✨Nora’s Home Birth Story - The Day God Met Me✨

It’s been exactly 2 weeks since God met me. And while I’d like to say he’s met me many times before this moment, this was the true experience where I can whole heartedly say that I felt His entire presence wrapped tightly around me, comforting me in my darkest hour.

On the early morning of April 16th, I woke up knowing I would meet my angel girl that day. I got up, looked at myself in the mirror, held my belly, and told her she is welcome into our home and we are so excited for her. I then kneeled down started to pray. And pray hard. Tears rolled down my face as I asked the Lord to help me not be afraid. To comfort me and hold me. To protect me and my baby and my son and husband. To give me the strength when I needed it the most and then some. And to thank him for the incredible journey I had been on so far and the peace he gave me to lead up to this very sacred moment. For the people he brought into my life to support me in this incredibly challenging yet beautiful season. For good health of my baby and I. For the endless love from my husband. Oh, I don’t think I prayed more in my life.

Kyle was still asleep with our son, but upon their wake, I told them today was the day. He hugged me and gave me reassurance it would be a beautiful day. So then we went on with our normal morning, trying to not think too much about what was to come. I ate a hearty breakfast and relaxed on the couch. I called my mom and midwife that I was likely in early labor and they began to make preparations to meet with us later that day.

I watched as my baby ate breakfast and my eyes swelled up at the thought of these being the last moments which he was going to be my little baby - pretty soon he was to be a big brother and that brought a heaviness and joy - so bittersweet.

As we all sat together, Kyle noticed a beautiful little Robin sitting outside our kitchen window. It took me aback as I realized robins were said to be messengers from God - Angels from the spirit realm to offer protection in new beginnings. There was no coincidence to her presence that morning.

I decided to set up my labor space and prepare to enter “labor land” as they call it. I hung up my affirmations and an ultrasound of our sweet girl to remind me of her beauty. I filled the room with lavender aromatherapy and gardenia scented candles. I set up my yoga ball to do gentle stretches to help bring baby down.

As things started to become more real, I felt some anxiety and turned on my Christian Hypnobirthing meditation tracks I listened to every day and picked up my bible. I had no idea what I needed to read in that moment so I decided to pick a random verse offered through my scripture app. And of course, I was reassured that God was with me in that moment after flipping to the chapter titled “A Promise of the Lord’s Presence”. It was in this moment where I 100% knew I was not alone and protected. This gave me the reassurance and peace that my birth would be beautiful.

Things started to progress and I worked heavily on deep breathing, swaying, and resting. I spent this early time alone working through the waves that I had prepared to ride for so long. Kyle spent time with our son while we waited for the arrival of my mom.

Theo definitely knew something was going on with me. He cried out for me much of the morning and was hard to settle. He knew I was going through challenging moments and did what he could to help, holding me and hugging me. When my mom arrived, his anxiety heightened. I decided to be with him as I needed him as much as he needed me. I held him and swayed as I worked through several more waves pass through my body. I visualized my body opening, like a spring flower in full bloom. After some time, I knew I needed to retreat as things got more intense. Kyle decided to take him to the park to give me some space and I had him call my midwives to head over as I knew things were progressing, fast.

The moment they left for the park, I felt as though my breath was taken away. My mom supported and held me through a series of waves that seemed never ending. I let out deep sounds and roars, remembering to use my voice and breath as a way to release tension. I decided I needed to immerse myself in the shower for pain. As I labored in the water, things kept moving even faster. My first midwife arrived and took vitals of baby and I. No cervical checks. No interventions. Simply observation, ensuring labor was taking its course naturally. I remember hearing a faint comment to my mom saying “sounds like baby will be here soon”. I was in denial as it had only been less than an hour since I was in true active labor.

I decided to get out of the shower and lay down. Kyle had just arrived back from the park and he joined me while my mom took over looking over my son. He laid with me, rubbing my feet and back, offering hip squeezes through every wave. My lead midwife arrived shortly after and I was feeling my mind start to panic. I remember a few tears running down my face, questioning if I was truly meant to do this after everything I prepared for. I was on the verge of defeat but still had hope. In this moment, she looked me deep in the eyes and reminded me that I am a strong and powerful warrior. I am in battle and there is nothing that can defeat me. I nodded my head in agreement because she was right. I was protected by the hand of God and there was nothing that could defeat me.

After about 20 minutes of her arrival, she asked me if I wanted to get in the tub. I agreed and slowly made my way. There, I was met with unrelenting waves back to back that made me roar. I remember crying out that I couldn’t do this, over and over. Kyle assured me that I can and that if anyone could, it was me. I heard my midwives in the background scrambling to grab supplies, they seemed like they were ready to catch a baby but I was still in denial.

Sometimes I think we say "I can't do this" during transition because that version of us can't - and it's time to surrender and become the next version that is going to birth your baby. You are doing it. You are safe. And it's time to meet the new you.

At this moment, a power so deep within me completely took over. I lost all control and found myself involuntarily pushing, the Fetal Ejection Reflex. There was nothing that can describe this feeling. I got on all fours in the tub and let out the deepest and most powerful roars - like a true warrior. In two deep pushes and 7 extremely long minutes, our baby was born into the water and delivered by Kyle. In utter disbelief, she was placed on my chest and I was filled with love so pure, complete bliss and euphoria. Like my heart exploded ten fold and I met her at the gates of Heaven and Earth. It was surreal. After about an hour and half of true active labor, our Nora was in our arms.

This birth healed me in ways I can never imagine. It brought me to the most beautiful and darkest parts of me. The strongest and weakest versions of myself. To except them in all their forms. It reminded me that I am never alone. No matter how hard life may get, He will always remain. It reminded once again of the importance of my husband, family, and birth team. To the wonderful body work professionals that took care of me during my pregnancy. To the blessing of a strong and active body. To the support of my friends who prayed and stood by my side through my pregnancy. To the preparation of birth through the Christian Hypnobirthing book, meditation tracks, and support groups.

Without these gifts, I could not have made it here. Thank you, thank you, thank you God. You are so good.