They say third babies come with their own wisdom. But no one told me mine would force me to face every emotion I carefully locked away, thinking I had already worked through it all.
After our boys left for grandma's (with a promise of return), something cracked open inside me. As I listened to a meditation, years of carefully constructed walls crumbled. I cried deep, soul-shaking tears of fear, anxiousness, and guilt I'd thought I processed but just stored away.
Baby girl was already teaching me that true healing doesn't come from thinking we worked through something- it comes through feeling it all.
The waves immediately grew stronger. Josh transformed our space with dim lights, candles, and worship music. We slow danced, my head against his chest, and between contractions, I felt not just release but hope, excitement, and PEACE about meeting our baby girl. In the safety of his arms, I let myself be completely undone.
Our birth team arrived like whispers, and when transition hit, Harper taught me another lesson: unlike with Siah, this birth needed my active participation. I had to join forces with those powerful waves instead of waiting for them to do the work.
(Josh's perspective on this part is quite entertaining)
But the real magic? When our boys returned.
We'd told them, "Mommy might roar like a lion or dinosaur birthing your sister." Come to find out later, as I roared, their little voices roared with mine through the door, a chorus of mama and cubs bringing new life into our family.
I think their solidarity gave me the final courage I needed, and within minutes, she was crowning.
They witnessed her emergence, their little hands helped cut her cord.
Three births, three journeys: each perfect in its own way. But Harper's birth transformed not just our family, but my understanding of strength itself. Sometimes strength roars like a lion, sometimes it flows like tears, and sometimes, it echoes in the voices of children, calling their sister home. #waterbirth #laboranddelivery #positivebirth #positivebirthstory #unmedicatedbirth #unmedicatedlabor #birthstory #homebirth #momsoftiktok #pregnantlife #pregnanttiktok #pregnancy
My experience with Harper's birth truly transformed my understanding of what 'strength' means, and it also highlighted the profound wisdom that can come with each unique journey. If you're considering an unmedicated home birth, or just curious about what goes into preparing for such an intense, beautiful event, I wanted to share a few more thoughts from my heart. Embracing the Emotional Rollercoaster of Labor Before Harper, I thought I'd processed so much, but this birth showed me that true healing often requires us to feel everything. For anyone heading into labor, especially unmedicated, I can't stress enough the importance of emotional preparation. It's not just about physical endurance; it's about allowing yourself to be vulnerable, to lean into the fear, the excitement, and yes, even the guilt you might unknowingly carry. Journaling, meditation, and honest conversations with your partner can create a safe emotional container. My husband, Josh, was instrumental in creating an environment where I felt safe enough to let my guard down. Those moments of dim lights, candles, and worship music weren't just for comfort; they were a sanctuary for my soul to truly let go. This emotional release was key to moving through the intense stages, even when hitting the challenging "7-10cm & Pushing" phase. The Power of Your Birth Team (Even if it's Just Your Partner) While we had a wonderful birth team arrive, Josh was my anchor from the very beginning. Having a partner who understands your needs, anticipates your fears, and can create a calming space is invaluable. He knew when to hold me close, when to offer quiet support, and when to just be there. For those considering a home birth, discuss beforehand what kind of support you envision. It's not just about practical help; it's about emotional attunement. This kind of partnership helps you tap into that primal strength needed for an unmedicated journey. Involving Older Siblings: A Magical Addition One of the most special parts of Harper's birth was "My boys being apart of this." We prepared them by talking about how mommy might sound like a lion, making it a natural, albeit powerful, event. When I heard their roars echoing mine, it was an unexpected surge of courage. If you're thinking about having older children present, consider their age and temperament. Talk openly with them, use age-appropriate language, and have a dedicated support person just for them. Seeing their sister emerge and helping cut the cord was a profound experience for them, solidifying their bond and truly making it a family event. It truly made Harper's "birth story" unique. Navigating the Intense Waves: Finding Your Rhythm During Siah's birth, I waited for the waves to do the work. With Harper, I learned I had to join forces with them. This active participation is crucial for an unmedicated birth. Whether it's movement, sound, hydrotherapy (which #waterbirth can greatly aid), or focusing on your breath, finding your rhythm is empowering. When you reach that "7-10cm & Pushing" stage, it's about trusting your body's innate wisdom and working with it. Each contraction is a step closer, and remembering that can shift your mindset from enduring to actively birthing. This "2 Min Birth Blog Part 3 of my birth story" might be just a snippet, but I hope these reflections offer a deeper insight into the emotional and practical aspects of a positive, unmedicated home birth. It truly was "special" and a testament to the strength found within ourselves and our family.
whys she so blue?