20 Questions to Ask Yourself When Writing Your Birth Story

I don't know about you, but I've read about 1 million birth stories in my years as a Mother and Doula. 
But when it comes to writing my own birth story, I struggle to find the words...or the time.  

You can see here, it took me 3 years to finally write my second child's birth story, 
The Birth That Inspired Me to Become a Doula 

Is it the hormones of labor and delivery blocking my memory? 
Was it such an intense experience that my brain doesn't allow me to relive it? 
Perhaps that is nature's way of allowing for continued procreation, right? 
Or really, is it just that I wait too long? 

I encourage couples at our Postpartum Visit to write their birth story ASAP. 

Some families choose to write their birth stories and keep them close, only for themselves to reflect upon. Others choose to share with close family and friends and others choose to share with the world. 

Your story is important and it’s yours to do with what you wish... but first, you have to write it!

What are some reasons to write a birth story?? 

• To help you remember all the small details that can be so quickly forgotten

• To process an especially difficult birth

• As a keepsake for your children, the story of their one and only true Birth Day. 

Have more reasons? Comment below! 

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20 Questions to Ask Yourself When Writing Your Birth Story:

1. Where were you at and what were you doing when you first thought labor may be starting?

2. What was the first sign that labor might be or was imminent? 

3. Who did you tell first? How did they react?

4. How and when did you know for sure that it was labor? 

5. Did you have time to rest? What are some of the activities/positions you tried for comfort?

6. When did you call your doula, childcare for older siblings, someone to care for the dog, etc.? 

7. How long did you labor at home? 

8. How did you know it was time to go to the hospital or call the midwife, if having a homebirth? 

9. What was the ride to the hospital like?

10. What are some physical sensations you especially remember..smells, touch, noises? 

11. How would you describe your contractions or surges in the various stages in labor?

12. What were your moods like at various times in labor?
For fun, how would those around you in labor answer this? 

13. What was it like to settle into your birth place? 

14. What surprised you about your labor? 

15. What would you describe as the high and low points of your labor?

16. How did your labor and birth compare to what you thought it might be like?

17. How long did you push? Were there complications with your delivery? If so, what were your feelings and reactions to the intensity? 

18. How did your baby first look to you? What were the feelings when you first met your baby? 
Think about the smells, sounds, sensations... 

19. What are some other things that are memorable to you or that you now laugh or cry about?

20. Did you surprise yourself in any way as you dealt with the circumstances of your birth experience?

Remember:

• These are just ideas & this is YOUR birth story. 
  
• There is no right or wrong length or amount of detail.
  
• Write what matters to you.
  

Have more ideas or want to share a link to your birth story? Feel free to do so in the comments!