After becoming pregnant with my first I was so excited that I posted my new journey on Facebook. I received a message from my high school film teacher. She shared her ideologies of birth. Some of the things she mentioned was shocking. “People really have babies at home?” I asked my husband. Later, she sent me a video called, “The business of being born.” My husband and I watched it, and it opened a new door. I began to research more about birth and decided to opt for a home birth.

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" I felt safe, nurtured and loved."

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We came to meet our due date and nothing! My midwife told me that it was normal for this to happen to first time mothers. Naturally, I went into labor seven days later. My labor was primarily alone. I tried to remember how important it was to focus and ride the waves, but most importantly, I followed my body. I felt safe, nurtured, and loved. I labored during my transition period in our ugly blue bathtub.

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I remember feeling the urges pick up. I pulled my body up every time I got to the top of the wave. I got those forceful urges to push and I was told to get out of the bathtub. I asked if I could get into the birthing tub they had prepared for me in my son's new room. Somehow, I found my way into the birthing pool.

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I remember feeling so open, amazed, and focused. I heard the natural sounds outside my son’s window. I had the sudden urge to reach down, and I said to myself, “Wow, this is really happening!”

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" I remember feeling so open, amazed and focused."

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My son’s head was peeking out, and I felt so much hair. I started to rush but felt the burn, so I took my time and worked with my body. My husband was able to catch our baby boy in the water. My first birth journey led me to an empowering home water birth.

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I didn’t need any physical help, but having a midwife in my birthing space allowed me to feel safe while experiencing the birth my way.