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My 300 lb Birth Story

I weighed 299.9 lb on my first prenatal visit. Everything I read online led me to believe that my plus size pregnancy would be full of complications. It was hard to imagine that my 300 lb birth story could end in a vaginal birth, let alone an unmedicated natural birth.

That’s what I wanted – to give birth naturally.

I desperately wanted to give birth without an epidural because I wanted to remain in control.

Deep down, I feared what would happen if others needed to move my body for me.

What would they say?

How would they treat me?

plus size woman after giving birth with 300 lb birth story

300 lbs And Pregnant

The first five months of my pregnancy was full of water aerobics and watermelon.

I loved being in the pool and eating nourishing food that fueled my body. A body I kept waiting to fail me during pregnancy.

During one night at water aerobics my friend Angela, who was also pregnant, shared that she hired a doula for her birth.

My curiosity peaked, and before I knew it, a thin punk-rock woman named Whitney was sitting in my living room.

Related: Plus Size Pregnancy Struggles And Finding Self-Love

Whitney is a doula, and she listened to my desires for an unmedicated birth. Afterward, she said I should have a home birth.

I was shocked!

How could she not understand that I was having a high-risk pregnancy and that my 300 lb birth story would be full of complications?

A home birth?

No! I explained to her that my plus size pregnancy was high-risk.

Her response knocked the wind out of me, “Who told you that? No, you’re not having a high-risk pregnancy!”

She went on to repeat everything I had told her about how I was taking great care of my body and that I hadn’t incurred any risks during my pregnancy.

But, but, but, I weigh nearly 300 lbs, and I’m pregnant! That makes me high-risk!

Whitney basically told me to get over my weight – that my thoughts, not my body, were holding me back.

If I wanted a natural childbirth then I should strongly consider the midwifery model of care and switch medical facilities.

And so I did!

Five months into my pregnancy I switch care from an OB-GYN to a midwife, and the rest, as they say, is history.

As you’ll hear in this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast, I had a perfectly healthy plus size pregnancy, and my 300 lb birth story ends by me giving birth on my knees.

My body is not broken. My body is amazing!

plus size woman in a hospital bed

On my medical records, there are two boxes checked off that solidify to me that plus size does not automatically equal high-risk.

Box 1 = Obese

Box 2 = Low-Risk

I hope my story inspires others to believe in the strength and beauty their body possesses!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 17

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

  • Here’s a free guide from the Plus Size Birth website that teaches you how to connect with a size friendly care provider.
  • Photos pictured below were mentioned on the show – Braeden’s going home outfit that was packed by my husband and my maroon toilet.
Photos of Braeden and Chris McLellan

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode is also brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

Agnes

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Your story gives me hope. Am 105kgs and have a history of high blood pressure and also diagnosed with PCOS. Recently had a miscarriage and I keep wondering if I will be able to carry a baby to term with my weight and all. Got two kids already and trying for a third.

Amanda

Tuesday 25th of October 2022

I am currently going through similar fears but one thing that I feel may be different and makes me feel like I can't afford to refuse "recommendations" from my doctors. Not my weight (although constantly reminded of that) but my diabetes. Just wondering if any plus size mommas did have diabetes and still experienced completely healthy births? Would love to deliver vaginally but scared with all the preventative care I have received so far with my high risk doctors that they will take my little guy early.

Princess

Thursday 9th of May 2019

Great read, thanks for sharing. Looking forward to checking out the podcast.

plusmommy

Monday 13th of May 2019

Thanks so much for reading!

Moonfae03

Saturday 29th of December 2018

Thank you so much for sharing this. I cried my eyes out cause birth is not appreciated enough and to hear your birth story really touches me. Thank you very much for this podcast.

plusmommy

Saturday 29th of December 2018

You're so incredibly welcome! Your feedback keeps me going strong and wanting to share even more.

Stephanie R

Friday 7th of September 2018

I wish I had done more to find a care team like you had. I wanted what you had. I didn't get it. I was lead to believe that I would have that compassion, that I would have the opportunity to move while I labored, that the monitoring would be there portable doppler... I wound up strapped to the bed, essentially guilted into using pitocin and an epidural when it was in my wishes to avoid medications. I still feel so poorly for the way it went, despite my son being beautiful, despite still succeeding in having a vaginal delivery, despite only needing one stitch. I still don't love my body. I wish I had what you had. Maybe in the future I can get it...

plusmommy

Saturday 8th of September 2018

Big HUGS Stephanie! I think it will take time to process your birth and heal through it. It's okay to feel let down. It's not right how often this bait-and-switch happens. I'm so sorry!