Birth Story Introduction

• Ethan Klein hosting special episode to share Theodore's birth story while fresh in memory
• Sponsors: Equip and Hims
• Hila had baby - healthy, beautiful boy
• Hila described as "goddess" who "crushed childbirth"
• Ethan worried about birth due to Hila's petite frame
• Nurses/doctors amazed by Hila's performance

Labor Timeline

• Labor started 12 AM on June 4th
• Theodore born 9:02 PM same day (June 4th)
• Total labor time: ~21 hours
• Stayed home until 5 AM when contractions intensified
• Arrived at hospital 7 AM

Hospital Experience - Kaiser Permanente

• Praised Kaiser Permanente extensively
• Hila admitted at 6 centimeters dilated (exceptional for first birth)
• 90% effaced
• Doctors amazed at Hila's progress and pain tolerance
• Called her "silent sufferer" - no screaming/complaining

Epidural and Medical Procedures

• Epidural administered ~1 hour after admission
• Ethan left room during epidural (husbands asked to leave)
• Epidural numbs from stomach down, doesn't affect baby
• Catheter inserted (Hila said worst part)
• Oxygen mask used when baby's heart rate became erratic
• Stayed in first room 11 hours (8 AM - 7 PM)

Hospital Food Commentary

• Criticized hospital food quality
• Showed photo of textured-less eggs
• Hila craved McDonald's Quarter Pounders (3 days straight)
• Doctor said low iron causing meat cravings

Delivery Room Experience

• Moved to delivery room at 7 PM when fully dilated
• Water hadn't broken yet (unusual)
• Ethan forced to hold Hila's leg during pushing
• Saw everything despite original plan to avoid looking
• Water broke during pushing ("splash zone")
• Pushed for ~1 hour

Birth Details

• Theodore weighed 9 pounds
• Jet-black hair, described head as "meatball"
• Midwife pulled baby out by head after crowning
• Shoulders caused tearing, required stitches
• Umbilical cord described as "huge gnarly tube"
• Theodore immediately peed on everyone
• Latched to breast immediately

Post-Birth Procedures

• Ethan cut umbilical cord
• Baby taken to warming station for vitals
• All doctors confirmed healthy
• Placenta delivered (described as organ-like)
• Hila received stitches for tearing
• Baby never left parents' side (Kaiser policy)

Hospital Stay

• Stayed 2 days in hospital room
• LoJack tracking device on baby's leg
• Breastfeeding challenges initially
• First night difficult - little sleep
• Theodore slept 4 hours on Ethan's chest one night

Sleep Deprivation

• Ethan getting 3-4 hours sleep per night
• Wakes up to "chaos scale 10" situations
• Deep sleep due to exhaustion

Shredder (Dog) Integration

• Shredder stayed with grandparents during hospital stay
• Showed protective behavior during pregnancy
• Immediate acceptance of Theodore upon return
• Cuddled with baby, won't leave family's side
• Gets worried when Theodore cries

Newborn Care Details

• Theodore's limbs initially blue (normal)
• Black tar-like meconium poops
• Loves being swaddled tightly (mimics womb)
• Pacifier removed to avoid breastfeeding issues
• Sleeps ~16 hours per day when not overstimulated

Family Dynamics

• First Father's Day approaching
• Plans to stay home for Father's Day
• Taking time off work for several weeks
• Ethan's role: supporting Hila, night shifts, diaper changes
• Cooking filet mignon for Hila's meat cravings

Reflections on Experience

• Overall positive experience despite intensity
• Grateful for medical staff support
• Acknowledges women's sacrifice in childbirth
• Still processing reality of being father after 3 days
• Public reaction very positive when leaving hospital