In the spring of 2023, we had a successful home birth with baby #5 and welcomed another boy to our growing family. With his first birthday right around the corner I wanted to share his home birth story. Enjoy reading along as I walk you through the events that led up to the birth of our fourth son, Anderson.
Pre- Labor Signs
A few weeks prior to Anderson’s birth I experienced some Braxton Hicks during the night. Typically, all my boys arrive late, and I figured this baby would be no different. On my due date we actually had family over for a Birthday party for my oldest son who was turning four. The day came and went with no signs of labor. The rest of the week was a typical one for us. Doing homeschool with my daughter. Having friends over for dinner, and even a Midwife appointment a week after my due date.
Labor Begins with Baby #5
Labor started around 3a.m. on a Tuesday morning. I woke up to use the bathroom and felt some light cramping. Lying awake and realizing it wasn’t going away, I decided to start bouncing on my birthing ball to keep things moving. After two hours of consistent contractions, I woke up my husband to let him know what was going on. We started timing the contractions and around 10 minutes apart we called our Midwife. She told us it sounded like things were progressing. We would need to call her back when the contractions were 5 to 6 minutes apart.
My kids usually wake up around 7a.m. so with Olivia being the first one up that day we let her know baby brother was going to be born! Like a typical 6-year-old she asked how I knew, and I said, “Uh, my stomach is hurting.” I paced around the Livingroom while we greeted and talked with each child as they woke up. Telling them roughly what to expect for the day. Sam insisted on a fun breakfast of Chick-fil-a for the kids as we waited on Anderson to make his appearance.
The Midwife Arrives for the Home Birth
When contractions got closer to the 5-minute mark we called our Midwife again so she could head our way. During this time, I asked Sam to move his cowboy boot collection out from under our bed. With the birth of our fourth baby, my water broke while I was standing beside the bed. While Sam didn’t care, it did ruin a few of the boxes that his boots, which were kept under the bed, were in. In order to avoid a repeat offense, he moved the boxes and stored them safely in another room 🙂
Around 9:30a.m. labor started to intensify. I headed to the bedroom, so I could labor away from the kids. By then our Midwife and her assistant had arrived. They were checking on the baby’s heartbeat, position, my progress, and keeping me company in between contractions. Sam kept going between supporting me and holding my hand during contractions to checking on the kids. Every time Olivia saw him come back into the Livingroom she would ask, “Is Anderson born yet? What is taking SO long?”
Delivery of Baby #5, Meeting Anderson
When I was at 9.5 centimeters dilated our Midwife said I could start pushing when I was ready. Waiting until the urge to push, I got to work. I was semi grunting/ yelling and over the noise you could hear my four-year-old asking, “Mom, why are you yelling?” When I caught my breath, I calmly told him I was just excited for Anderson to get here. He seemed to buy that explanation 🙂
Honestly by this point I was just praying Anderson would come quickly. My pain was at a 10+ and my body was tired. I pushed for what felt like 30+ minutes, but my husband told me it really wasn’t that long. The Midwife checked the position of baby and told me she could feel my bag of water and behind that his head. She was able to help by moving a cervical lip that was is the way and had been stalling my progress. This not only helped my water break but Anderson to crown as well. The baby crowing is always the WORST part of a home birth for me! The pain is so intense you can’t think. You are just trying to focus on catching your breath to give one last good push to deliver the baby.
Postpartum Care after My Successful Home Birth with Baby #5
When Anderson slid out, our Midwife caught him, and Sam moved quickly to help me onto the bed. Sam is always by my side so I can squeeze his hand when I need to during contractions. Anderson was born just before 11a.m. Weighing 10lbs. and 4ozs. Laboring and pushing while standing has worked best for me. I like to think gravity is working with me in the birthing process. My Midwife also confirmed that laboring this way was the best position for Anderson’s birth.
Once in bed I was handed my newborn son and waited to birth the placenta. This came quickly with the help of our Midwife massaging my now deflated stomach. Sam always cuts the cord for our children when our Midwife gives him the OK. From there our Midwife takes the baby to clean up, weigh and does anything else that is vital in the first few minutes after birth. Meanwhile I was in bed resting while Sam went to get me something to eat and drink so I could get my energy up before our Midwife turned her attention to me.
One of the first things I have to do after resting and eating a snack is use the restroom. Our Midwife has always told me while this may be painful it is part of the healing process for your uterus. It helps to begin shrinking the uterus back to prebirth size. I also may shower, get cleaned up and change clothes while I am up. Whoever is not caring for the baby or helping me is changing sheets and cleaning up after the birth. Once things are back in order. I am refreshed, in bed, and cuddling the baby. Sam went to get the kids to meet their new baby brother.
Meeting Baby Brother After the Home Birth
This is always a sweet moment as the kids are overly excited to meet the new baby. The months leading up to his birth they have helped me prepare, discussed what to expect, and even felt him move in my belly. Seeing their huge grins as they met their baby brother was priceless. Each one yelling they want to hold him, hoping Dad would choose them first. My kids have always been so gentle and helpful with each new sibling we welcome into our growing family.
From there our Midwife began packing up her things as another successful home birth had been completed. She went over any health tips for the baby or me we may need to know in the coming hours. Even though we have been through this so many times, it is still helpful information. She also makes sure the baby has latched and I do not have any nursing questions or problems before she leaves. From there I got to relax in bed cuddling a sweet newborn baby while Sam divided his attention between the kids or my needs. Right before our Midwife left, Sam had called our babysitter. She came to be with the kids while he helped get me situated as well as get lunch for us. Then he put the kids down for a nap.
What I Did Right after My Successful Home Birth with Baby #5
With each successful home birth, I have learned what to do and what not to do in order to give myself the best rest postpartum. This time I took it easy. Aside from getting up to use the bathroom I did not leave my bed for the first 24 hours after birth. By the next day I felt well enough to venture into the Livingroom. I was able to be with my family during the day and enjoy our newest addition.
The second thing we did after this home birth that was beneficial was waited to tell extended family that Anderson was born. We were able to enjoy that time with just Sam, myself, and the kids. We did end up reaching out to the Grandparents later in the day to let them know of Anderson’s arrival. By then I had time to eat, nap, and cuddle with the baby before the texts and calls started coming in.
For More Information on Home Births…
I hope you enjoyed reading about my successful home birth with Baby #5. Looking for more home birth stories? Read about our Successful Home Birth with Baby #1 or our Successful Home Birth with Baby #2.
Thanks for stopping by!
Leave a Reply