in his career, but these are the ultimate calls.

The ultimate highlights I actually spoke with. The wife of the one that caught the baby reached out to me or, um, I think it was like one that was assisting. In other words, uh, the wife reached out to me and was like, I received a text that morning saying we just had a beautiful baby girl. And she was like, I responded, what are you, what are you talking about?

And it was just like the highlight of their week. So it was great. Oh, I love it. Okay. Now I have some followup questions that are just more like logistical. So because it's probably very specific to Dallas, Texas access and like planning to Burr that at birth center. So if you are now burning in the middle of your, like your kitchen slash living area, cause I think you said you were like right in between those two places.

Yeah. And baby, you and baby are healthy. I wanted to note that they likely put oxygen on you just to be preventative. Like if, you know, we don't know if there was cord compression and babies really like oxygen. And so I'm assuming that that oxygen just went on just to be preventative and you have a healthy baby.

So do you get to just stay home or did you have to like go to the birth center stuff? Thankfully, they let me stay home so concerned. They were going to have to take me to the hospital to run vitals and things like that because obviously my midwives hadn't arrived yet. Um, within the nine 11 chaos, my husband actually hadn't even called her yet, but to let her know that the baby had been born the first time I called chase.

To tell him to come home. He called the midwife and said, we'll be there as soon as I get home or we'll be there in X amount of time. And, um, that was the last they heard. And so as soon as she was born, um, he called and said, she's here. And so they rushed over and were there within about 20 minutes after she was born.

And because my, a midwife arrived at the house, um, the fireman said that she could stay and take all the vitals and make sure and help me recover. In other words, for the next few hours. Wonderful. I love it. Okay. So did they also help you deliver your placenta or where's your placenta still inside? When the midwife arrived, it was still inside.

So they waited for the midwife to arrive. Um, For her to deliver the percentile. So that was nice. Okay. Cause that was like, it was a release on their own, like really quickly. And you're like, can't do anything about it. You're like, okay. My placenta, it's about to plop out. And then, and sometimes, you know, you need like a little fun and a little support to get that the placenta to fully release.

So I love this. So now you're just like in the middle of your living room, like Julie's upstairs, chase makes it to the birth, which is unbelievable. And you're just like, I don't know. I'm assuming just like holding your beautiful Collin's grace and you know, your midwives there. And so then what, you just take a shower and go about your day.

I mean, I love this just like you had a home birth, I guess. Yeah, I'm just sitting. Honestly, I was in complete shock. I was, I've never experienced a shock like this before, because I just didn't. I just kept telling chase. We just had a home birth. I just kept repeating that because I could not believe my eyes, everyone that was in the house and what had just happened and how smooth it went for the circumstance.

Yeah, I love it. Now you told me at the beginning of this, that you and chase when I have six children. So there's three more, right? So now are you like on the homebirth train? Are you like, okay. Let's just plan for the home birth next time. Or do you think you'll still like set, stay with your birth center group?

A Homer has always been my ultimate goal. So I I'm about 85% confident that we'll do a home birth for the next one. Okay. Well, I have a podcast to recommend if you don't already know it, but it's called doing it at home. D I a H podcast, Sarah and Matthew Bivins are like, incredible. I love them. But if you're thinking about a home birth, I would like check out their podcast.

Perfect. Well, I just love it. Yeah. Everything about you and your story. And I just like the horsey, I just, I laughed for like 10 minutes probably forwarded or imposed to everyone. I know. I mean, I shared it. It was just really hysterical. And I was like, I hope that this beautiful woman with this brand new newborn will take a minute to talk to me.

So like, I love that you share that now. Ashley, did you encapsulate your placenta? I did. Yes. Yeah. I know you recommend that. I did that for the first two as well. Um, no, actually I just did it with the first. I couldn't do it with the second, because since I, it was a hospital ended up being a hospital birth.

I didn't like have access to the placenta, but yeah, I. Definitely noticed a difference in much faster recovery. So, yeah. Okay. So I had that question because I'm a big fan of placenta encapsulation and was kind of getting a feeling I'm like, I think she's married to a guy. Right? She did this, you know, like we didn't really talk about like, are you a stay at home mom because you, to me feel like you, should I get that a lot?

Yeah. I'm a stay at home. Mom I've considered it. But at the same time, Well, the reason I always brush off the idea is because I just haven't really had an interest in childbirth. Like as far as being on that end of childbirth, I love being a mom more than anything and my kids, but. After experiencing this and like the beauty, I guess maybe it's the trifecta, like the three different experiences that I've had, just seeing the beauty of birth from so many different angles.

I, I feel like I definitely want to consider that or pursue that field. Well, you definitely like just exude like positivity and everything that you're saying about like the positive affirmations and the mindfulness. And so if it's nothing more than. Everyone listening to this podcast and being inspired by you and learning from you.

You know, I really feel like that's a gift that you're giving to the world, but I'll just clean a seat. I think that there's something I think I don't always get this little nudge from God, but I just feel like there's a little something there. So I thought I would mention it. I appreciate it. Before we go.

The last thing I always ask moms is what is your absolute favorite baby product so that if anyone's listening their first time, mom, you're like, you have to get this. Oh, my goodness. Okay. Um, I not necessarily marketed as a baby product, I guess, somewhat, but my favorite is some it's bentonite clay. It's a form of bentonite clay, but it's called Redmond's clay.

It's out of the state of Utah, but it's sold. Uh, worldwide, actually we buy it by the gallon because we use it for everything it's in powder form and you can use it for, um, like diaper rash. You can use it for digestive purposes when you drink it added to a smoothie. Whatnot can use it as a facial mud, but as far as like baby care on their skin, things like that.

It has like a million uses. So we highly recommend Redmond's clay. Redmonds that? I am so thankful that you just mentioned this because we, this is like a product I have, like with my, with my gesture and six year old and my four year old and we. You know, I don't have babies anymore, but we use this bins clay all of the time.

I don't even remember it. I ordered it on the internet somewhere, but someone told that's about it because we have these, like, they always just call them like unknown rashes. Like my kids are just famous for these like unknown rashes. I mean, we're out in the woods and hiking and stuff a lot, but I mean, so we've never ingested it.

So I'm, I'm curious to learn more. I'm gonna have to read up on that. Um, but we definitely. Soak in it. We lather in it. We make Claes and like, I use it as just like a healing. Tool for my kids. Like if your kids get chickenpox, like you need regimens glide, like things happen. You need, you know, if you choose there's some people that are gonna choose to vaccinate or not vaccinate their kids, but if you choose to do a vaccination, I highly recommend like packing.

Any kind of wound or vaccination site, like over with the clay. So, Oh my gosh. You're the first person had mentioned this on the bad guys and I'm beaming because I love this product. So my husband always says the only thing we need in our first aid kit is Redmond's clay. So we love it. Yes. Okay. And we'll link to it in the show notes.

So thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule. What the one month old to be on that birth story podcast. And I just hope that we keep in touch and I'll let you know when the episode airs. Okay. Fantastic. Thank you. Thank you so much for reaching out. So great to meet you too.

Thank you for listening to birth story, Michael, if you will walk away from each episode with a clear picture of how labor and delivery might go and that you will feel empowered by the end of your pregnancy to speak up plan and prepare for the birth you want, no matter what that looks like.