Daughter Moves 700 Miles Away, Tears at What Mom Does During Her Labor

Newsweek

27-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A Philadelphia woman has shared what her mom did for her during labor, leaving internet users in tears.
Michelle Brown-Jones (@theyylovemichelle) posted personal footage from the hospital in a reel on Instagram showing her mom, Monique Jones, styling her hair and cradling her daughter through contractions.
Brown-Jones told Newsweek that she moved from her hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Marietta in 2023 to pursue her acting career in Atlanta.
From left, Michelle Brown-Jones sitting in her hospital bed while her mother styles her hair, and holding each other during a contraction.
From left, Michelle Brown-Jones sitting in her hospital bed while her mother styles her hair, and holding each other during a contraction.
@theyylovemichelle
The distance made pregnancy especially difficult. "I was experiencing so many new emotions and changes in my body, and everything felt both exciting and overwhelming at the same time," the 26-year-old said. "There were moments when I really wished I could have her close by to lean on, especially when things got tough or I just needed reassurance."
The new mom had long anticipated a painful labor. But when complications arose—after being given Pitocin to speed up delivery—things became frightening.
"The contractions became overwhelming for myself and my baby—her heart rate began to drop with each one," Brown-Jones said.
The doctors made the last-minute decision to perform an emergency C-section. "In that moment, I was terrified, but having my mom there made all the difference—her reassurance was exactly what I needed to stay calm for my baby," she said.
The tender moment between contractions—captured by Brown-Jones' partner Jared Blackmon—has reached millions online.
The reel has gone viral since it was posted on April 30, amassing 3 million views and over 400,000 likes.
"Such a beautiful moment," one user wrote.
"I never had that type of support, but I aspire to be this mother for my babygirl," another added.
Other moms commented that the video made them emotional thinking about how they might one day have this relationship with their daughters.
Brown-Jones told Newsweek the online response had been incredible to see. A comment that really struck a chord was, "You are rich."
"It was a recognition of something deeper than money," she said. "It was a reminder that true wealth isn't always material—it's in the people who love you unconditionally and the bonds that shape your life."
The connection between mother and daughter runs deep after all. "My mom had me when she was just 16, so we've always had a very unique bond," Brown-Jones said. "We grew up together in a way, learning life lessons side by side. Now, as a mom myself, I can truly appreciate how incredible she was to raise me under those circumstances."