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Kiki’s first birth began when she lost her mucus plug late at night and contractions started soon after. Labor stretched through the night and into the morning, and at 11 a.m.—nine days past her due date—she welcomed her first son. The process was calm yet powerful, and in the final moments she left the birthing pool and gave birth in the hallway, an unforgettable experience that taught her strength and surrender.
Her second birth was much faster and more intense. After her water broke in the morning, she spent the first hour calmly cleaning and worshipping before contractions hit hard and fast. Just a few hours later, her second son was born, and his big brother was overjoyed to meet him.
Postpartum, however, was the greatest challenge. With two boys born back-to-back, she faced severe abdominal separation, postpartum eclampsia, headaches, brain fog, and the major transition of stepping away from full-time law to stay home. Both births were supported by incredible midwives, doulas, and a strong church community, but she had to learn new lessons about identity, asking for help, and redefining motherhood as a mission and adventure.
Kiki Van Cleve Bio
is a 31-year-old lawyer turned stay-at-home mom of two boys living in Memphis, TN. She chose homebirth after learning about the frightening maternal outcomes for Black women in hospital settings and wanting to be surrounded by trusted providers who knew her well. Both of her births were at home, supported by midwives, doulas, and a strong community of women from her church.
Outside of motherhood, she loves listening to audiobooks, hosting dinner parties, and joining a good cycling class. She is passionate about honest conversations around postpartum, identity, and support in motherhood, hoping her story reminds other women that they don’t have to walk through these seasons alone. Connect with her on IG @kikivancleve or on LinkedIn.
Resources
Motif Medical
This episode was sponsored by Motif Medical. Motif designs insurance-eligible products for busy moms. With a focus on innovation and empowerment, Motif’s line of breast pumps and maternity compression garments are sophisticated, yet discreet, and made to support mothers as they navigate new motherhood. Discover why moms are reporting more milk in less time with the Luna breast pump, and see how you can get it covered through insurance at motifmedical.com/birthhour.
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