In late January I welcomed a healthy, alert baby girl who quickly became the center of our world. Maxx and I are so proud of her. She’s already five months old and has grown so much—her personality is bright, funny, energetic, and always smiling, just like her mom.
During pregnancy I read many positive birth stories that helped dissolve my fears. Negative accounts and dramatic portrayals are common, but approaching birth with a positive, empowered mindset can profoundly shape your experience.
I’m happy to share my home birth story. I filmed the full account—watch the video above—and below I’ve included helpful details and takeaways. Every birth is different; my hope is that this account will inspire and empower, whether you’re expecting or not.
Check out my vegan pregnancy playlist on YouTube for more videos!
CAN ANYONE HAVE A HOME BIRTH?
Home birth isn’t appropriate for everyone. Some pregnancies are considered high risk, and in those cases hospitals and obstetric care are the safest option. A qualified midwife will evaluate your situation and help determine whether a home birth is advisable. Remember there are also ways to pursue a natural birth in a hospital setting if that’s the right choice for you.
DID I HAVE A DOULA?
I chose not to hire a doula, though we had a backup available—the midwife’s assistant—who would have supported me if needed. A doula can be a valuable source of emotional and physical support, so I recommend researching doulas and considering what’s best for you and your family.
WHAT IF YOU ENDED UP IN THE HOSPITAL?
Many people planning home births transfer to the hospital; exhaustion is a common reason, according to my midwife. You can choose to transfer at any time, even without an emergency—perhaps if you decide you want an epidural. A doula can also help you explore alternative pain-relief strategies like massage or hydrotherapy.
Treat hospitals as a resource for emergencies and be prepared with a hospital plan in case transfer becomes necessary. Your midwife and doula can help craft an emergency birth plan. I also prepared written preferences for the unlikely event of a cesarean, including a request to have my vaginal flora swabbed to transfer beneficial bacteria to the baby if possible.
WERE DATES, WALKING, AND RASPBERRY TEA (AND ALL THAT OTHER PREP) HELPFUL?
It’s hard to know for sure, but none of those practices caused harm. I experienced a very long, 37-hour labor despite walking two miles most days and staying active through hiking up until labor. Walking gave me stamina—important when labor is prolonged—and supports overall pregnancy health by reducing stress, improving circulation, easing swelling, aiding digestion, and lowering gestational diabetes risk when combined with a healthy diet. So yes, I believe it helped.
WAS PERINEAL MASSAGE HELPFUL?
I did not tear, so I believe perineal massage and other preparations were helpful, though the massage is uncomfortable. My midwife also recommended daily sitz baths to soften the tissue; a full soak is especially relaxing. My midwife suggested having sex in late pregnancy to encourage labor and help the body prepare, which is another intimate practice to enjoy before birth.
WHAT WAS THE MOST HELPFUL THING YOU DID TO PREPARE?
All my preparations mattered, but the most helpful were my hypnobirthing and breathing practices, along with daily affirmations. Mindset and breath were central during the long labor. I completed an online hypnobirthing program and practiced breathing, meditation, affirmations, and visualizations consistently for months, which made a real difference.
FAVORITE BIRTH PREP RESOURCES?
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah Buckley—science-based information about birth and interventions.
Free Birth Podcast—for stories from women who birthed at home without professional care; the accounts felt empowering even though I chose professional support.
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth—for birth stories and practical wisdom.
Calm Birth School—an online hypnobirthing course that many find helpful for mindset and breathing techniques.
Instagram birth accounts that share real videos and perspectives.
Evidence Based Birth—for research-backed information on birthing practices.
The Business of Being Born—an informative documentary about childbirth.
And again, check out my vegan pregnancy playlist on YouTube for more videos and resources.