We’ve finally come to the last chapter of my home birth story. If you’d like to read the journey from the start, you can find Parts 1, 2, and 3.
My youngest — and currently the baby of the family — turned 2 this past summer. I can’t believe it! I thought it would be the perfect time to share his birth story and the final installment of my birth series.
This was my fully planned and successful home birth. I am still in awe that I birthed a baby at home, and I’m very grateful to have experienced it. Yet, I’ll be honest — it was more challenging than I imagined.
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Waiting for Baby’s Arrival
If you’ve read my previous birth stories, you know I never made it to my due date until “the driveway baby” (baby #6). I thought that was a fluke, but nope — this baby decided to stay put until his due date as well.
And to be real and honest — pregnancy is very challenging for me. It’s always worth it, but the weight gain, pain, and fatigue really drag me down. Patience isn’t my strongest virtue (a work in progress!), so God really put me to the test with two babies going all the way to their due dates.
Still, I felt a lot of peace while waiting for Joshua’s arrival. My sister-in-law even remarked how calm Paul and I were. Not having to stress about rushing to the hospital took away so much anxiety.
Planning for the Kids
One big question was: What would we do with the kids? It was so hard that my mom was no longer here to help. But my oldest was at an age where I knew he could handle things — keep everyone in our fully finished basement with boxed mac and cheese, TV, and video games. That was my backup plan, but I was secretly hoping it would be a night birth.
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The Days Leading Up
At 39 weeks, my midwife checked me (I know some people have different views on this, but I like to be checked sparingly). I was about 3 cm, but my cervix was tilted. She swept my membranes and adjusted things — amazing how midwives can do that!
I thought I’d go into labor shortly after, but nope. She tried again on my due date, and then once more 24 hours later in the evening since that’s usually the most effective.
That night, contractions started around 2 a.m., but they were far apart. By morning, they slowed even more — about one an hour. I decided to skip Mass and felt strongly the kids should be out of the house just in case.
By God’s grace, my sister-in-law was available (one of the few days that month!) to take them. Paul dropped them off after mass and hurried back, nervous to leave me alone.
Early Labor at Home
I walked around, contractions coming every 30–50 minutes, but still didn’t feel like full labor. It was so different because usually, once contractions start, they pick up quickly for me.
Once Paul got home, we hung out, and funny enough — we played Mario Kart (yes, we stole it from the kids!). But by about 2 p.m., the contractions shifted into the “stop in your tracks” type. It was like my body was waiting for the kids to be settled before moving forward.
The midwife arrived by 3.
Transitioning into Hard Labor
Home birth felt wildly different from a hospital birth. Honestly, I had a hard time adjusting at first. My midwife and her assistant sat quietly and calmly in the room, only stepping in when asked. I wasn’t used to that. In the hospital, people are constantly telling you what to do. Here, I had to trust myself and follow my own labor patterns.
Things progressed quickly once she arrived. The back labor was excruciating, and the only relief I found was Paul pressing his hand firmly into my lower back. He was such a trooper.
I tried the shower for some pain relief, but after two hours of intense contractions with no baby yet, I became distressed. Usually, once things got that strong, the baby was quickly born.
Finally, Paul asked the midwife to check me. She told me I was at 10 cm and offered to break my water. I hesitated, knowing it would intensify things, but I also felt the baby wasn’t descending. I agreed — and as soon as she did, Joshua finally moved down.
Delivering Joshua
This was hands down my most painful and difficult labor. I screamed louder than I ever had — loud enough to make Paul nervous. And then we found out why.
Joshua was born posterior (sunny side up). My midwife congratulated me: “You just delivered a baby backwards.”
Posterior labors are notoriously difficult, and I had zero pain meds. Looking back, I’m amazed my body did that. My midwife later told me my blood pressure had spiked at one point, but she remained calm and was prepared to transfer me if needed.
In those moments, I even cursed myself, thinking, Why didn’t I just do what my sister-in-law did and have a c-section? But deep down, I’m thankful I avoided one. With a posterior baby in the hospital, there’s a strong chance I would have been pressured into surgery.
Meeting Our Biggest Baby
Joshua was born healthy, weighing 7 lbs 8 oz — my biggest baby yet! (Most of my others were under 7 lbs, with two of my girls even in the 5 lb range.) Paul was also absolutely relieved he did not become the midwife this time. God is good.
I’m also grateful the Holy Spirit nudged me to send the kids out. Knowing my children, they wouldn’t have stayed away during my loud labor, and it would have stressed me even more. Some moms love having all their kids present at a home birth, but I know I’m not wired that way.
Postpartum at Home vs. Hospital
My favorite part of a home birth was simply being home. No nurses waking me up, no rigid hospital rules. My midwife came back for follow-ups at 24 hours, day 3, and a week later — and she handled all the newborn checks for the first month. I didn’t have to leave the house at all.
In the hospital, they claim to let moms rest, but in reality you’re woken constantly for vitals, pressured on baby sleep, and told to see a pediatrician within days. With Joshua, I stayed cozy in my own bed and truly recovered.
Meeting the fam!
Reflections on Birth Choices
After having both hospital and home births, I can confidently say the home birth was my favorite. But if someone asked me for advice, I’d never recommend it for a first labor or a VBAC. You need to know your body and how you labor before making that choice.
For first-time moms, I always recommend being well-informed, considering a doula, and advocating for yourself in the hospital. Too often, hospitals are bound by insurance policies and “by the book” routines, which limits flexibility. There are excellent OBs out there, and for many women, the hospital is the safest choice. But I believe hospitals could better support women by creating a more comfortable, home-like environment and giving mothers more of a voice.
Final Thoughts
If God blesses us with another baby, I’ll make that decision based on the pregnancy. While I’d love another home birth, I’ll pray about it and choose what feels safest at the time. Birth isn’t one-size-fits-all — every pregnancy is unique, and every mom needs to make the choice that’s right for her.
Looking back, birth has been such a journey for me. I’m amazed at how I went from planning my very first hospital birth to experiencing a home birth with baby #7. Never say never — things change, and we grow along the way.
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