Never thought I would have an intimate and spiritual childbirth at home. No bright hospital lights. No beeping machines. No interruption from hospital staff. No NPO. A serene and tranquil environment.
My delivery felt like the greatest moment in my life. The moment in between the last push and catching your baby in your arms.
I would like to share this moment with you.
I met with my Midwife Cindy during the week of my early maternity leave. We were doing a pre-labor and delivery rehearsal. She listened to my fetal heart rate with a very unique stethoscope. This is my favorite part whenever I would have appointments with her she’s very traditional. I was told to keep eating and drinking plenty of water with sea salt for minerals. She brought the tub and it was Dre’s responsibility to blow the tub up.
We were instructed to fill up the tub prior to labor beginning. I was able to also get a tarp and medical supplies for post labor and delivery.
She gave Dre clear instructions of what to do when I am in labor. That evening the pool was blown up and all the supplies we had were laid out and prepared for delivery.
That next Morning I woke up to a wet spot on the mattress. Nothing heavy or serious but I informed Cindy of what was going on. She told me to eat and sleep and if I can’t sleep rest. My contractions were regular, 4 every hour and 10 minutes apart. But Cindy wasn’t keeping up with the time. She was keeping up with how my body was feeling. I’ll let her know that the contractions were intense and there was no bleeding no water just mucus. I was instructed to rest in between as much as I could. Now I wasn’t using time to gauge my labor. I was able to sleep in between contractions. But there were coming closer and staying a lot longer. I called to Dre while he was filling the tub because my body suddenly begin to push. My first push my water broke and I continued to feel the urge to push. Cindy wasn’t there yet but she called a Midwife who was near by to assist in the delivery of the baby. I pushed again but laying on my side wasn’t helping get the baby out. I had to keep one knee on the floor and one knee up. I held my arms around his waist for stability as I pushed again. The baby head popped out and no cord was around her neck. I take a breath after as I’m listening to Cindy coach me over the phone. Informing me of how good I’m doing and coaching me on when to breathe and rest. I then felt that desire to push and the baby made it out and Cindy rushes through the door.
I was helped to the bathroom. Baby was never wiped off. She was weighted and given the AGAPE test in which she scored 9. We looked at each other exhausted and in need of some sleep. This was the greatest feeling in the world. And I am happy to have gone through this initiation from womanhood to motherhood.
Experiencing an intimate and spiritual home birth was something I never imagined I would do. No bright hospital lights, no beeping machines, no interruptions from hospital staff – just a serene and tranquil environment that allowed me to fully embrace the miraculous moment of childbirth. The moment between the final push and holding my baby in my arms felt like the pinnacle of my life, and I feel compelled to share this profound experience with you.
My journey towards this extraordinary home birth began with meeting my Midwife, Cindy, during the week of my early maternity leave. We conducted a pre-labor and delivery rehearsal where she used a unique stethoscope to listen to my baby’s heartbeat. Cindy, who embodied traditional midwifery care, emphasized the importance of eating well and staying hydrated with water infused with sea salt for essential minerals. She provided a birthing tub, tasking my partner, Dre, with the responsibility of setting it up.
As labor approached, we prepared the tub, laid out medical supplies, and ensured everything was ready for the delivery. When I woke up one morning with a slight wetness, signaling the start of labor, Cindy advised me to eat, rest, and listen to my body. Despite regular contractions, Cindy focused on how my body was responding rather than strictly keeping track of time. As the contractions intensified, I found solace in resting between each one, allowing my body to progress naturally.
When the time came for me to push, Cindy guided me through the process over the phone, reassuring me and providing instructions. With Dre by my side, I followed Cindy’s guidance as I felt the overwhelming urge to push. With each push, the baby’s head emerged, free from any complications. I adjusted my position to facilitate the birth further, feeling a sense of empowerment and determination. As the baby was born, Cindy arrived just in time to assist, ensuring a safe and supported delivery.
After the birth, I held my newborn close, feeling a deep connection and overwhelming sense of exhaustion. The baby was weighed and assessed, scoring high on the AGAPE test, a moment that solidified the bond between us. As we gazed at each other, exhausted yet content, I realized that this transition from womanhood to motherhood was a profound initiation, marking the beginning of an incredible journey filled with love and growth.