Birth of Cedar

For my third and final baby I decided to forego the birth center birth that I had hoped for in my first two pregnancies and give it my all in a home birth. Making it past the anxiety of the first trimester after a previous loss, and then navigating the anxiety of another premature labor added stress to my pregnancy. Making it to the 39th week I felt ready to start labor, and a several days into the week contractions began. A day of early labor led to a lightning fast active labor where I noticed myself shift from feeling comfortable and content on my own to wishing my doula and midwife were there too. They arrived and supported me through a transition that felt like a completely different experience than when I’d been in the hospital, and then through a frustrating and lengthy pushing stage. Giving it my all and leaning into the warmth, experience, and guidance that surrounded me I finally brought my third and final baby earthside. It was a magical experience and heightened my belief in advocating for everyone to have the birth they truly want, and finding ways to make it that way no matter where you are physically.

Photo credit: When a Belly Blooms