The Birth Interview Project consists of 17 simple questions designed to help mothers process their birth story & share it with others. All mothers are invited to take part in this project. Born out of Joy’s desire to help women discover, process and express the feelings surrounding their birth experiences, The Birth Interview Project strives to offer a platform for mothers and readers alike to share and be heard, to search and to discover, to identify and to heal, and to exhort and remember. The views and opinions expressed here are unique to each woman who takes part in the Birth Interview Project and may not always reflect the values of the blog author.
Alison and her son, Henry
Please give a brief description of yourself, and what number baby/birth you’re sharing with us.
I became pregnant after having struggled with PCOS (Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome) for over three years. My husband of 8 years and I were in no way trying to have a baby at that time. I was just trying to get my PCOS under control so that when we did decide to start a family we would have an easier time. In September of 2009, I had surgery to have dozens of ovarian cysts removed which were, in essence, suffocating my reproductive system. I was then put on birth control to help regulate my hormone production. Six months to the day after I had my surgery I found out I was pregnant. Hence why we call Henry “our little Jurassic Park baby” — nature found a way! Though we were not yet trying to get pregnant, we were none-the-less thrilled. I knew I would seek a natural childbirth well before I ever became pregnant. I have a minor in Women’s Studies and personally feel that the medical system in America has hijacked women’s ability to birth in a physically “normal” manner. I am incredibly happy to live in a nation with wonderful Ob/GYN surgeons should a mom and baby need them. For me though, I wanted to birth the way my mother, grandmother and ancestors birthed.
What was your due date, and what was your baby’s birth date?
My due date was November 22nd but throughout my whole pregnancy my Midwife, Jean, reminded me that most first time moms deliver around 41 weeks and 3 days. Henry was born December 2nd, 2010 at exactly 41 weeks and 3 days.
What was Henry’s weight and length?
Henry was a perfect 8 pounds, 7 ounces and a little tall at 21 ¾ inches.
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