Grace's Free Birth at Home

Peaceful, Intuitive, Free Birth

If you're wondering what the heck a free birth is...let's start there lol. A free birth or unassisted birth is an intentionally planned home birth without medical or midwife assistance/attendance. There may be other birthworkers or support people present, but not licensed midwives or doctors. This is a chosen birth plan, not an accidental birth at home/car ride before you could get to the birth center/hospital or before your midwife could arrive at your home. I am not an expert on this, but this is what I have gathered/learned so far about "free birth" and what I experienced at this particular birth story.

At 9:45pm on Saturday night, I got the text to officially head their way after exchanging texts for most of the evening. Mama's water had broken and contractions were getting tougher to breathe through. HERE I COME! When I arrive Grace (mom) was working through contractions in their living room on all fours. Dad was assisting her through contractions and getting last minute things done like rearranging cars. Grace's sister in law was there preparing the birth tub, hanging affirmations, collection towels and other necessities. At first it felt like a lot was happening, but it calmed down so quickly. It was quiet besides the whir of the fan and water running into the tub. Mom's heavier breathing and labor noises interjecting the silence. Dad never left her side, support her with counter pressure on her back during every single contraction. Sarah (SIL) was quietly busy filling the tub with extra water from pots and bowls, grabbing cool washcloths for Grace's neck, and making sure every tincture was out and every affirmation poster was hung. The space was sacred and free from any questions, requirements, or interruptions. Once the tub was finally full enough to get in, Grace was helped in to find some rest and relief. At this point it got even more quiet, more still. Mom was focused inward, Dad was focused on mom, and Sarah and I were witnessing it all unfold. Every once in a while, there would be some words of encouragement, a sip of water offered, an extra pot of warm water dumped in the pool. Mom started bearing down during contractions and I took that as a sign that baby was so close. I double checked all my batteries, I got extra batteries out and ready, I triple checked my settings. I was ready to capture this life altering moment. A few moments later, mom peacefully and confidently, without an ounce of rushing or stress, guiding her baby earthside with long deep breaths and gentle pushing. Sarah jumped in behind mom to carefully release the nuchal cord from baby's neck and Grace instinctually waited and then released her baby into the waters of the tub and her husband's arms.

As baby let out their first cry, the energy in the room shifted to complete relief and joy. Everyone relaxed deeply into the fact that baby boy was here and crying and healthy. After mama and baby got out of the tub together, everyone got to get a good luck at him. Including baby's big sister and brother who woke up just to meet him. It was the sweetest midnight wake up call. Before I left mama and baby got snuggled into bed with lots of support still surrounding them from dad and Sarah, and now big sister Lucy!

So grateful to be invited into this sacred space and experience. Welcome baby Ezra!