I share a personal view on my first time home birth and what I would change. Baby #3 arrived right on time and the big siblings reactions were priceless.
First Time Home Birth
A birth story! Never did I think I would be able to publish a story like this for all to see, but here I am. Like many Moms before me, I love sharing the magic in how I became a Mama for the first, second, and now the third time. I never imagined I would be this blessed to have THREE children. Once upon a time, we were dead set on having ZERO children. I laugh at my former self now. Did we ever think we’d be sitting here with three children in four years?! God had bigger plans for us.
As you can guess, we had both previous births occur at the local birthing center. Long story short, a combination of reasons led us to explore the home birth option. Two other children to care for, the medical world having turned upside down, personal beliefs, and general desire are to name a few of those reasons.
I mentioned my home birth desire to a friend, who gave me a phone number to call for a midwife that came highly recommended. Not once did I think this was a thing that was ever going to happen, but after that initial phone call, my entire perspective changed. I looked at my Husband and said, “I think we’re doing this.” He agreed. As soon as we verbalized together that we going to have a home birth, a sense of peace and relief waved over me. I knew immediately it was the right decision.
Build A Village
After confirming that we were going to have our first time home birth, it almost seemed that everyone in the corners of my World came out to tell me about their similar experience. They rooted me on, gave high fives, hugs, and referrals for additional support after the birth.
Our chiropractor told us she would be visiting us at home for adjustments shortly after birth. We were referred to get on the schedule for plenty of postpartum support professionals. We did not once feel alone or nervous in this journey. It was relief like every parent should experience.
Waiting Was NOT The Fun Part
With both of my previous children, my body did not want to wait until the due date. Baby #2 was also born within 45 minutes. So, we had full confidence that #3 was showing up early and fast. And we were ready to go!
Except, when week 39 started ticking away, my patience started wearing thin. Was this ever going to happen? Moms to overdue babies…you have all my praise. You deserve all the things. This Mom is not of the patient type. How I even enjoy gardening is beyond me. I’m a complicated soul, but that’s a story for another day.
I found myself the night before my due date eating my emotions and not in the greatest of moods. I was not supposed to be pregnant still. The Braxton-Hicks were the same, the discomfort was still the same, and friends were still kindly asking when this baby was going to arrive. The only slight difference was a little cramp here and there late that night, but that was all in my head. False hope in my distorted mind.
First Time Home Birth Was Happening
I woke up the morning of my due date feeling those little cramps again, wishing them away because they were fake and wouldn’t lead to anything. As the morning progressed though, a few Braxton-Hicks contractions turned into something that felt just a little bit extra. Could this be?! I told my Husband, and joy immediately hit his face. He was pretty sick of waiting too.
Thankfully, as the day progressed, so did some intensity and frequency. I never sat down once that day in fear that they would disappear. We did all the regular farm chores, and I even cleaned the chicken coop.
Finally by dinner time, I was confident that it was going to happen that night or early the next morning. My midwife lives 1 hour away, so I kept my phone close by as my previous birth was very swift. I believe once I came to terms that it really was happening, that was when the fast forward button was hit. We cleaned up from dinner and the kids went to change into their pajamas. By the time they were dressed, I was on the phone with the midwife. She arrived by 8pm, just as we kissed the last child goodnight.
The Best Surprise Ever
We decided with our previous 2 pregnancies, to find out the gender of the baby. We were formally anxious planners. Funny how 2 children pretty much makes you the opposite of that now. Needless to say, this little baby was going to be a surprise. And a tie breaker! My impatient Husband was chomping at the bit to find out the gender. I however, was cool as a cucumber about the whole thing.
By the time the midwife arrived, I was deep in labor land. I moved from the kitchen to the living room to the bedroom, and back around that rotation until that one distinct contraction gave my midwife the confidence to say, “let’s head to the bedroom and get ready.” Husband by my side, and midwife and assistant prepared, I found my nest to settle into for the big event.
At 9:42pm (less than 2 hours after the midwife arrived), we laid eyes on a sweet, serene, and healthy baby. I was so enthralled with that moment and I remember trying to submerge myself in every little detail to store away in my brain forever. Suddenly, I (not my impatient Husband) realized that I had overlooked one little detail of that moment. I moved the umbilical cord away quickly to find out that I was holding a baby GIRL in my arms! I screamed it to my Husband who was sitting face to face with me. A GIRL!
What I Would Change
Nothing. I would change nothing. The midwife cleaned everything up, doted on the baby and I and my Husband. Even did a load of laundry for us before giving us a giant hug goodbye. And then the most magnificent part about the entire experience happened…I SLEPT IN MY OWN BED!
I fully believe that my smooth recovery has so much to do with me just being able to relax in my own bed, in my own home, using my own bathroom. It’s just magic!
About That Village
And then my village started showing up. The chiropractor was there the next day along with a few other professionals in the days following. Meals rolled in and my worries rolled out. I am currently writing this on Day 5, and I have yet to leave the house. Let me tell you, I am NOT sad about that! My village showed up and I cannot express the importance of surrounding yourself with people who care, support, and love on you in the hardest (and most joyful) of times. This is what my life is about. These people are my family that I have hand-picked. Or rather, that God has hand-picked for me.
Y’all, go hug your village right now. Send them a thank you note or a text. Call them to say you care about them too. They are God’s gift to a life that’s worth living.
Drop a comment below as to who is in your village that you are so thankful for. Thank you readers (my extended village) for sharing in my personal story. Come visit again soon.
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