Cara Grace’s birth story

Cara's birth story

I’m so excited to finally have time to share Cara’s birth story here on my blog. Her birth was a truly amazing experience, I still can’t quite believe it. I’m so proud of her, myself, and my husband for staying calm.

It was a normal Wednesday and although I’d previously guessed Cara would arrive on the 14th, I woke up feeling like my baby was staying put for a while longer yet.

Jonah and I went to his usual gymnastics class, had lunch, and spent the afternoon indoors playing with his wooden railway and watching TV.

Around 4pm, I felt cramping that was more intense than Braxton Hicks. I was surprised at the intensity of the contractions so soon, but I remembered one of my favourite hypnobirthing affirmations.

Each surge of my body brings my baby closer to me.

Husband called, I lit my hypnobirthing candle and kept breathing through cooking Jonah’s tea. After Jonah went to bed, I felt ready to let my labour take its course. We listened to guided relaxation, had hugs, and massage.

My contractions became stronger until I felt ready to go to hospital. My body had a different plan though, as my strong contractions turned into an almighty desire to push. Isn’t it the most primal feeling in the world? It just can’t be contained!

Moments later my waters had broken and I’d somehow got into the bathroom and was squatting over a towel I’d grabbed. A few pushes later and I knew our baby was coming. I could feel her head!

With the next contraction I could feel her shoulders – then she was in my arms. It was truly incredible.

Cara after a bath

She gurgled a little then started to cry – oh my goodness, did she howl. I think everything was so fast for her, and she had a shock!

My husband had called emergency services, who soon arrived to help get us to hospital. There, after skin-to-skin, my amazing husband and mum helped to get me bathed and clothed ready for the maternity ward.

Cara was weighed and measured and placed into a crib, where she slept for the next 4 hours. I couldn’t sleep and dozed a little, feeling so proud and exhilarated.

Final thoughts on Cara’s birth story

My pushing stage was long and arduous with Jonah. I feel like Cara’s birth brought peace to old feelings that something was wrong with my body.

Even though it wasn’t a planned home birth, I felt much more in control and like she was mine from the very start. It was so good to be the first to touch her.

People have asked me if I felt scared to give birth at home without a midwife or medical support, but there wasn’t time to feel scared. I let my body and my baby take the lead, and I really didn’t think about what to do. It was liberating to trust myself and Cara in this deep way.

She’s so bright already – alert and interested. Breastfeeding is going well – it really has been easier the second time around for me.

Jonah and Cara

Jonah was unsure of Cara at first, but now dotes on his baby sister, and is full of curiosity, love, and the occasional poke in the eye. I can’t wait to see their relationship unfold.

With my husband’s paternity leave drawing to an end, I’m wondering how I’ll cope with 2 little ones on my own. But I’m trying not to worry about it, and just allowing myself to enjoy our time as a new family of four.

Now it’s over to you. I’d love to hear about your positive birthing experience – hypnobirth, water birth, home birth, or hospital birth. Let me know in the comments!

Until next time!

Helen
What's it like to give birth at home - unplanned? Find out in Cara's birth story - an unmedicated hypnobirth that happened without time to get to hospital.

16 Replies to “Cara Grace’s birth story”

    1. Thank you Anna! Lots of love Xx

  1. Wow, it seeems pretty amazing. It get not being scared though. After the first baby I just thought the doctor was in my way of doing what I knew I needed to do.

    1. Exactly! After your first it does feel like that! I was glad there were no complications.

  2. What an amazing story! Thank you for sharing. I got to hospital just in time with my first. All the nurses were telling me to stop pushing when I wasn’t pushing at all! She was just making her way out. 🙂

    1. Awww that’s amazing! Thank you so much for reading!

  3. Such a nice story…your baby is adorable <3

    1. Awwww thank you dear! xx

  4. I always love learning people’s birth stories. While we all go about it different, the hopeful end result is the same: healthy mom and baby.

    1. You are so right, and thanks so much for reading!

  5. always love reading other birth stories! Each one is so unique, and something we never forget 🙂

    1. Me too. It’s always with us isn’t it!

  6. Natalie Hansford says: Reply

    Congratulations! What an amazing story and wonderful way to enter the world. Enjoy your newborn cuddles. X

    1. Thanks so much Natalie! Love all the cuddles! 🙂 xx

  7. I had a second birth just like this! My mum and husband delivered our son. It is without doubt one of the best experiences of my life! It’s nice to hear some positive birth stories from time to time!

    1. Oh how beautiful, what an amazing experience for you! I feel the same too!

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