My Birth Story: Featuring New Mama Heather Lake of FOX 5 San Diego

May 3, 2018 Shelley Hopper

When it comes to birth stories and postpartum experiences, just as no two people are the same, neither are two births, two journeys through healing from childbirth, and neither are two postpartum experiences - emotional and physical.

Today we're featuring Heather Lake, new mama and avid runner in San Diego. If you're local to San Diego, you might recognize her as a local feature reporter for the morning show on FOX 5. She's a mama to her 2-year-old, Sebastian, and newborn, Lucy, and wife to Sean. She and her husband love the beach & the mountains. They're always outdoors, and if they're not swimming and surfing in the ocean, you can find them snowboarding in our local mountains. Heather is hoping to get back to her goal of completing a marathon in every state.....with 9 down, and a lot to go! When she's not working or playing with the kiddos, she's writing and working on her new blog www.thatgirlonthego.com. She's been working for FOX 5 for 10 years now.

Today, she's giving us a little peek into her life as a mama and becoming a new mom by sharing her birth story...

Instagram: @Heatherlaketv

Facebook: Heather Lake

Twitter: @heatherlakefox5

Heather's Birth Story

Many OBGYNs describe my second birth as a “classic second child” delivery, but for me, it was a monumental accomplishment—both mentally and physically. Leading up to this birth, I studied hypnobirthing techniques and was determined to have a natural childbirth. My first birth had been quite dramatic, like something out of a movie: my water broke in a restaurant (cue the “check, please” moment), contractions started in the car, and I endured three hours of violent dry heaving. Thankfully, the Thai food we ordered didn’t arrive in time because that would have forever ruined my favorite takeout spot. After several grueling hours and no end in sight, I opted for the epidural and delivered a healthy baby 12 hours later.

For my second child, things were different. This time, I entered the experience with a new mindset, embracing hypnobirthing. While I believe that any method of birth preparation is valid (because you never know what the body or baby is going to do), I had a more focused approach. The ultimate goal, of course, was to deliver a healthy baby. So, rather than telling a self-righteous story of how I delivered naturally, I want to share how beautiful birth can be if everything aligns and how much your mindset plays a role.

The Journey to a Natural Birth

My contractions started at 3 a.m., spaced about 15 minutes apart. I called the doctor, went in for a quick check, and confirmed that the baby was on her way—albeit on her schedule. That day, my husband took me to my acupuncture appointment, where I’d been going regularly throughout my pregnancy. The session allowed me to relax and breathe through my contractions, which were 10 minutes apart by then. My acupuncturist applied extra "to-go" ear needles to stimulate labor, and I headed home to continue relaxing.

I spent the next few hours in a warm bath, breathing through the contractions as they gradually intensified. By the time we arranged care for our 2-year-old, my contractions were just three minutes apart, and we headed to the hospital. Honestly, I couldn’t believe how well I was managing the pain. But things were getting serious, and my mind began to waver. As we drove, I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing. I sang “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” with each contraction because I knew it lasted about 30 seconds—the same length as the contraction. By the time we arrived at the hospital at 4:30 p.m., I was deep into labor. And by 5:47 p.m., our healthy baby girl, Lucy, was born.

The Power of Focus and Movement

The birth of Lucy was one of the most intense and empowering things I’ve ever done—and that’s coming from a woman who’s completed IRONMAN triathlons and marathons. Throughout the process, I purposely avoided looking at the monitors or the faces of the nurses. I needed to stay focused. The nurses were incredible, guiding my husband and coaching me through each stage of labor.

One of the most beautiful aspects of not having an epidural was my ability to change positions and move my body as needed. Whenever I felt like I was hitting my limit, I could shift positions and refocus. While it wasn’t easy, and I’m not sure I’d do it again, I’m immensely proud that my body rose to the challenge. The most beautiful part was holding Lucy on my chest for the first time. Every birth is a miracle, and I’ll never forget seeing the words written on the whiteboard in my room: “Delivery Notes: Wants to deliver as natural as possible.” Seeing that after the delivery made me smile—I had done it!

Postpartum Recovery: Faster the Second Time Around

I share this story not just because it was an incredible experience but also because it deeply impacted my postpartum recovery. After Lucy’s birth, I spent just 24 hours in the hospital before heading home to start life with my new family of four. Delivering unmedicated made my recovery feel like a breeze compared to my first birth. I walked around the room within two hours and even went to the bathroom alone, which felt miraculous after my previous experience. Everything about the recovery seemed to happen in warp speed.

Even though my recovery felt easier, I still found myself being hard on my body. Around Lucy’s one-month birthday, the joy of her birth started to fade, and I found myself staring at my postpartum body in the mirror with disappointment. Why wasn’t my stomach flat yet? Why did my booty seem to disappear? These thoughts didn’t magically go away, but life with two kids didn’t leave much time for lingering in front of the mirror.

At six weeks postpartum, I started working out with friends, attending Stroller Strides classes, and reminding myself that our bodies have done something beautiful—given the gift of life. Sure, I’ll probably always feel self-conscious in a swimsuit, and I’ll envy the fit trainer in the perfect leggings and sports bra, but this is me. My husband loves me, my kids love me, and most importantly, I’m healthy. I exercise for them—to give them a happy and healthy mom—and for me, to maintain a strong sense of self.

I’ve made a promise to myself not to be so hard on my postpartum body. Instead, I’m choosing to celebrate it—the big nursing boobs, the flattened glutes, the less-than-flat abs. With time, effort, and self-love, our bodies reward us. This isn’t a “constant struggle” but a “constant journey” as a mother, wife, and woman.

Here’s to motherhood and all the unique, beautiful ways we enter the journey. Cheers to the miraculous, imperfect, and wonderful experience of mamahood.

Meet Other Moms Like You

Do you need support just like Heather did? Of course, because we all do as mothers.

Please meet Stroller Strides - a 60-minute total-body workout with strength, cardio, and core training, all while engaging the little ones in a stroller! You’ll leave class feeling strong, empowered, connected, and energized—no matter your stage of motherhood.

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