10 Contractions & a Toilet Baby: Positive Home Birth Story w/Ashley & Bryan Worley
Can you imagine having only about 10 contractions and your baby being born?! This is seriously the BEST birth story!
In this episode, My Essential Birth students Ashley & Bryan Worley are sharing their second birth story — and it is one of those you just can’t make up. From being pregnant while chasing a toddler, to doing serious mental prep, to a labor so fast that Bryan ended up catching their baby on the toilet (yes… actually), this story is wild in the best way.
We talk about what really changed the second time around, why the mental game mattered more than anything, how nutrition impacted Ashley’s pregnancy and labs, and what made both of them feel so confident going into birth. Bryan also shares what it was like supporting Ashley — and what dads actually need to know to show up well in labor.
Whether this is your first baby or you’ve done this before, this episode will remind you just how capable your body is — and how much of a difference the right preparation and support can make.
Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
2:15 – Meet Ashley & Bryan Worley
A glimpse into their growing family — and why this pregnancy felt completely different right from the start.
3:12 – First birth vs. second birth: what really changed
From pregnancy exhaustion with a toddler to the huge mental shift that made all the difference this time — plus Bryan’s perspective on preparing together as a team.
7:19 – Fatherhood the second time around
Bryan opens up about the deeper connection, the joy, and how his role as a dad and birth partner evolved in ways he never expected.
10:33 – Choosing a birth center & midwife care
Why Ashley chose midwives again, how continuity of care shaped her confidence, and why Bryan became a huge believer in the midwife model.
15:25 – Daily birth prep that actually works
Pelvic floor PT, mental conditioning, prayer, and a powerful mantra that carried Ashley through labor — plus how intentional language shapes birth and parenting.
18:58 – No cervical checks, better labs & the nutrition shift
Ashley shares why she skipped vaginal exams, how changing her nutrition impacted her platelet levels, and why food played a massive role in staying low-risk.
20:47 – Going past the due date & the mental game
What it felt like to pass her due date, why she still didn’t know labor was coming, and the moment everything suddenly changed.
— Lightning Birth Story —
Exactly how labor unfolded, why it escalated so fast, and the unforgettable moment Bryan realized what was happening… just in time to catch their baby himself.
35:04 – Inside the contractions: the mental & physical strategy
The sounds, the surrender, the trust — and how practicing for labor ahead of time made it all feel familiar instead of frightening.
38:21 – Best advice for moms & dads preparing for birth
Ashley’s reminder that the work is worth it — and Bryan’s heartfelt message directly to dads about leadership, protection, and showing up in every way during pregnancy and birth.
This isn’t just another birth story — it’s a masterclass in mental preparation, partner support, nutrition, and trusting your body. Can't wait for you to take a listen!
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Links & Resources
The same resources this mom and dad used for this amazing home birth (and their first birth too!)!!
- My Essential Birth Course
- 3 FREE Exercise Guide
- Ashley & Bryans' First Birth Story: Episode 279: Birth Story: A Parking Lot Miracle & Unplanned Birth Adventure
- The Fresh Test 20% OFF with code: MYESSENTIALBIRTH20
ALL my love, 
