My Birth Stories (and What I Learned)

When I tell people I had all three of my babies at home, I usually get raised eyebrows or a surprised “Wow, really?” And I get it—home birth is still considered pretty outside-the-norm for many. But for me, it felt like the right decision each time, and now, looking back on all three experiences, I wouldn’t change a thing.

That said, each birth taught me something different—about birth, about babies, and about myself.

Baby #1: A Textbook First-Time Labor

My first labor lasted about 12 hours—pretty typical for a first-time birth. It was intense, beautiful, exhausting, empowering, and everything in between. I had a supportive midwife, a calming space, and a sense of trust in my body. Even though I had prepared as much as I could, there were moments where I felt overwhelmed.

But when my baby was finally placed in my arms, all of it made sense. I felt strong. I felt capable. I felt like a mother.

Baby #2: Surprise, It’s Go Time

My second birth was fast. Just an hour and a half from start to finish. I barely had time to register what was happening before I was holding my baby. No long labor playlist. No dimmed lights or essential oils. Just adrenaline, breath, and trust in my body again.

This birth taught me that even when you’ve done it before, every labor writes its own story. There is no “copy-paste” birth plan.

Baby #3: Blink and Baby

My third came even faster—45 minutes. I’d joke afterward that it took longer to make a sandwich than it did to bring her earthside. It was a whirlwind, and honestly, a little shocking. But again, we were prepared, monitored, and surrounded by professionals. And she was perfect.

What I Learned

Here’s the truth I carried out of all three births:

You can’t control how your baby will be born.
You can plan, you can prep, you can visualize—but birth has a mind of its own. And that’s okay. As long as you’re a healthy mom, being cared for by trained professionals, there’s no one “right” way to bring a baby into the world.

Babies don’t need a ton of stuff.
When I was pregnant the first time, I remember being overwhelmed by all the must-have lists. But after three babies, I can confidently say: they need way less than we’re told. Some cozy clothes, a safe sleep space, nourishment, and love—that’s the real checklist.

And neither do you.
As moms, we’re told we need every postpartum product under the sun. But what we really need is rest, support, and space to heal. The rest? Optional.

Final Thoughts

Three babies, three home births, and three completely different stories. Birth taught me to surrender, to trust, and to simplify. I’m grateful for each experience—not because they were perfect, but because they were mine.

And if you’re on your own motherhood journey—whether it includes a hospital, a birth center, a home, or something entirely different—I hope you know this: you are allowed to write your own story too.