A Fourth Time Mom’s First Home Birth

A Birth Story Told by a San Antonio Doula & Birth Photographer

When this fourth time mom reached out about having me support and document her fourth birth — but first home birth, I was so excited. There’s something so special about getting to witness a mother realize all that she’s capable of. Having never birthed unmedicated, she seemed anxious about the commitment to no epidural. But I knew she could—and would— do it. At our prenatal appointment, we talked all about her hopes and wishes for their birth experience. The anticipation and excitement continued to grow as the due date drew nearer.

After her 40 week appointment, her midwife texted me and said she “had the look” and felt labor would begin soon. Only a few hours later, I got a phone call from my client that things seemed to be starting, although it still felt early. I intentionally chose a place to eat dinner that night that was super close to this family’s house. Just as I was finishing dinner, my phone rang. It was right around 7pm, and my client was ready for me to head over.

Once I got there, it was clear things were getting intense, and I texted the midwife that my client was definitely getting into “labor land”. Within the hour, the birth pool was being filled, the midwife was there, and things were continuing to progress. This mother did such a beautiful job moving and coping through each wave. When myself or the midwife encouraged a new position, she trusted us to do it. The room was so peaceful, and every one who was witnessing and supporting this mom believed in her strength and ability to birth her baby. And a little while before 11pm, that’s exactly what she did!