At the age of 40, I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd baby. I have two older children who I had always wanted to have an at home water birth but felt I could not afford it. I went ahead with going to a midwife that was covered by insurance only to find out that they were no different than going to a regular OB/GYN. They kept scaring me with how old I was, wanting extra tests and ultrasounds. There was so much fear mongering that I couldn’t take it any more. I knew I could birth my baby easily and I knew I had a healthy baby. So, I decided to start looking for a midwife that was holistic and aligned with my beliefs. I am so grateful I found Hannah, she is exactly what I wanted. I had both of my previous children in a traditional hospital using hypnobirthing and no pain medications. Both came easily and I have always been very proud of how they were birthed. This time though, I wanted to take it to the next level. Hannah helped remind me how powerful I am. I felt as though the medical system had scared me out of trusting my body.
Birthing my third baby at home was everything I wanted. I had had false labor on and off for many days, so I asked Hannah what I could do to get him to come sooner. She suggested some exercises, which I did, and that night I had a baby! At 10pm, I finally felt strong contractions. When I looked at the clock, I felt sure he would be born after midnight, but sure enough he came at 11:43! Yes, only an hour and 43 minutes of active labor (I hear that is common for third babies). I called Hannah right after feeling those contractions and she was here in 30 minutes. A little while after she arrived, it was time to push and my husband and Hannah helped me into the birthing tub. After just a few pushes my baby was born into the water. It was so empowering. I had done it. I birthed my baby with no pain medications, at home, and with a water birth. I wish I had done the same with my other two children.
It was a blessing to be able to already be at home and with my family. I loved that my children could come and meet their brother just a few minutes after he came into our arms and that my husband was able to hold him skin to skin in the comfort of our home. I am so grateful that my husband was able to cut the cord after delivering my placenta, to choose without pressure what goes in or on my newborn, and to be able to hold him close to me for the full golden hour. I am honored that I helped him feed for the first time with calm and kind guidance from Hannah.
I honestly couldn’t think of a more perfect way to bring life into this world. If I were to have another baby, I would not hesitate to have another homebirth. Hannah has been amazingly supportive, not just for me, but also for my older daughter who is going through puberty. She is a blessing and an inspiration. I am so grateful for the experience and the empowerment she provided.