The Birth of Emmett
Birth story by Brittany Stevens. Images by Hailey Moses Striebich.
I became Brittany’s doula just one day before she welcomed baby Emmett via Emergency Cesarean at 33 weeks gestation. Despite challenging circumstances and a huge shift in her birth plan, Brittany chose to focus on hope and love. Emmett’s birth story is deeply moving, and this family is so precious to me. I am so honored to share Brittany’s story, in her own words. -Hailey
I planned to give birth at a beautiful birth center in Pensacola, where I work as a doula. However, during my 31st week of pregnancy, persistent contractions sent me to the local hospital’s labor and delivery triage. I thought I might just need hydration or medication, but an ultrasound revealed serious complications: increased amniotic fluid, anemia, and fluid surrounding Emmett's brain and organs. They weren't entirely sure what was going on and felt I needed to be transferred for more advanced care. After two nights at the Pensacola hospital, I was flown to Shands Hospital in Gainesville.
Thankfully, my husband was able to join me and the very next day, the head of maternal-fetal medicine performed an ultrasound and informed us that Emmett had Non-Immune Hydrops, with only a 50% chance of survival. They weren't sure of the cause but were hopeful that a fetal-maternal blood transfusion would help.
Preparing for the procedure was daunting; I feared a C-section or worse. Despite my calm demeanor on the outside, I struggled mentally, facing panic attacks about losing Emmett or leaving my family behind. Clinging to hope, the simple belief that things could change, was essential for us during this time.
The transfusion was challenging but it went well, and Emmett's condition began to improve. Afterward, we were able to spend some days outside the hospital before returning for follow-up ultrasounds. My support network was incredible. Emmett was doing well enough for my doctors to suggest that I could even have a natural vaginal delivery if I reached 37 weeks. I knew I needed a doula on my birth team but not knowing if I would be staying in Gainesville was tricky, I reached out to Hailey in my 33rd week, and despite the unusual circumstances, she was so kind and agreed to meet with us later that week to see if we were a good fit incase we needed her later on.
Unfortunately, the very next day I was readmitted as Emmett's condition worsened, and it was decided that I would need a C-section the next morning. Hailey didn’t hesitate to come to the hospital that evening, offering reassurance and guidance as we prepared for Emmett's birth. With the symptoms worsening, the doctors and NICU staff mentally prepared us for the worst. You never plan to have a conversation with your doula about possible bereavement support, but Hailey asked the right questions and held space for us to process what we wanted in every circumstance. It was one of the hardest conversations to have, but we felt so supported and hopeful no matter what happened. Hailey talked us through everything that would happen, so I felt incredibly prepared. I was so thankful to have a doula who could be with my husband and I in the operating room, which not all hospitals allow or support.
The next morning, everyone was eager and hopeful. Hailey constantly checked in on both of us, advocating for me, and capturing precious moments with her camera the whole morning.
Despite a brief drop in my blood pressure that was a little scary, my C-section went perfectly. Emmett was born on March 20th at 9:37 am, crying and screaming right away.
They delayed cutting the cord, allowing me to see and touch him briefly before he needed CPAP support due to fluid in his body.
After being rushed to the NICU, he received another blood transfusion and faced a long road ahead for recovery and growth. Knowing he was in the best possible hands, I felt immense peace, love, and hope that everything would be okay during my own recovery from major surgery.
Hailey was there for me every step of the way, even after Emmett was born, visiting us and providing emotional support. By the end of our journey, she was not just our birth doula but a dear friend and our biggest cheerleader. She was even there to take some photos for us the first time Emmett latched on to breastfeed at 11 days old. We could not have gone through Emmett's birth without her encouragement and love.
Emmett spent 24 days in the NICU, showing remarkable strength as he overcame many difficult challenges day by day. We were discharged and drove home to Pensacola on April 12th, one of the scariest and happiest days of our lives. We are reminded every day of the amazing miracle that Emmett is, and we are so thankful for the incredible people God placed on our path to support and love us all the way through.
My heartfelt words to a mama facing challenges or an unexpected change of plans during pregnancy, birth, or postpartum would be to allow yourself the time and space to feel, journal, process what you are going through and give yourself grace. Cling to God, to hope, to peace and let go of control and instead trust that the people around you have been put on your path for a reason. You will get through this, you will be okay even if what is happening in the present moment isn’t okay. There is light on the other side of this, Mama, and you are not alone on this journey.
Emmett is now 8 months old, and he is a healthy, happy, amazing little guy! Here is a picture of Brittany and Emmett today.
Photo by Brittany (taken November 2024)
