There’s something sacred about birthing at home—something raw, instinctual, and deeply empowering. I’ve given birth unmedicated three times now, but this was my second home birth. And I’m planning to do it all over again with this current pregnancy.

Every birth teaches you something different about yourself—what your body can do, how your mind copes under pressure, and where you need support. This last home birth reminded me of the beauty that can exist within the chaos.

Labor Came Like a Whisper… Then a Roar

It started quietly. No big cinematic water breaking. No dramatic timing of contractions. Just a sense in my body that things were shifting.

I tucked my other kiddos into bed, feeling that familiar heaviness in my hips. I looked at my husband and said, “Tonight might be the night.”

And it was.

Surrounded by Peace and Pillows

Our bedroom became my birthing space. String lights softly glowed above the bed. A diffuser filled the room with lavender. I remember swaying through contractions while my birth team gently moved in the background—my midwife, my husband, and my mother each quietly holding space for me.

There’s nothing quite like laboring in your own space—free to move, groan, cry, or laugh without monitors beeping or strangers walking in and out.

As a therapist, I talk a lot about nervous system regulation. Let me tell you—labor is the ultimate test of that. I used breathwork, vocal toning, and visualizations to ride the waves. My mantra was, “Open and surrender.”

The Moment I Caught My Baby

I was in the birth pool when I felt the urge to push—intense, overwhelming, and completely unstoppable. My body took over. With the support of warm water around me and my husband right beside me, I let my instincts lead.

There were just three people in the room—my midwife, my husband, and my mom. No crowd. No chaos. Just a quiet knowing that I was safe, supported, and fully capable.

With a few powerful surges, my baby was born into the water—straight into my hands.

That moment will stay with me forever. The weight of a new life in my hands. The rush of adrenaline and oxytocin. The tears in my husband’s eyes. My mom softly crying behind me. And my midwife, calm and steady, gently guiding but never interrupting the moment.

It was raw, intimate, and everything I hoped it would be.

The Afterglow

There was no rush. No being wheeled away or bright lights. Just warm towels, tea, and a baby nuzzling at my chest. My other children woke up in the morning to meet their new sibling, and we all piled into bed like a sleepy, love-drunk pile of humans.

That’s the magic of home birth—it’s on your terms. You are in control, surrounded by familiarity, and able to rest deeply in the cocoon of your own space.

Planning for Another Home Birth

This current pregnancy? I’m planning another home birth. With every experience, I’ve learned what I need—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It’s not for everyone, but for me, it’s where I feel most powerful.

Home Birth Essentials: Amazon Favorites for the Mama Planning to Birth at Home

If you’re considering or planning a home birth, here are some helpful tools and supplies I’ve personally used or recommend:

Birth Space Setup:

• LED String Lights – For a calming, ambient glow.
• Essential Oil Diffuser – Diffuse lavender or clary sage for relaxation.
• Birth Affirmation Cards – Positive affirmations to keep you focused.
• Yoga Ball/Birth Ball – Great for labor positions and relieving pressure.

Comfort + Labor Tools:

• Heating Pad – For back labor or general comfort.
• Rebozo or Woven Wrap – Traditionally used in Mexican birth practices, a rebozo can be used for belly sifting, hip squeezes, and gentle counterpressure. It’s an amazing, versatile tool for both physical support and grounding during labor.
• Peri Bottle – Essential for postpartum healing.

Birth Supplies

• Chux Pads – To protect your mattress and surfaces.
• Birth Pool (if planning a water birth) – A cozy, contained place to labor or deliver.
• Gloves + Cord Clamp + Bulb Syringe – Ask your midwife what you need here.

Postpartum Comfort:

• Herbal Sitz Bath Soak – Soothe soreness and promote healing.
• Mesh Undies + Maternity Pads – Way better than hospital-grade, promise.
• Nipple Butter – Because those first latches can be rough.

Whether you’re dreaming of a home birth or just curious what it’s like, know this: you are allowed to take up space in your birth. You are allowed to ask for peace, slowness, support, and autonomy. You are capable. You are strong. And your story—whatever it looks like—is valid.

Sending so much love to the mamas planning their births from a therapist-mama who’s been there, hands catching baby and heart wide open.