A week in review; A series of 5 births

#1. First-time mom switched midwives on her due date, 4 days prior to the onset of labor. Tuning into their intuition, this couple felt misaligned with their prior midwife’s demands for medical interventions late in pregnancy. So they sought out alternative options. With the support of her partner and doula, she labored night and day and on into a second night. Working, with focus and purpose to bring her baby earth side on their bedroom floor.

#2. Another first-time mother kept her body well-balanced throughout pregnancy with regular chiropractic care, acupuncture treatments, and massage therapy. She lives her life tuned into her body. She trusts the process of birthing. She is fearless in the face of the unknown and excited to walk through the fire to meet her baby. Supported by her partner and doula, she labored all day until the early hours of the morning. When she entered the warm waters of the birthing pool, her baby girl emerged swiftly and spontaneously.

#3. Second-time mom. Finding her way from a previous med-wife managed near transfer home birth. She traversed the anxieties and fears lade upon her by intrusive comments and unnecessary procedures. She found her way. She found that her way to birth was just that, hers and hers alone. She owned her power and used every bit of strength to bring her baby earthside on her own terms, surrounded by the unwavering support and genuine loving kindness of her birth team.

#4. 3rd baby, 1st home birth. This time without induction, without epidural, without interference. This time “my body did it entirely on its own.” Quietly strolling through the park in early labor with her midwife by her side as things intensify. As night falls, the kids are taken to their grandma’s as we fill the birthing pool. Deep warm relaxation by candlelight. Deep breaths and affirmation. The end approaches, the intensity peaks and a baby is born as the mother hovers between worlds shocked by the immensity of it all. She is powerful and free.

#5. 3rd baby, 3rd home birth. We walk this path for the third time together. Ease, knowing, and trust as our foundation. Each time is unique yet we enjoy comparing. This time things start slowly, gradually. Setting up and settling in. Smiling and eating between waves distract her attention. Moaning in a bathroom. Filling the pool. Total surrender. “Why does this hurt so much?” She asks. Standing, making her way to all fours while announcing “My waters are breaking”. Followed by a splash on the floor as she pushes her baby out to his crown. And another boy joins this realm.

©2023 East Coast Midwifery. All rights reserved.