Overcoming Shoulder Dystocia: Samantha’s Hospital and Home Birth Stories

In this powerful episode of Triumphant Birth, host Jamie Raisleger welcomes Samantha Dunnavant, a mother of two, who shares her deeply personal journey through both hospital and home birth. Samantha opens up about her first pregnancy, where she felt uninformed and unprepared, and how listening to birth stories helped her better navigate labor the second time around.

She recounts the unexpected challenges of giving birth during COVID-19 and the harrowing moment of shoulder dystocia during delivery. Samantha reflects on how choosing midwifery and chiropractic care transformed her experience, offering more personalized and empowering support than she felt with traditional OB care.

Postpartum wasn’t without its struggles—breastfeeding difficulties, delayed bonding, and the silent weight of postpartum depression. Through it all, Samantha emphasizes the importance of education, self-advocacy, and support for women in their childbearing years. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that childbirth is not just a hurdle to overcome, but a destination that can transform and empower. Whether you're preparing for birth or healing from one, Samantha’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Samantha's Journey
01:18 Pregnancy and Early Labor Experience
08:28 The Start of Labor and Hospital Arrival
15:34 Labor Progression and Epidural Decision
20:59 Birth Experience and Shoulder Dystocia
27:11 Postpartum Challenges and Breastfeeding Journey
38:25 Navigating Breastfeeding Challenges
39:22 Postpartum Reflections and Bonding
40:27 Chiropractic Care and Its Impact
43:10 Pregnancy Journey with Luke
45:00 Choosing the Midwifery Route
50:25 Midwife Appointments vs. OB Visits
55:16 Labor Experience with Luke
01:05:16 The Birth Process and Overcoming Challenges
01:15:27 Post-Birth Reflections and Care
01:18:51 Empowerment Through Birth Experiences

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