Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.

I gave birth to two sets of twins by Jennifer S

This still blows my mind. Both were very easy deliveries, as they were both c-sections. Round 1, I made it to 38 weeks and 2 days, my scheduled delivery was 39 weeks. My son decided he was tired of being pushed around by his sister, my water broke at 11pm on September 28, 2011and it was time to go – complete water works in the hospital parking garage, like a scene in the movies. My babies were born at 4:00 and 4:01 a.m. the next morning. Round 2 was uneventful, I made it to my scheduled c section at 38 weeks (I refused to schedule one at 39 weeks again). Babies were born and completed our family on November 13, 2013. Our current lives are much more exciting than my deliveries were!

Photo by Heidi Daniels

I felt like we were both being born by Stevie M

My birthing room in my mother’s home was adorned in hanging affirmation, candles, and pictures of the women who had gone before me. In the quiet of night, a circle of loving support, including my furry guardian, held space as baby and I labored in the tub. Working together…we were both being born. In the water, he was born into the hands of his father and exceptional midwife. Completely at peace and in awe, our new family curled around each other.

Born on her due date by Carrie D

I had very subtle contractions start at 1am Monday morning (the due date). I had a scheduled appointment that morning to see how things were going, which all looked good. I came home and worked a few more hours then by lunch I could not focus anymore. The contractions were growing in strength and I knew I didn’t want to be stuck in the hospital so I hopped in the bathtub. That was amazing! Contractions were getting stronger and by 4:30p I felt like I had to get to the hospital or I’d be having the baby at home. We arrived around 5:30p, I was 7cm dilated so was admitted. After a little waiting and some progress, it was time to push! Our sweet girl was born at 10:20pm

My parents brought me the goods by Sherry B

17 Hours, at home (on purpose), no drugs, back labor (wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy), Lots of massage by my squad. Moaning, breathing, grunting, and yelling at my hubs to turn of the XBOX. Internal dialogue “I can’t do this” the very next contraction “I am a warrior” Daughter born in a birthing tub in the living room. Nursing within 20, with family surrounding. Hardest and best thing I have EVER done. My mom cooked grilled cheese and hand fed me b/c she is the best. Then my dad brought pizza which I also ate.

A stay in the NICU by Cara S

My water broke at 2:30 am, with contractions starting at 4 minutes apart. My alcoholic fiancé was passed out so I walked the dog, watched a little tv, then went to the hospital when they were 2 minutes apart. I was told immediately no pain medication because my daughter wasn’t moving. Nine hours later, they decided an emergency csection was the way to go. I was crushed, and felt like a huge failure. But when they laid her perfect little body on mine, none of that mattered. She was here. Beckett was in NICU for 10 days, the worst 10 days of my life, but the day I brought her home, it didn’t matter how she came to be here. Just that she was.

Just when you think you have this baby thing under control…the teething starts. Those little chompers can be painful coming in and options for relief are limited for little ones. We’ve got your back with a solid #momhack to ease your baby’s discomfort and, hopefully, give you a bit more sleep.

Teething has more symptoms than sleep-deprived parents and cranky babies, like gum pain and minor digestive disorders. Camilia® is your one-stop teething shop and safely handles all teething symptoms for babies one month and older. Read on for the five reasons why Camilia Teething Liquid Doses are the help you need now.

Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses at Walmart! Get Your Coupon

1. Easy

With Camilia Teething Liquid Doses, forget about fussing with syringes or searching for little dosing cups at 2 a.m. (we’ve been there). Snap off one single dose, twist to open and squeeze the pre-measured treatment directly into your baby’s mouth. This tiny amount (0.034 fl oz to be exact) of liquid does the rest. It’s tasteless and clear in color, so no mess. It’s fool-proof, even in the middle of the night.

These single-use capsules make Camilia Teething Liquid Doses sterile and hygienic, plus ideal for families with multiple teethers. Pop some in your diaper bag or pocket, these small but mighty doses are perfect on the go.

2. Natural

Unlike traditional pain medication, Camilia Teething Liquid Doses are water-based and made with plant-based active ingredients, including chamomile, and are free of benzocaine, flavors, dyes, lactose, sugar and artificial sweeteners—all of that stuff you don’t want. The self-contained individual doses eliminate the need for a preservative, so none of those either!

3. Trusted

Camilia has been soothing babies for 25 years and is a Mom’s Choice Awards winner and recipient of the Parent-Tested, Parent Approved seal of approval. Camilia Teething Liquid Doses are made by Boiron, the world leader in homeopathic medicine, so you can rest assured these are the real deal.

4. Worry-Free

It’s like they thought of everything! Because there’s no numbing agent, there’s no risk of numbing the baby’s gag reflex or latch ability. With no numbing, Camilia Teething Liquid Doses also won’t mask symptoms that could be a sign of a more serious health problem. You don’t need to know your baby’s weight for dosing or struggle to rub medicine onto your baby’s sore gums, plus their plastic applicator is BPA-free. 

5. Widely Available

You can find Camilia Teething Liquid Doses at a variety of stores near you, including Walmart. We love a deal: Red Tricycle readers can get a coupon to save $2 on Camilia Teething Liquid Doses at Walmart! Get Your Coupon 

Now that you’re in on this brilliant #momhack, pass it on!

Disclaimer: Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.

 

–Jamie Aderski

While the emotional photos of mothers in the birthing process holds a special place in our heart, these compelling photos of fathers welcoming their newborn into the world is equally incredible. These photos, compiled by the Huffington Post and International Association of Professional Birth Photographers, capture the honest role dads play, supporting their partners and welcoming their new addition. Scroll below to see some of our favorites.

“This mom told me: ‘Joe was my rock. Steadfast, calm and strong. He knew exactly how to support me without me telling him what to do. It’s like he was telepathic!’”

 

Photo: Emily Gerald Photography

“This dad was injured severely in an accident in Afghanistan just three months before the birth of their second baby. He wasn’t able to support his wife physically, but he found other ways to help and hold space.”

Photo: Vuefinder Photography

“This mother is in transition — that intense period of time just before pushing — without the use of epidural or pain medication. She had a doula present, but her husband was her true anchor.”

Photo: Bonnie Bee Photography and Events

“After a long labor by his wife’s side, this dad woke up from a quick nap at 2 a.m., scrubbed up with the midwife and eagerly delivered his beautiful baby boy!”

Photo: Jessica Mehu Photography

“This couple had really, really wanted a baby for several years. While I was waiting for the baby’s father to come out from the OR, his sister said, ‘I can hear him crying from here!’ One minute later, we saw him — covered in happy tears and holding his baby girl.”

Photo: Public Kiss Photography

To view more stunning photos, click here.

Did you capture the moment you first met your little one? Let us know in the comments below!

H/T: Huffington Post