Ever since completing my Doula course I knew I wanted a home birth surrounded by love and gentle energy.
We found out I was pregnant and the next day had found a midwife, booked my doula and our home birth journey started.
At 38 weeks I decided to have a mother’s blessing to prepare for my birth and create a birth space to bring my 3rd child earthside in.
Wednesday 10th June I dropped our two big boys to school. No idea that later that day may be the day. Hubby arrived home from work and we went and bought a basketball hoop for our boys.
We had lunch and hubby went and got into bed leaving me to rest on the couch.
After a funny movement from baby and a pop my waters broke. I have never experienced that before so was a little shocked. I went and had a shower and was a bit worried to see it was meconium stained. I got Geoff to call the midwife and my doula. I was scared and worried that my home birth dream may not even happen. I didn't get any contractions for at least an hour so by 1:30pm I was getting contractions and was in labour.
Geoff filled the birth pool while my doula gave me a back massage with clary sage. This labour was so different to my last two so had no idea what was going to happen.
My amazing midwife arrived and gave me the run down on what to with Mec stained waters and we decided we were happy to stay home and keep to the plan.
This labour was so hard, contractions were intense and I really didn't think I could do it. My midwife continued to check baby's heart rate thought my labour and baby was happy throughout.
I decided it was time to get in the pool , and once I did things really took off. In the mean time my photographer arrived and started capturing our journey.
The bath helped a little but it was so intense. I gave myself a check of my cervix and couldn't find it so thought it must be still high and closed. I got a little disheartened but kept positive. I checked again and it felt the same. Clearly I couldn't work it out as not long after I was having constant contractions and was not far off pushing. At this point the fear took over and I was scared. I told Geoff I was frightened and didn't think I could do it. But the next minute I was pushing. I didn't get an overwhelming urge to push I just tried to surrender and let my body do what it knew to do. As baby descended I experienced the full pain of the ring of fire as his head slowly came down with each push. Once his head was out it felt like at least 10minuted till his body came out but it was only a minute. I asked Geoff if he wanted to catch the baby but he couldn't do I reached down and bought baby up.
I placed baby on my chest and felt so relieved o had baby close to my heart again.
After about 5-10 minutes we decided to see if we had a boy or a girl. With a quick look we had another Son. We laughed and just opened our hearts to bring this new little soul into our lives. It was time to push for the placenta and it came out beautifully. Such a magnificent life support for my baby. I gave our Henry and his attached placenta to my husband who had his first cuddle as I got out of the pool. We then cut the cord and cuddled our baby boy together.
Within half an hour my boys had arrived home with my mum and dad and hit to meet their new baby brother. They were super excited and thought he was the best. After meeting Henry they wanted to inspect the birth pool and then placenta. My amazing Doula Jacki explained the placenta to my two big boys while I was checked out for tearing. I only had a small tear which we decided to let heal itself.
Henry had his first feed and latched beautiful, another breastfeeding journey had begun.
After my shower my husband, myself and and our new little person all hopped into our beautiful comfy bed for our first night as a family of 5. We spent the next few days skin to skin in bed and in the comfort of my own home.
This home birth has given my family so much, my little Henry got to arrive earthside into my arms safe with my husband, midwife, doula and photographer looking on. He is such a calm happy baby. Our very first home birth for our very last little baby. It was all I could imagine and more.
To my husband who supported me through the every decision and held me through each contraction thank you.
To my midwife and doula who sat quietly in the background but gave so much reassurance and love thank you.
To my amazing photographer who captured every moment beautifully thank you.
To all my family and friends who supported me thank you.
And to all the amazing birthing women out there who have shared their stories thank you.
Xx
*****All photos are property of Tanya Love photography. Visit her Facebook page to to see all her exquisite work
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