One year ago today (6/10) was my “due date”. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLLLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLLLOL. That date was chosen and reviewed for weeks with my reproductive endocrinologist. It was based on the exact length of my cycle, the exact date of conception, and a very precise measurement taken at 5 weeks, 6 weeks, 7 weeks, and 8 weeks. We knew exactly how far along in pregnancy I was, to the day. But what no one knows is exactly how long each individual baby needs inside the womb. Simon needed 42 weeks and 4 days. He came in his own time, no hospital induction, no pitocin, just patience and 6 days of off and on contractions. No red raspberry leaf tea, acupuncture, birth ball, reflexology, massage, sex, walking, relaxing, eating a box of dates, castor oil, pumping, or membrane stripping was successful in starting labor. Even as a doula I was driven by fear in the end because of a 42 week deadline. If it weren’t for my husband and midwives I would have had a very different birth. Thankfully at 42 weeks pregnant I was transferred into the care of a Dr who was happy to give us more time. Simon was 8lbs at birth. . . . . #simonpatrick#nosuchthingasaduedate#42weekspregnant#labor#birth#induction#midwife#birthingcenter#losangeles#doula#babiesofinstagram#11monthsold#douladevon (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByhKk_jAApY/?igshid=2z65hsmms1w2