If you’ve dabbled through some of my other writings, you’ll know that homebirth has always been the only option for us. Thankfully, we were blessed with five pretty awesome homebirth experiences. After the fifth, we semi- jokingly stated that “we would do the next one on our own.”

Anyways, after our fifth baby, I wasn’t even positive if we would have any more children (because really, you just never know…)

Needless to say, we had built a relationship with our midwife over the course of our children’s births, which amounted to a total of 15 years. When I became pregnant with baby number six I naturally assumed we would go the same route. Even though, I had this inner tugging towards having an unassisted birth. However, I didn’t share these feelings with my husband, and I pursued scheduling with our midwife.

One day, several months into pregnancy my husband very non chalantly made the comment about “doing it ourselves.” My excited yet semi-shocked response was “Really?! For real, you want to?!”

So that was our decision.

We were going to freebirth.

As weeks went on, there came an interesting twist in the pregnancy. It was suspected, through feelings that I had at the beginning of pregnancy and through some muscle testing that had taken place, that I could be carrying twins. With that possibility, I thought it would be smart to determine whether this was accurate or not. I therefore pursued scheduling an ultrasound to confirm twins or no twins. It is worth noting that I have never had an ultrasound before. I am not an advocate for them! Though I didn’t feel awesome about getting an ultrasound (I actually didnt want one), I did think it may have determined whether we continued to pursue freebirth or alternately have asked our midwife to be there in the event it was twins.

A Sign Made Clear

Firstly, I pursued a free Christian clinic that I was referred to by a friend who was in a similar situation. Turned out, that clinic temporarily was no longer performing ultrasounds. I then called two more free clinics within my region. Both clinics denied me due to how far along in gestation I was. Finally, I resorted to asking my midwife to order an ultrasound at the nearest medical clinic. She willing did so. The ultrasound was scheduled two weeks from that time. I patiently waited for that day to roll around. About two days before the scheduled date, I received an estimated bill for the ultrasound which amounted to more than $640. I was like “Are you kidding me?!” No, not happening. The last place I attempted to schedule the ultrasound at was about 3 hours from where I lived. But they only charged $200. Seemed reasonable. My midwife, once again ordered it in for me. The day prior to that scheduled date I received a call that they needed to cancel my appointment due to an employee quitting, therefore they no longer had any staff at that location.

That was it. I took it as a clear sign. It was not meant for me to receive ultrasound. I actually felt relieved. We would go into this birth not fully knowing whether there would be two babies or not, but we had full faith that we were meant for the situation, whatever it might be.

The Day!

During the last couple of weeks of pregnancy I had felt quite a bit of low pressure. Though I had still anticipated to reach my estimated date, it did feel like I could go anytime. Then the morning came. In my sleepy consciousness, I was aware of a few stronger contractions that took place during my sleep. I arose and went to the bathroom to pass softer stool and mucous plug. This was definitely the day. I had stronger contractions throughout the morning, yet spaced very infrequently. It wasn’t until I finished my chores, and sent my kids off, when things would pick up. My husband also left around this time, knowing the risk, yet compelled to get a job done that he needed to. I knew he wouldn’t make it back, yet I let him go. I texted my friend, updating her that I was going to lay to rest for a bit and I’d text her again soon. The rest was quite brief.

When things picked up, it went quickly. I had this time completely myself, and was happy with that.

I communicated again with my mom and friend who I had planned to be there as birth witnesses. They would arrive just shortly before the birth.

I was on my knees facing the headboard of my bed. Pressure was building and I knew my waters were about to burst. They did. A moment later I felt the intensity of her beginning to crown. I put my hand down there to feel her, and it’s as if the intensity completely dissipated. With an easy breath the rest of her head came through. It felt good. I relaxed further, holding my hand on her head. I knew everything was good. It felt so peaceful. I breathed the rest of her out, supporting her head as her body slid onto the bed. The motion was so smooth and fluid. The way my body knew how to move is difficult to explain. It just knew. It was purely instinctual. Pure wisdom.

That was it. She was here.

Dahlia’s birth was truly fabulous. It felt so good. I wish I could relive it… and then capture it on video. But instead, it will only be imprinted in the cells of that sweet babe and me, forever.

My husband, by the way, missed the birth. My friend who I invited as a birth witness made it with 15 minutes to spare. And my mom arrived as the head was birthing.

Everything unfolded the way it was meant to. I am forever grateful to God for guiding and supporting me through another healthy pregnancy, and beautiful birth. #blessed