Real Birth Stories: Nia on Pregnancy, Birth & Motherhood
Meet Nia
Every birth story is unique, and today, I’m honored to share Nia’s journey into motherhood. Nia is a mama of three beautiful girls, a wife, and an interior designer. Last year, she welcomed her third baby girl, Sèlah. Nia is opening up about her recent pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience.
Pregnancy: The Journey to Motherhood
I remember seeing your story about how you found out you were pregnant at SIX months. I thought to myself, “WOW! I know this happens sometimes, but I can’t believe I’m witnessing it happen to a friend.” How did you find out you were pregnant, and how did you feel?
It was truly the craziest thing I have ever gone through.
I was on the Depo-Provera birth control shot. I had to get it done every 3 months, and each time before they administered it, they had to take a pregnancy test. It would always be negative. I started feeling baby kicks, but I thought there was absolutely no way I could be pregnant because, for one, I was on the shot, and two, in order to feel kicks, the fetus would have to be 20+ weeks—and I was not showing at all. I looked it up, and they’re called “phantom kicks.”
I continued to feel the kicks for a few more weeks, and they got stronger. I eventually went to the ER, and they did bloodwork. They performed an ultrasound, and I looked over and saw an entire head, side profile, arms, legs, belly—I mean, a whole baby in there! My jaw? On the floor. I immediately asked the doctor, completely out of breath, “Iss… is… is that a baby!?” And he said, “Yeah… you’re pretty far along…”
They set me up with an appointment to see an OBGYN later that week, but I couldn’t wait. I called one of those 4K ultrasound places and booked immediately to find out the gender. They did measurements, and I found out I was 6 months pregnant with a baby girl—all at once.
And the most insane part? My stomach went from flat and soft to round and hard instantly, as if my mind and body finally made the connection. It was like a light switch. I mean, I was doing the most before I found out! I was on roller coasters that same week, lol.
Initially, I felt shocked, confused, and, to be completely honest, for a few days, I grieved what I thought my life was going to be. My 4-year-old was going to start school with my 9-year-old, so I was going to take that opportunity of having more time for myself to further my career. But I immediately made the shift. With the way this presented itself, it is certain that this is my plan and where I am called to be.
I knew as soon as I found out that I would be naming her SÈLAH. Selah means to pause, to meditate on, to listen to what God is telling you within. It is so fitting to how this unfolded. The greatest divine intervention.
You were already a mama to two beautiful girls. How was your pregnancy different from your other pregnancies?
Well, the main thing being that this pregnancy was basically only 3 months. Also, I had absolutely no symptoms or showing in the first 2 trimesters. Easiest pregnancy ever.
You didn’t have as much time to prepare this time around for your baby girl! What were the things that were most important for you to prepare?
I definitely waited until the very last minute to prepare anything. My 2 baby sprinkles were very intimate—at 36 and 37 weeks. I didn’t pack my hospital bag until I started feeling contractions.
What was most important to me was getting my body and mind ready. I was considered high risk, so doing any method for a “quick and easy” labor was the goal. What worked for me was the Miles Circuit and the peanut ball. I was approaching my due date, and doing those two things got my labor going instantly and got me dilating.
Also, going inward, fully surrendering, and reminding myself that, as a woman, our bodies are meant for this. I was so fearful because my second labor and delivery were quite traumatic, but I affirmed myself that I could do this again.
Birth: The Big Day
Can you share your birth story with us?
I was approaching my due date, and I did the Miles Circuit all day and slept with a peanut ball. Contractions woke me up around 9 p.m., and I started timing them. Once they got consistent, I checked in at the hospital triage around midnight and was in a delivery room by 2 a.m.
I breathed through each contraction and, what I like to say—melted into them. Each time I could feel one coming, I pictured a wave and rode through it.
I dilated to 10 cm and started pushing at 3 p.m., and she was born in 3 pushes. I unfortunately hemorrhaged, which was my fear. I hemorrhaged with my second daughter, Indra, and it traumatized me. With her, I bled out so much and had to get 2 blood transfusions. If you didn’t know, postpartum hemorrhaging is the #1 leading cause of maternal mortality.
Luckily, I expressed my concerns to my midwife during my appointments, and they made sure they were prepared. They fixed it immediately after I gave birth and had a cart right next to them. I was so out of it and don’t really remember those first moments of her on my chest and family coming in to visit. All I can recall were nurses and doctors surrounding me, lots of pressure, and stress to quickly handle everything. Rather than feeling euphoria and excitement, I felt scared and defeated.
My midwife visited me the next day and checked in. I cried to her. I felt like I missed such once-in-a-lifetime moments. She sent me home and told me to go create memories with my daughters. So not even 24 hours later, they discharged me. I really appreciate her thoughtfulness and compassion. Seems like such a minor thing now looking back, but to me, it was everything. I will never forget her.
What emotions did you experience during labor?
During active labor, I felt calm, relaxed, and comfortable. As soon as I stepped into the hospital, they accommodated me and made sure I was taken care of. All of my needs were met with ease. My nurses were angels.
After delivery, I felt exhausted.
How did your husband and family support you during labor?
I’m the woman that didn’t want to be talked to or touched during labor, lol. I had the lights dim and frequencies on. I needed to be fully present with self. G, my mom, and my mother-in-law were in the room (they were the 3 people who were in the room for all my deliveries), and they supported me by letting me do just that. My dad had my two older daughters back at home with him during L&D, and they came over as soon as their baby sister was born.
Postpartum & Motherhood: The Fourth Trimester
What was your favorite part of this postpartum experience?
My favorite part has to be that I’m able to enjoy it. I know the ins and outs this time—what works for me and what doesn’t. My first postpartum was when I was 20 years old. I was young and didn’t know what I was doing, so it was a learning experience. My second postpartum was when COVID and quarantine first started, so I was isolated for the majority of it. This time, I feel present and not in survival mode. It truly gets easier the more kids you have.
Did you experience baby blues or any unexpected feelings postpartum?
I, of course, have my moments and moods, but I’d say I’m in good spirits overall. The first month was the hardest for sure. I would get the nighttime scaries the first few weeks. However, as long as I get us outside and get some sun doing things we enjoy, I’m good. Sè loves the car seat and stroller, so as soon as things get overstimulating, out we go.
What and who helped you the most during those first few weeks?
My mom has been my saving grace. She retired last year, so she has allllll the free time, and she lives 5 minutes away from me. She is an entire village in one person. She helps me clean my home, cooks me meals, and picks up the girls from school most days. Sometimes I feel bad that she dedicates so much of her time to us, but her response is always that it brings her joy (and her name is Joy, hehe).
My eldest daughter, Ava, has also been the greatest help. She is obsessed with her baby sister. She offers to take her when she can sense I need some extra hands.
And especially, of course, having a spouse who is hands-on and involved. He is a provider, protector, and problem solver. The epitome of a girl dad.
You wear many hats! You’re a wife, now a mama of three, and you are in the home remodeling space. How did you transition into your postpartum phase?
I’m a freelance interior designer (as well as other creative projects), and my husband co-owns a home remodeling company here in San Diego. I only take on what I know I can handle and what will allow me the time to still be there for my kids. I love what I do because it doesn’t feel like work to me. I take my baby everywhere with me—to job sites, furniture sourcing, showrooms, etc.
How was transitioning from being a mama of two, to being a mama of three?
I’ll be honest. One kid feels like one. Two kids feel like two. And three kids feel like ten. Whenever we go places, I feel like I’m bringing a whole gang with me. It takes us forever to get anywhere, lol.
But I really love the sisterhood they have. I’m being very intentional in instilling into them that they know they are best friends forever. “That’s your GIRL. For life.” I would have 10 girls if I could.
What advice would you give to an expecting mom?
It gets better.
You will sleep again. You will have a sense of self again. You will have time again. You will be able to take long showers again. You will have date nights with your husband again. You will feel like you again.
Also, self-care is absolutely essential in order to show up and be the best version of yourself for your kids. A good mom is good to herself.
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Final Thoughts
Nia’s story is a beautiful reminder that motherhood doesn’t always go according to plan and sometimes, that’s where the most powerful transformations happen. From the shock of an unexpected pregnancy to the strength she found during labor and the grace she carries through postpartum, Nia embodies the resilience, softness, and divine intuition that motherhood calls for.
Her journey reminds us to trust our bodies, lean on our village, and make space for joy even in the most surprising seasons. Thank you, Nia, for sharing your heart so openly. Your story will inspire so many mamas to pause, reflect, and listen to the wisdom within just like you did with your sweet Sèlah. ♡
