Your Birth Story 13 - First Birth at Home - Birthzilla’s Story

Where did you plan to have your birth, and why was it your chosen place?

I planned a home birth after learning that it was statistically more likely to result in the best outcome for both me and baby, avoiding unnecessary intervention.

How did you prepare yourself for the birth? What challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?

I read the Positive Birth Book by Milli Hill - it was this that first changed my mind from elective c-section! I then found myself a doula, the fabulous Tomoko (as I knew I’d need continuity of care to feel confident in my home birth decision), and I also signed up to the Birth Box by Poppy Child which helped me learn and practice hypnobirthing techniques. Lastly, I used a local PT to support with daily stretches and exercises to help prepare my body for labour.

My biggest challenge was after 36 weeks when I had shared my birth plan with my midwife. I was going against NHS Guidelines and I encountered some unintentional coercion, because I didn’t want any fetal monitoring during labour. It was tough to go against “the system” and feel like I wasn’t doing as I was told. But I did a lot of research and knew it was the right decision for me. I stood firm, had a chat with a senior midwife and adjusted the language in my birth plan so it was clear what and WHY I made that choice.

Where did you actually have your birth? Tell us the details of your birth.

At home! Unfortunately for me I had the most intense back labour, so Tomoko and my partner had to massage my back for around 7 hours to help me through! My heroes!

I loved the pool - it created a sense of privacy that I needed. The contractions were strong and frequent - every 20-30 seconds for 7 hours. But time stood still for me - chanting “in for 4, out for 8” mentally for 7 hours sent me into a strange trance whilst squeezing my birth comb. The room dark, people silent, my favourite music on surround sound.

7am came and I felt exhausted. I recall saying “I wish we were in hospital so I could have had an epidural”. My partner was worried about me, as I also LOOKED exhausted. As he spoke to the midwives in the kitchen about transferring me, little did they know I’d told Tomoko I felt like I needed to push - in hindsight, clearly transition. A spoonful of honey later, I was suddenly extremely present and everyone was cheering me on as the top of baby’s head emerged.

The midwives asked me to change position to help things progress, and moments later he shot into the pool. The instant shift from pain to euphoria is like nothing I’ll likely ever experience again.

How did your birth experience impact your life afterward?

My recovery has been incredible and I put it partially down to my birth experience. No stress, no hospital visit. Just endless Netflix and cuddles. I also have a new quiet self confidence - I can’t believe I did it. I am just so proud of myself and in awe of my body.

Message for mothers/parents currently expecting and those aspiring to have a baby.

I believe we should be planning our births like we do a wedding - be birthzilla, research every minute detail and make sure your birth partner 100% understands your needs - treat them like a maid of honour with a long list of duties! And invest in a doula (your wedding planner) and the day will run a lot smoother. Arguably the transition to motherhood will be more life affirming than getting married - so please don’t just “go with the flow”.

Chelsea 2025