As a first-time mum, Marie braced for a long, exhausting labour, but in the calm comfort of her own home, things moved quickly, smoothly, and beautifully.
Marie always imagined giving birth in a space that felt safe and familiar, surrounded only by the people she trusted. That dream came true when she welcomed her daughter Earthside in the comfort of her own home.
“It started with my waters breaking at around 11am,” she shared. “I’d been having inconsistent contractions for about 24 hours before that, so I wasn’t sure if it was the real deal yet.” She remembers feeling calm and curious, grateful to be able to wait things out in her own space.
She had hired a birth pool and a TENS machine from us to help her feel more comfortable and in control during labour.
Marie’s partner was by her side the whole time, helping to keep the space peaceful. The TENS machine gave her a sense of control through the early contractions, and she moved freely around her home. There was no rushing and no bright lights. Marie could just follow her body’s lead.
When her midwife arrived, she was already 8cm dilated. “I couldn’t believe it! I didn’t realise I was so far along until that point.” With her midwife and a student midwife there to quietly support her, Marie’s labour progressed quickly. Just after 6pm (less than eight hours after her waters had broken) she gave birth to her daughter in the soft lighting and calm atmosphere they had created together.
“The thing I’ll always remember is how cosy it felt. By 9pm, I was in my own bed with my baby and my partner beside me. Everything was quiet, warm, and exactly how I wanted it.”
Marie said she had expected a long, exhausting first labour, but was surprised by how straightforward it was.
“I felt so proud of myself for having her at home, and for how well my body just naturally knew what to do. Being able to breastfeed her right away and just stay in our own little bubble meant everything to me.”
Her advice for others?
“Listen to as many positive birth stories as you can — podcasts, books, YouTube videos. I did a hypnobirthing course and stayed focused on the benefits of home and physiological births. I didn’t let other people’s fear influence me. Trust your body, trust your care team, and create the birth experience you want.”
Marie’s story shows us that birth can be calm, safe, and deeply empowering when you’re surrounded by the right support and tools. With her partner, midwife, and student midwife by her side, and the comfort of her birth pool and TENS machine, she was able to follow her instincts, trust her body, and welcome her daughter in the most peaceful way possible. When you feel safe and informed, birth can be just as Marie described it: “cosy, calm, and full of love.”