San Antonio Induction for Hypertension: Birth Story and Film

When this client contacted me to let me know her hypertension now warranted an induction, 5 week before her due date, I still had total faith that my client could still have the unmedicated birth she wanted (if that was still her desire). After discussing expectations, induction options, and the likelihood of a NICU stay, the induction process began. With my client’s permission, I joined them pretty early on in labor because the on-call provider wasn’t super supportive and seemed to be looking for an opportunity to go to the OR. So after a round of cytotec, Pitocin began low and slow per my clients wishes.

The morning was spent slowly increasing the Pitocin and waiting for a big shift in intensity. The mom did great working through the contractions, but she knew these weren’t the intensity they needed to be to meet her baby. So the Pitocin continue to be increased. A few hours later, a cervical check showed she was 6cm, and this was when the contractions had a significant shift in intensity. Only 30 minutes after the cervical check, she had an urge to start pushing. The nurse checked and said,
You’re only 7cm. It’s not time to push.” So she didn’t call the OB to start heading over. A few minutes later, we both heard the indisputable sound of someone pushing. The nurses called and asked the OB to run over, but I knew she’d never make it in time. Despite the nurses “asking” her not to push (and me telling her to do whatever felt right), seconds later a sweet baby boy was born. Because he was less than 4 pounds, a NICU visit was mandatory, but I’m so grateful my client was still able to have a golden hour to bond and have skin-to-skin.

This client has given me permission to share these photos and her “birth announcement” video. I’m so proud of how she navigated big changes in her birth plan and still advocated for herself every step of the way!