Nina Agdal Shares Rare Positive Birth Story: “It Was Perfect For Me”

Nina Agdal just shared her positive story on becoming a mother. The model and influencer shared an intimate Instagram carousel this week alongside a new episode of fiancé Logan Paul’s docuseries. “Ep 7 of @paulamericanmax documents by far the most vulnerable and beautiful experience of my life,” she wrote in the caption, alongside a soft photo of her newborn daughter Esmé resting on her chest. Agdal began dating Paul in 2022 and welcomed their first child together in September 2024. The model wanted to share her story because "Women are amazing," and she's proud to be a "woman and a mother." “If I could tell myself anything,” she wrote, “it would be not to get attached to what a perfect birth looks like. This wasn’t what I imagined, but it was perfect for me.” She talked about her more gentle approach to prep – working out until seven months, walking daily, and staying busy nesting. She also credited acupuncture and support from her doula , Iska Obadia. “I stretched often to relax my hips and back. These are just the things that helped me.” By the time her due date rolled around, she wasn’t dilated much, but a scan revealed low fluid, prompting her doctors (Dr. Morrone and Dr. Kirsch) to recommend induction. “It was no longer about me and what I wanted. It was about my baby and our safety,” she wrote. “So I agreed to an induction later that night for her to arrive the next day, which was September 26, my half birthday. It felt like the stars were aligned.” They checked into the hospital at 11 p.m., and by 12:30 a.m., her Foley bulb was in, and Pitocin was flowing. “The contractions got stronger but were manageable,” she explained. That changed at 5 a.m. when her water broke. “I breathed through the pain, trying to relax, but after a few hours I started hallucinating and asked for the epidural.” She had originally hoped to skip it but chose rest over pushing herself to the brink. “I realized the only reason not to get it was for my ego. Like my doctor said, you don’t get a trophy for not using an epidural. So at 7:30, I got the Epi D. Best thing ever. I was able to rest and still connect with my body.” At noon, Dr. Morrone told her it was time to push. “After 10 minutes of pushing, Esmé was born. Her shoulder got stuck for a moment, and the cord was around her neck, but Dr. Morrone and her team handled everything quickly and safely. I’m so blessed to say my birth was one of the most beautiful and empowering experiences I’ve ever had.” Even though she admits to struggling that day and feeling “energetically not on the same page” as Logan, Agdal believes changing her mindset and the trust in her support system carried her through. “I had to show up and give it my all, not only for myself but for my baby too.” Logan, she noted, “saved the day and made me feel much more comfortable,” even decorating the hospital room to make it feel homey. “So thank you, babe, and I’m sorry for making fun of you.” Her final message is one she hopes resonates with other expecting moms. “Listen to your body, your gut, and your support system. That will guide you to the best birth for you… Every birth is beautiful, and every woman who brings life into the world should feel proud of the strength it takes to do so.” Subscribe today to get unlimited access to all of Evie’s premium content.