These experiences have shaped my practice, and I believe it’s important for us all to share our birth stories and help normalize the vast range of what birth is like. For some, reading someone else’s stories satisfies curiosity and creates a feeling of being informed. For others, the same reading may create anxiety or introduce fears. I warmly encourage you to read on, or not, depending on what feels right to you.For all of my births, my biggest goal was to have them at home. With every birth, my labor became shorter, and I felt as though I was unlocking a new layer of the blissful birth experience I had been striving for.
My First Birth
With my firstborn, my waters broke and continued to leak for days, but labor wasn’t progressing. I was physically and emotionally exhausted, eager to finally meet my baby. After transferring to the hospital with my midwife, I chose to get an epidural — not out of fear, but to allow my body to rest and reset. That decision gave me exactly what I needed. That evening, my son was born vaginally, healthy and safe. It was the beginning of everything.
My Second Birth
My second labor began similarly — with my waters breaking — but this time there was meconium present. Again, I transferred to the hospital, this time with my midwife, my doula, and my husband by my side. I came into this birth more prepared, more educated, and more grounded. I leaned on hypnobirthing and other comfort techniques to manage labor for hours. Eventually, between Pitocin and a brutal migraine, I reached my limit and chose another epidural. My baby was born vaginally, beautifully — and I walked away from this birth feeling strong, informed, and empowered.
My Third Birth
With my third child, labor began gently around 8 p.m., after a membrane sweep earlier that day. I was able to rest for a bit, then moved to sit on my yoga ball at the end of my bed, ocean waves playing softly in the background. Between contractions, I rested my head on the mattress and breathed. By morning, I was ready to call in my midwives and doulas. For the first time, my waters didn’t break until active labor — a new experience for me. After many position changes, time in the birth pool, and full use of my support system, I gave birth to my baby at home after 15 hours of labor. It was my first home birth — and it was everything I had hoped for.
My Fourth Birth
At 41+ weeks with my fourth, I had an incredible labor-inducing acupuncture session that sparked six contractions on the table and two more on the drive home. Once home, I labored outdoors in the sunshine while my toddler played nearby — a peaceful, joyful beginning. Soon, I felt the familiar shift and returned to my birth space. My 2-year-old daughter joined me, gently rubbing my back with each surge while I swayed on my yoga ball. My husband prepared the room while my midwives, doulas, and photographer arrived. This labor felt like a dance — soft, instinctual, and fluid. Just four hours later, I gave birth to our baby boy in the birthing tub, with my husband catching him. I was overwhelmed with joy, love, and euphoria. We did it. Again.
Why I Share This
These births were each so different — hospital and home, medicated and unmedicated, long and short, intense and peaceful. But what they all have in common is how supported I felt and how much I grew. I believe birth is not just about the outcome — it’s about the experience, the choices, and the people holding space for you.
If my stories resonated with you, please use the button below to reserve some time for us to connect. I would love to hear from you!
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