Homebirth of Montserrat

I am happy to announce that we gave birth to our daughter Montserrat at home last Wednesday, May 18th, at 3:55am! 11 days past her due date, she weighed in at 9lb 7oz and measured 22.5″ long.  Aided by our midwives Nancy and Ami, and our doula Stacy, our baby was full of energy and love when she arrived.

One of the most important images for me during labor was David Bookbinder’s photograph of the pink flower, Water Lily X.  Between early labor and part of active labor, I envisioned my cervix as the water lily during contractions, imagining that I was opening up like the petals of that flower.  During early labor, I also sought out calm images of birth and had my laptop open to look at them.  One of the images that calmed me most was Amy Swagman’s Crowning Waterbirth.  

I am so thankful for the birth of this beautiful girl and will write more about this experience when I have more time!

Homebirth of Montserrat

Montserrat, 3 months old