My Birth Story: Navigating Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum Recovery
And the lessons of entrepreneurship and wellness I have learned through this process.
I gave birth 10 weeks ago to a human that I created within me! Gosh, that sounds unreal! And yet, people around the world create and birth such miracles every day. While this may be my unique birth story, I believe it could resonate with anyone who has been through the beautiful yet challenging journey of pregnancy. If this story connects with you or empowers you in any way, I feel my job here is done!
Why Sharing Birth Stories Matters
I firmly believe that every birth story deserves to be told and shared, but sadly, I don’t see many being discussed openly. Before I went through this process, I wish I had access to more birth stories that could have prepared me for the reality of it. I was one of the lucky ones, with my mom and husband by my side during the entire process. Even in recovery, I have had incredible support from my parents and partner, which I know is not the reality for many new parents around the world.
For those who don’t know, I’m a physical therapist, a Certified Kundalini Yoga (meditation) teacher, and an Ayurveda practitioner from the Chopra Center. Throughout my pregnancy, labor, and post-delivery recovery, I leaned heavily on both modern science and the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga. This holistic approach was my saving grace.
Preparing for Pregnancy: A Year in the Making
My partner, Anshul, and I spent a year preparing for this pregnancy. We wanted to ensure that we were in the best possible physical, mental, and emotional space before bringing new life into the world. We meditated intensely, maintained consistent yoga practices, and followed Ayurvedic principles to optimize our health.
When we finally conceived, we were still living in California. The day I found out I was pregnant, Anshul was visiting his family in India. I called him and my mom, and they were overjoyed! But I, on the other hand, was terrified. I hadn’t expected to receive the news while alone, and it threw me off balance. Yet, over the next 48 hours, I connected deeply with the new soul growing inside me. That connection became my source of calm.
A Shift in Perspective: From Hustle to Consistency
Before pregnancy, I was always chasing goals and working with people who didn’t align with my values. But when I found out I was pregnant, everything shifted. Instead of seeking speed and accomplishments, I began to prioritize consistency and space in my life.
It dawned on me that I could create a life-first business—one where life and well-being come before everything else. This was a pivotal moment for me. I began to focus on building something sustainable and meaningful rather than chasing external validation.
The Story Divided: From Pregnancy to Postpartum
I’m dividing my story into three parts:
Pre-delivery: The pregnancy journey
Labor and delivery: A 28-hour marathon
Post-delivery and recovery: A critical and often overlooked phase
Along the way, I’ll share insights on two key themes:
Building a Life-First Business: I’ll be sharing a step-by-step guide on how to create a life-first business that aligns with your values and allows you to thrive without burning out with the founders who are part of my 1:1 coaching. [Join the waitlist for my 1:1 coaching]
Integrating Eastern and Western Practices for Holistic Wellness: I’ll also be releasing a detailed guide on how I combined Western medicine with Eastern wisdom during my pregnancy, labor, and recovery. [Join the waitlist to get the guide here]
Now, let’s dive into each phase of my journey.
Phase 1: Pre-Delivery Trimester 1
Background
I discovered my pregnancy in November 2023. At that point, Anshul and I began questioning our attachment to our Silicon Valley lifestyle. We craved a space where we could build a family—a place closer to nature, with less rush and more openness. In January, we visited Austin and found our new home during our 10th wedding anniversary trip. This was a significant milestone for us, both personally and professionally.
Wellness Journey
Despite my best efforts to maintain my healthy routines, my first trimester was incredibly challenging. Fatigue and nausea took over, and I found myself lying on the couch watching sad shows like Grey’s Anatomy. My body needed rest, but mentally, I struggled with the shift.
What Worked:
Breathing Exercises: My anxiety was at an all-time high, making it difficult to meditate. Instead, I focused on simple breathing exercises to calm my mind. [Learn more about these exercises by joining the waitlist]
Sleep Pillow: My body ached constantly, and this pillow was my lifesaver. [Buy it here]
Nature: Living next to the Pacific Ocean in Pacifica brought me peace. Sitting by the water was incredibly therapeutic.
Ginger for Nausea: Ginger became my best friend during this time, helping with constant nausea.
Life-First Business
My pregnancy made me reevaluate my priorities. I stepped away from big projects and shifted focus to building a business that aligned with my life-first values. This meant reducing stress, prioritizing meaningful work, and planning for long-term sustainability.
Phase 2: Pre-Delivery Trimester 2
Background
Anshul and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, moved to Austin, and I became the official business coach at SXSW for pitch event finalists—all while 21 weeks pregnant! This trimester was a turning point for me as I regained my energy and felt more aligned with my life’s direction.
Wellness Journey
I swam and practiced yoga 4-5 times a week, took prenatal vitamins, and enjoyed nature in Austin’s hill country. My eating aversions faded, and I began to enjoy life again.
What Worked:
Yoga and Swimming: Staying active helped me feel balanced and energized.
Clean Nutrition: I hired a chef to prepare wholesome meals, focusing on clean oils and nutritious ingredients.
Life-First Business
Planning for my maternity leave took center stage. I worked closely with my team to set systems in place, ensuring the business would thrive during my absence. This strategic planning led to a 30% revenue increase for 2024!
Phase 3: Pre-Delivery Trimester 3
Background
Nesting mode kicked in during my third trimester. I focused on creating a welcoming home for our baby and fine-tuning our business operations. Despite being weeks away from delivery, I closed deals with three major clients, confident that my team could handle everything in my absence.
Wellness Journey
Preparing for labor became my main focus, with an emphasis on prenatal yoga and diet. I also spent time preparing for postpartum recovery, knowing that phase would be the most unpredictable.
What Worked:
Prenatal Yoga: Focused on pelvic floor relaxation and breathing techniques.
Daily Massages: Given by my mom and a therapist, these were critical for relaxation.
Support System: I was surrounded by love—my family, friends, and Anshul all played a key role in keeping my spirits high.
Phase 4: Labor and Delivery
Background
After being induced at 41 weeks, my labor lasted 28 hours, resulting in a 3rd-degree tear. The baby was 9lbs and sunny-side up, making the delivery incredibly challenging. However, the love and support from Anshul, my mom, and the hospital staff pulled me through.
What Worked:
Massages: My mom’s massages were life-saving during contractions.
Meditation: Anshul and I meditated together during labor, which helped me focus.
Phase 5: Post-Delivery and Recovery
Background
My recovery has been nothing short of miraculous, thanks to the holistic program I designed. I combined Western medicine with Ayurveda and yoga to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I’ll be sharing my full postpartum recovery guide soon, including pelvic floor therapy, nutrition, and self-care tips. [Join the waitlist to get access]
That’s a brief look into my journey. I hope my story inspires you, whether you're preparing for pregnancy, building a life-first business, or simply trying to live a more balanced life.
Stay tuned for more resources, and don’t forget to join the waitlist for my upcoming offerings!
With warmth and wellness,
Arjita Sethi
Co-Founder, Shaanti