Before I ever had children, I imagined myself having homebirths surrounded by my husband, midwife, and my older children. As it turned out, I’m the kind of woman who needs quiet and privacy to give birth, so my older children never attended a birth. We had them go stay with friends when the big day arrived.
Having said that, I absolutely love attending births that are a family affair, such as this Lynden homebirth.
Jennifer was in early labor when I arrived and still moving around her home and taking care of her toddler.
The boys left for the day when Jennifer went into labor, but the girls and Jennifer’s husband, Paul, hung out in the living room together during early labor.
Midwife, Allie Watkins of Haven Midwifery, helps entertain Lydia during her mom’s labor.
Having a homebirth means the kids get to go about their daily routine. These two sisters made dinner for the family while their mom was in labor.
As evening fell, Jennifer’s labor grew stronger.
This was a first for me…a dad cutting the umbilical cord with an arrowhead!
Baby Mary getting cleaned up while her mama rests.
Baby Mary was healthy and happy. Jennifer ended up having some complications and was transferred to the hospital. Thankfully, baby and mama were both back home soon to settle into life together.