Birth Story: Premature Miracles: Kyla's Inspiring NICU Experience
Show Notes:
[1:21] Our Reviewer of the Week, Glam girl 4 life, said "I started listening to this podcast when I was around 30 weeks pregnant & listened whenever I had free time, in the car, shower, washing dishes, etc. I had been told by pretty much everyone that I wouldn't be able to have an unmedicated birth because of my extremely low pain tolerance but this podcast gave me the mental strength I needed to achieve that even in a scary situation. I ended up going to the hospital at 34 weeks 2 days after waking up with a placental abruption. I ended up going from 3cm to birthing my baby in 3 hours with no epidural. Listening to these podcast & birth stories mentally prepared me in such a short amount of time. I had my baby in July 2023 and still listen to this podcast! | cannot stop recommending this podcast to every pregnant person I know!"
[3:19] Kyla shares her inspiring birth story, from struggling with irregular cycles and infertility treatments to the unexpected joy of conceiving naturally. She opens up about her pregnancy journey, including how she navigated fatigue, embraced birth affirmations, and prepared with the birth course she had been eager to take. She also talks about her experience with midwifery care in Canada, the process of finding a provider, and the incredible support she received from her midwife. Despite delivering her daughter prematurely at 28 weeks, she reflects on the power of preparation, mindset, and informed decision-making.
[7:34] Kyla’s pregnancy took an unexpected turn when she was exposed to chickenpox, leading to extra monitoring. While her baby was doing well, a routine scan revealed early cervical dilation at just 23 weeks. This surprise finding meant immediate hospitalization and a major shift in her birth plans.
[14:06] How did Kyla's husband prepare? Kyla shares how her husband supported her through both the excitement of preparing for a natural birth and the unexpected shift to a high-risk pregnancy. Initially, they focused on birth center prep, counterpressure techniques, and holistic approaches. But when plans changed, their conversations turned to acceptance and prioritizing what mattered most.
[16:51] Kyla takes us through the birth of her daughter, from the first contractions in the morning to the emotional moment she met her baby. Despite a high-risk pregnancy, labor progressed calmly, and she navigated each stage with strength and surrender.
- Early contractions were manageable, but things intensified quickly
- Her husband made a two-hour drive, supporting her over the phone
- Laboring with continuous monitoring meant adapting to new challenges
- A powerful moment of relief when her husband arrived
- Birthing her baby naturally, despite fears of a C-section
- Holding her tiny but strong baby for a brief but unforgettable moment before the NICU
[27:47] Kyla shares how labor is just as intense with a smaller baby, and how mindset played a huge role in her birth experience.
- Labor was all about mental strength—breathing, relaxation, and affirmations
- Repeating “It only lasts a minute” helped her stay focused and calm
- Pushing was harder than contractions, and she wished she could be more upright
- The “ring of fire” was real, but short-lived
- Just days later, she was already saying, “I can’t wait to do that again” (her husband, not so much!)
[30:48] Kyla shares her postpartum experience, from her smooth recovery to her baby’s 74-day NICU stay.
- Recovery was smooth—no tearing, but lots of trips to the NICU
- Started hand-expressing colostrum immediately and built a strong milk supply
- Baby started practicing breastfeeding at 8 days old, but full feeding took time
- Stayed at different NICUs, adapting to each setup to be close to her baby
- Lots of skin-to-skin contact—key for preemie health and bonding
- Grateful her baby avoided intubation, making holding her easier
[36:38] Kyla's advice for NICU parents:
- Take it one moment at a time—small wins matter.
- Advocate for your baby; you are their constant.
- Care for yourself—you can’t pour from an empty cup.
- Hold and snuggle your baby as much as possible.
- Find gratitude in the little things, even in the hardest moments.
Kyla’s reminder: "You will get through this, and it will be so worth it."
[38:48] What is Kyla's advice for mom's and dad's?
For Moms:
- Stay relaxed—mental focus is key.
- Use affirmations and breathing techniques.
- A perfect birth isn’t necessary for a good birth.
- No matter what, it will all be worth it when you see your baby.
For Dads:
- Learn about birth—it makes a big difference.
- Keep mama in the zone and be her support.
- Know her birth preferences and be her voice.
- Recognize signs of transition to help her push through.
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