For her first birth, Delaney was called in for a routine appointment when her baby’s amniotic fluid was found to be low. The labor was long and difficult – lasting all night with little sleep, a Foley lamp that made her sick, and slow progress on Pitocin. She made medical decisions largely on her own while Andrew slept, including choosing to break her water. Not every provider felt respected, but one nurse, Kierstyn, brought calm and genuine care to the room. Andrew became more present as the labor progressed, taking on an advocacy role alongside her. Through exhaustion and uncertainty, Delaney found herself bonding with both her daughter Sienna and her husband—and keeping faith with her body and the process.
Pregnant with her second child in Japan, Delaney was determined to have a spontaneous, unmedicated birth after a difficult induction the first time. As she passed her forty-first week due date, she faced increasing pressure from doctors and eventually her husband to induce – pressure she largely resisted, supported by research and an online community of post-mothers. The work started on its own on March 8th. She labored at home as much as possible and then rushed to the hospital for active labor. There, after a tense labor that nearly ended in a C-section, she pushed her son Max to the side. Despite the postpartum hemorrhage, Delaney felt the birth was a hard-earned victory — proof that she had listened to her body and trusted herself.
Biography of Delaney Goodrick
Delaney is 33 years old. She is a proud military wife and lives with her husband and two children in Japan. She likes onsens (Japanese public bath), visiting temples and has a new love for monstera plants. Connect with Delaney on YouTube: @fulltimejoy or on Facebook: Delaney Alexandra
Resources
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Takeaway food
Delaney lives in Japan as a military spouse with two children.
Her first pregnancy was unplanned and full of surprises.
She experienced low amniotic fluid, which led to an induced labor.
Delaney’s first birth involved unexpected medical interventions.
She struggled with postpartum mental health after her first child.
Delaney’s second pregnancy was more planned and purposeful.
She felt more empowered during her second birth experience.
Support from her husband and doula was crucial during the birth.
Delaney emphasizes the importance of sharing birth stories.
She found valuable resources for postpartum support.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Delaney’s Journey
01:24 First pregnancy experience
04:02 Induction and Labor Challenges
09:33 Epidural Experience and Birth Process
18:42 Postpartum Thoughts and Mental Health
25:26 Struggles with attachments and intrusive thoughts
27:11 Navigating postpartum challenges
28:30 The Journey to the Second Pregnancy
29:05 Planning and Anticipation for Baby Two
31:55 Coping with medical pressures during pregnancy
36:19 Working through uncertainty
43:54 The Drive to the Hospital
48:00 A joyful birth experience
48:44 Recovery and reflection after childbirth
Keywords
birth stories, pregnancy, postpartum, military spouse, japan, motherhood, mental health, birth trauma, support resources
