My Pregnancy and Preparation for Birth

Even before my husband and I began trying for a baby, I felt a deep, intuitive knowing: I did not want to give birth in a hospital. When I became pregnant, that intuition only grew stronger. I immersed myself in research, reading everything I could about natural, unmedicated birth. The more I learned, the more confident I became in my decision to pursue a different kind of experience—one that felt sacred, intentional, and aligned with the innate wisdom of my body.

The fear-based narratives often associated with pregnancy and birth—pain, struggle, emergency—never resonated with me. I wanted a conscious, empowered, and deeply spiritual journey into motherhood. And with the unwavering support of my husband, that is exactly what I experienced.

From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I began connecting with my baby through guided meditations. I committed to a daily Yoga Nidra practice tailored to pregnancy, rewiring my subconscious mind to trust in my body’s natural ability to birth. Physically, I knew I was capable. Mentally and emotionally, I wanted to cultivate deep trust and inner peace.

I read extensively, focusing on hypnobirthing and mind-body approaches to labor. These teachings reminded me that even if plans shifted—if I needed a hospital transfer or a C-section—I could still have a mindful, grounded birth. That gave me immense comfort.

As part of my preparation, I worked with mantras and affirmations, practiced movement and exercises for pregnancy and labor, and included gentle pelvic floor work to support both birth and postpartum recovery.

By my third trimester, I realized I had gathered all the knowledge I needed. It was no longer about seeking more information—it was time to embody it. I turned inward, visualized my birth, and anchored into everything I had prepared for. I wasn’t just ready to give birth—I was ready to surrender and trust.

My Labor + Birth

Six days before my daughter Sunny’s due date, labor began. That Monday morning was slow, quiet, and peaceful—exactly the energy I needed. I had a bodywork session that afternoon, and I set the intention to release any lingering fear around birth. I left feeling grounded, strong, and ready—trusting that Sunny would come when she was meant to.

Later that evening, I told my husband I was feeling some Braxton Hicks contractions and a bit crampy. By 10 p.m., the sensations hadn’t subsided. I still didn’t think I was in labor, but I suggested we get everything ready—just in case. I double-checked our labor bag, made sure everything was packed, and we went to bed. I knew how important rest was during early labor, so I focused on sleeping and conserving energy.

Around 3 a.m., I woke up—this time the cramps were stronger. I started timing what I now recognized as contractions, while letting my husband continue to sleep. After about 45 minutes, I felt sure I was in labor, though it still felt manageable. Just after 4 a.m., I felt a sudden gush—my water had broken. I shook my husband awake: “Babe, my water just broke. I’m in labor.”

We called my midwife to update her. My contractions were picking up, but because I sounded so calm on the phone, she wasn’t convinced I was very far along. By 7 a.m., I told my husband we needed to head to the birthing center—an hour away. I didn’t want to wait any longer. Again, the midwife wasn’t sure I was in active labor, but I trusted my body. I knew this was it.

When we arrived at the birthing center, I couldn’t sit still—my contractions were coming faster and stronger. The midwife examined me and, to her surprise, I was already 7 cm dilated. She quickly ushered us into a birthing suite. That’s the thing about hypnobirthing—when you’re calm and connected, it can be hard for others to gauge how far along you are.

In the suite, they began filling the tub. I moved instinctively—on all fours, breathing, swaying—following what felt best. About 30 minutes later, the tub was ready, and the moment I got in, I felt immediate relief. The warm water eased the intensity, though make no mistake—labor was still intense.

I labored in the tub for about an hour. I could feel my body shifting—transitioning. I knew Sunny was close. I told the birth assistant I felt the urge to push, and the midwife came to check. It was time.

I asked my husband to get in the tub with me. He sat behind me, holding me, supporting me through each powerful wave. I began to push. Soon, Sunny was crowning. With one big push, her head emerged. The midwife reminded me that the next push needed to bring her whole body earthside. I gathered everything I had, and with the next contraction, she was born—at 11:30 a.m.

The midwife caught her and gently placed her in my arms. I was in awe. I had done it.

We moved out of the tub, and a few moments later, my husband cut the cord. The three of us laid there, skin to skin, completely transformed. I felt powerful, joyful, and deeply proud. In those quiet first moments, I realized: Sunny was born that day—but so was I. I became a mother. And my life was changed forever.