My son Julius was born on August 11, 2024, at 9:56 am at Banner University Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. I labored for nearly 10 hours during an amazing unmedicated birth, supported by my husband, doula, midwife and a wonderful L&D nurse. My OB and midwifery team made the delivery unforgettable in the best way.
This birth was everything I both expected and didn’t expect. Birthing Julius was the most euphoric, yet terrifying, experience of my life. On August 9, I noticed my mucus plug begin to come out, and deep down I just knew—we were getting close. On August 10, my husband and I walked around Arizona Mills Mall to encourage labor to start. My experience ended up feeling like something straight out of a movie—my water actually broke, and I was able to distinctly feel each stage of labor as it happened.
Early Labor
Early labor is when your cervix begins to dilate and efface—typically reaching 4 to 6 centimeters. Contractions may last 30 to 45 seconds and gradually increase in intensity and frequency, starting about every 20 minutes and moving closer together.
12:03 am, August 11
My water broke! What I kept calling “major pelvic pressure” turned out to be contractions, though I didn’t realize it at the time. It’s funny looking back now—I just didn’t understand what I was feeling. That’s actually really common for first-time moms. You’re flooded with so many new physical sensations and emotions, but deep down, you’ll know: This is it.
Active Labor
In active labor, the cervix dilates further—usually from 4–6 centimeters up to 7–8 centimeters. Contractions grow stronger, lasting 40 to 60 seconds, and come every three to four minutes.
6:40 am, August 11
We arrived at the hospital and, to my surprise, I was already 7 centimeters dilated! I have to give so much credit to my husband—his support at home was everything. We labored together for hours. I spent a lot of time on my exercise ball and tried different positions like the partner-assisted abdominal lift, glute shakes, and one of my favorites—the “dilation station”—where I sat facing the toilet to help open up my pelvis.
Transition
Transition is the most intense part of labor, when the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 centimeters. Contractions are strong, lasting 60 to 90 seconds, and come every two to three minutes.
8:40 am, August 11
At this point, I was around 9 centimeters dilated, and things got real. This was when I truly felt I had to dig deep. It took everything I had physically—and spiritually. I absolutely believe this was when the supernatural presence of God surrounded me and carried me through.
The Final Push: Vacuum-Assisted Delivery
As we neared the end, Julius was so close to being born—but suddenly, his heart rate was dropping and he was in distress. My midwife, who also happens to be the OB’s wife, immediately FaceTimed him and had him rush to my room.
Even in the urgency of that moment, my care team honored my birth preferences. My husband later told me that my midwife had gone over my birth plan in detail when we first arrived. They all knew I wanted minimal intervention. With my consent, my OB performed a vacuum-assisted delivery to help bring Julius safely into the world. Even then, I still had to push hard to get him here.
From that point on…I don’t remember much other than focusing on my husband’s face and eyes…then us saying together repeatedly “For Julius”.
9:56 am, August 11
My sweet baby boy was born. I went into labor right into the midnight hour that evening and my son was born early that morning on August 11! My son spent an additional day in the hospital’s special care nursery due to his high respiratory rate for monitoring and we were cleared to go home the morning of August 13. All praise be to God for my sonshine. We love you Julius Cortez Martin.
Reflections on Birth
If you’re a first-time mama or a mother hoping for a more empowered birth experience—know this: it starts with you. Trust yourself. Believe that God has equipped you perfectly for this journey. Our bodies are nothing short of miraculous.
Birth is a marathon, not a sprint. And your birth team matters so much. Building a supportive, affirming birth team during pregnancy makes all the difference. You deserve to feel seen, heard, and cared for. That team will carry you when you’re feeling weak, when you want to give up, when you need encouragement.
Thank you for sharing such an intimate and important life experience! Motherhood is powerful and your birthing story is empowering. Congratulations!