Natural Childbirth: A Birth Story & Video

August 3, 2011 By

This is the arrival of James Tiberius, photographed by Evoke Art Photography.

My pregnancy was straightforward and healthy – it was a bit of a journey for me, just in the basis that I’m used to connecting spiritually to my babies very early in pregnancy, yet little James and I never felt that connection while he was within me.

I spent the 9 months consciously acknowledging him, chatting with him, and connecting to him in every physical way I could – with the hopes that we might find some sort of spiritual connection. Yet it was to no avail, the baby growing within me was my little physical being, The spiritual connection was to come during labour.

This pregnancy was another step for me to claim my power as a birthing woman. I had never gone into labour without some sort of assistance: my first son was induced – a hospital delivery – about as far from a natural childbirth as I could travel.

My second, home water birthed babe was gently encouraged with a stretch and sweep. A beautiful, natural labour and childbirth, but still helped along by gentle intervention.

I knew I wasn’t broken, and was determined to prove it. Thursday evening, of the 19th of August, I had an overwhelming urge go go for a run. So, pregnant belly in hand, at about midnight, in all of my enormous glory I ran around our block.

My husband made jokes about the water in his glass trembling as I returned up our street. I then had a shower, and snuggled up in bed with my beautiful family.

I was awoken Friday morning at around about six with some familiar sensations – nice, strong, contractions. I turned over, trying to sleep, but was so excited that perhaps, just perhaps I HAD gone into labour all by myself.

Half an hour or so later, I snuck out of bed, hopped in the shower, and texted my three best friends to let them know today was the day, and to light their candles and begin holding the space for my birth. I also called my gorgeous photographer friend Fiona, so she could organise care for her little one.

The boys woke up, and life went on as usual in our house, with me plodding around in the loungeroom and leaning over my fitball when I needed it, my husband rubbing my back, and lovely warm heat packs being brought to be constantly.

Then time for me stopped – I have no real idea of how long things took – Fiona arrived, and bless her heart started playing with the boys and entertaining them. I had a shower, or two… insisted the pool got filled, and called my midwife.

Labour for the next however long was a little scary for me- it felt different to my previous labours, and I found I couldn’t just settle into it. I knew if I went to the toilet it bring on stronger contractions, but I was so terrified of the sensations, I put it off for as long as I could.

Finally, I found my courage, went to the toilet and my waters broke, allowing James to finally move down.

Off the toilet, into the loungeroom, the most powerful sensations I’ve ever felt. There was fear again, fear of the pain, then the realisation that holy cow! I needed to push. With the support of my gorgeous husband, and my beautiful midwife I clambered into the pool.

Time stood still, I gently birthed James’ head. Into my own hands, feeling his divinely soft hair swishing in the water. Then, I leant back, and his shoulders and body slid into his daddy’s waiting arms.

I did it… I went into labour alone.
I birthed my baby and caught him!

I spent a few days post birth being annoyed at myself for the fear I felt – but now in perspective, it’s all been part of my journey with James, and a new step in motherhood for me.

Filed Under: Affirmations, Homebirth, Water Birth Tagged With: , ,

Homebirth Tips

October 14, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Supplies for Homebirth (as recommended by REAL mums)

Pain Relief:

  • Cloth Nappies, and a bucket of steaming hot water (Put them on your back and tummy)
  • Wheat heat packs, and hotwater bottles.
  • Cold packs and cool flannels
  • Icecubes, and icey poles to suck on between contractions
  • Tennis ball, rolling pin, or massage tool for counter pressure massage
  • Massage oil or lotion

General Supplies for Labour and Birth:

  1. Camera/Video Camera on tripod – with instructions on how/when to use !
  2. Tarp for under the birth pool, and on any carpet you don’t want mucked.
  3. Make up your bed with 2 sets of sheets with a tarp in between, so when you’re all done, your support people can just rip off the top layer, and you’ve got an instantly made bed!!
  4. Towels – if you have a slippery floor, it’s a good idea to have towels between the toilet and bathroom, and pool.
  5. Lots of fluids like lemonade, juice, and water – with bendy straws to sip from them
  6. homeopathics, rescue remedy, and aromatherapy oils (with instructions!)
  7. Food for your support people
  8. Torch
  9. Sieve for “debris” collection from the birth pool (read: poo)
  10. Battery powered light source, in case the power goes out
  11. Music, and a battery operated music player (You might decide you hate it, but still)
  12. Beanbags, pillows, and cushions to labour on
  13. A mattress on the floor to labour on
  14. Bowl to catch the placenta and hold it
  15. Placenta recipe if you’re planning on eating it soon after birth.

Baby Supplies

  • Put this in a big or carrier bag, so you can lug it around with you, and if you are transferred to the hospital, it’s all ready to go.
  • Fluffy, warm towel
  • hot water bottle to warm the towel
  • Clothes for after skin to skin contact and breastfeed etc.
  • Soft, cloth nappy, and a recieving blanket.

For after the birth

  • Presents for older children
  • Birthday Cake for baby and support team
  • FOOD for mum, and support team – something delicous, and nutritious. (Toast is a winner)
  • Comfy cusions, and a freshly made bed, for the new family to snuggle up in!
Filed Under: Homebirth Tagged With: , , ,

Hospital Transfer Keeping It Your Birth.

October 4, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Sometimes, for any reason, a homebirth may end up as a hospital transfer. While this is statistically unlikely, if this turns out to be your birth - there are a few things you can do to prepare emotionally, and intellectually for the event.

  • Have a supportive, and understanding birth team.
  • Hire an independant midwive, who will act as an advocate for your wishes.
  • Have a “Just in case” birth plan – with clear details of what you do and don’t wish.
  • Insist upon full explanations and disclosure from hospital doctors and midwives.
  • Know your rights, and be well informed.

In the event of a medical emergency, it’s unlikely there will be time for medical staff to give you indepth explanations – this is where an independent midwife can be a great advocate, and source of information. They’ll remain by your side, and support you through your birth.

It’s a good idea, to have a “just in case plan” communicated between you and  your birth team, should a hospital transfer be necessary.  If you don’t need it, you can always throw it out!

In the event that you have a caesarian section – it’s important to acknowledge your achievements as a birthing mother. A caesarian is not a failure. And they can be a life saving procedure both for mother and baby.  Acknowledging that you need more time to heal both emotionally and physically, is very important.

Hospitals and doctors, may not recognise the need for emotional healing – so be sure to take the time for your self, and seek out people who can help and support you. An independent midwife, doula, and your partner may provide an invaluable support network. Don’t bottle up emotions, communicate your feelings, and remember they’re real, and valid – and you ARE allowed to feel them.

No matter how you birth, there are many things you can do to ensure your child’s arrival in this world are as gentle as possible, even in a hospital birth. Consider:

  • Kangaroo care, lots of skin to skin contact, right from birth. (Even if this is with your partner)
  • Establish breastfeeding – with assistance if you need it.
  • Insist on rooming in.
  • Demand feed – don’t go by routines. You do NOT need to offer formula, as a supplemental feed, even if your baby is premature. Breastmilk is still the best baby food.
  • Check out as soon as you feel able to – and if your child is healthy

Have your birth support team advocate you – a good midwife will help you insist upon your wishes, and explain anything you don’t understand. Remember, nothing can be done without your consent, and you have the right to make an informed decision.

Filed Under: Homebirth Tagged With: , , ,

Useful Equipment For A Homebirth

September 29, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Truly, to have a baby, all you need is a mum, and a baby… but there are several things that might make you feel nurtured, more comfortable, safe, and relaxed!

Pain Relief

Most of us, at some point experience some level of discomfort in labour. There are many women who can interpret the sensations as pleasant, or intereting, or orgasmic – but for those of us who can’t, having some tools at hand to help with the pain, is very useful.

  • Hot towels (Try cloth nappies in VERY hot water in a nappy bucket (use gloves to wring them out)
  • Wheat packs
  • Tennis balls and rolling pins, for counter pressure massage
  • Massage oil (try aromatherapy)
  • Birth Pool/Shower/Bath/ all of the above!
  • Icecream bucket full of marbles to stand on (This one worked for me, it put pressure in all the right places)
  • TENS machine (hire or buy one)
  • a big poster of accurpressure points
  • a big poster of labouring positions

For staying calm and Nurturing

As I mentioned above, your mind enters a lot into labour, and your emotions and thoughts  can help or hinder the progress of your birth. Having some tools on hand to help you remain calm, and focussed can be a blessing.

  • Affirmation Cards (make your own or buy)
  • Affirmation posters/flags/ pictures on the wall
  • Low, rhythmic music (such as chanting)
  • Homeopathics and or Flower Essences (Try Rescue Remedy)
  • Aromatherapy Oils
  • Curtains to make it dark!!

For the birth

  • Towels(At least 12 if you’re waterbirthing)
  • Tarp for the floor
  • Old sheets for the bed
  • Something non slip i.e. bath mats, for bathroom and toilet.
  • Icecream bucket, or bowl for the placenta
  • Cloth nappies to wrap the placenta in, if you’re lotus birthing
  • Nice, soft, warm blanket to wrap mum and bub in after the birth
  • Food for labour, and lots of food for afterwards!
  • Birthday cake for the new arrival!
Filed Under: Homebirth Tagged With: ,