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How to write a birth story


Documenting your baby's birth day

You don't have to be a writer to write the story of the day your child entered the world. Follow these prompts to remember your special day and document it forever.
Documenting your baby's birth day

My baby is here! Now what?

The day you birthed your baby is playing on repeat in your head. The rush of adrenalin and emotions you've experienced during labor, birth and the first time you held your child are so powerful that you simply have to get it on paper. Guess what? You're not alone. More and more women (and men) are turning to their computer, blog, a community website or a piece of paper and a pencil to tell the story of the day their child entered the world.

Documenting your baby's birth dayWhen to write a birth story

It's best to write your birth story while the emotions are still fresh -- as that is the time when you'll capture most of the true feelings in your words. If you're sleep deprived, unfocused or would rather take every moment to snuggle your baby, keep a notepad by your bed and write down little notes as you think of them. You can always go back to writing your birth story -- your baby won't be a newborn forever.

How to write a birth story

Gather your notes, photographs, cards and memorabilia from the day of your baby's birth. These items will not only help you remember the smallest details, they will help you write with your heart on your sleeve.
Write in a quiet place after a snack and a glass of water or while your baby is sleeping next to you. Just be careful that your happy tears don't wake your sleepy baby -- and trust me, there will be happy tears.

Brainstorm descriptive words that explain your labor and delivery experience. Include your husband in the process, as he might remember specific moments that you might not.

Start from the beginning. When did you realize you were in labor? What happened? Where were you? Who was with you? Continue asking yourself these questions as you progress through the story and travel back in time through your day (or night) while in labor.
Note your labor and delivery details. How long was your labor? How long were you pushing? What time was your baby born? Was the experience what you imagined it would be like? And finally, what was the first thing you did or said when your baby was born?

Should cameras be allowing in delivery rooms? >>

Keep it light, focus on the positives

Know that one day your child may read this precious story. Keep that in mind when you are writing your innermost feelings about how the birth played out. Maybe you ended up with an emergency C-section after months of envisioning a natural, drug-free childbirth. That's okay. The most important outcome is your healthy baby -- no matter how he or she entered the world. If you feel any doubt, anger or sadness because of how the birth went, talk to your doctor, friends or find online support communities that can help you work through your feelings. You can even write about your experience and emotions, but it might be best to keep it separate from the actual birth story.

More about birth

5 Reasons to hire a birth doula
Tips for the first stages of labor
Stages of labor

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