This post is long overdue, I was hesitant at first about posting it but today I felt ready to share my story with the world

The Birth of Princess Laylah

17 June 2025 – A Midwife’s Dream Realised

Bringing life into the world is something I’ve devoted my heart and hands to as a midwife — but on 17 June 2025, I experienced birth in a way I had only ever imagined. That day, I welcomed my beautiful daughter, Princess Laylah, into the world through the water birth I had dreamed of for so long. It was everything I had hoped it would be — empowering, intense, sacred, and filled with love.

Labour began gradually on the evening of 15 June. By the next day, 16 June, things had started to shift. Around 14h00, my contractions became stronger and were coming every 5 minutes. I knew we were moving closer. The waves of labour were beginning to build, and by 19h00, my husband — ever the supportive partner and my personal doula — gently examined me. I was about 2 to 3 cm dilated.

He phoned Sr Crystal, my midwife specialist, who offered us the reassurance we needed and suggested we wait another hour. By 20h00, she advised we come in, because at this point, the contractions were intense and were now 2 to 3 minutes apart. What kept me grounded was the incredible sacral pressure my husband provided. His lower back massages got me through each surge. He was steady, focused, and absolutely phenomenal — I couldn’t have done it without him.

By this time, my parents had arrived. I could see the mixture of concern and excitement in their eyes — their only daughter in labour, about to bring their first grandchild into the world. Their presence gave me strength.

We made our way to the birthing centre and arrived around 20H50. I was 4 cm dilated. With Sr Crystal’s calming guidance and my husband’s unwavering support, we settled into the rhythm of active labour. My fur baby Laura had tagged along too and kept checking in on me every time she heard a moan, it was the cutest thing.

At 21H40 I entered the warm birthing pool, and everything began to flow. The water soothed me, and in it, I found peace between contractions — a peace I had hoped for, trained for, and now, finally, was living through.

At 22H30 I moved to the toilet to help Laylah’s head engage some more… The pressure at this point was so immense and I started going into the transition phase. I wasn’t sure I could still do this. I remember telling Sr Crystal “I dont know what to do anymore”, the pain was too much. She  reassured me that I was doing everything I needed to be doing.

In the early hours of 17 June, at exactly 00h58, our beautiful daughter, Laylah, was born into the water — calm, alert, and surrounded by love. I reached down and lifted her onto my chest. It was surreal — I had caught babies many times, but this time it was my own. She was perfect.

Princess Laylah’s birth was not just a dream fulfilled — it was the most profound moment of my life. I was supported, I was respected, and I was surrounded by love. My heart is full, and I will forever hold that magical night in my soul.

My Princess Laylah, born into water, into peace and so much love.