Our Home Birth Story

Whoever said water is nature's epidural, I got a bone to pick with ya!

Let me back it up though.

Wednesday, I had a beautiful and sacred home birth. It was truly what I prayed and worked for.

Monday afternoon I started having contractions. They were mild, but this is not my first rodeo. My contractions usually go zero to one hundred, real quick. I monitored them for a little, gave my midwife a courtesy update, and started to do final prep with my husband. I just wanted to keep moving to be sure it was baby day.

Spoiler, it was NOT baby day. This little gal played me, played us! My midwife spent the night at my house y'all! (How affirming that I chose the right caregiver though?!)

Tuesday night, I laid down with my daughters to relax. I spent the past two days trying to turn this sunny side up baby. My daughters fell asleep. I decided to follow their lead. The contractions grew a bit in intensity, but I was not getting played again.

A surge came that was a bit stronger and I pushed my back to counter the pressure. My water broke! Just after 1 AM, a true movie moment. Marc helped me to the bathroom, and of course I texted my friends. 

I have some amazing sister-friends who hype me and love me too much! I love that they keep me virtual company in the initial stages of labor.

I showered, expecting contractions to ramp up but they were mild. Given our history, Marcus was expecting it as well. The shower water turned off because he was filling the birth pool! I was in there cracking up.

I called my midwife. I tried to tell her I did not think it was time just yet. She was not having it and came right over. I love her for that because when she got here, I was hurTING.

My kids were up giving me hugs and kisses between contractions. I worshipped and prayed with my labor playlist going. I had a simple set up with candles. With the harder contractions my midwife would affirm me. Marc and I joked as I squeezed his hand off.

The contractions were intense but once I got in the water, they became pulling. I will spare y'all the throw up and extras. I needed to push but the sensation was different from my others. I started to second guess myself and my midwife was there empowering me.

I decided to get out the birth pool. As I got out, I told my midwife "I don't know if I can do this." I say that at the very end of every labor. Usually, my husband jumps right in to tell me I can, but he's "gotta be quicker than that." My midwife beat him to it. With the next surge, I just remember my husband squeezing my hand as if he was pushing.

I squatted low and said, "I think she's coming!" My midwife jumped down, "She is!" We both put hands down to catch the baby’s head. IT WAS NOT HER HEAD. Y'all, my daughter had her elbows out. The burn was insane. She was making me work! It was about five minutes of pushing and at 3:31AM she was born. Besides the music going and me gushing about how beautiful she was, it was quiet.

My midwife had her serious face on, working fast, and assuring me she was fine. She was perfect! She just needed a bit of clearing before we heard that sweet cry.

Me: "I just had a baby at home!"
Marcus: "You did, and you did a great job!"

Our Melody Isla. 

I have had beautiful births, but this was a different special. There was no fear. I was home. Safe, honored, and free. I was affirmed, supported, and put back together after birth.

All praises to The Most High for honoring my request. It is a beautiful life! 

Thanks for being here in this season!

XO,