Hi everyone I’d like to share my incredible birth story with you all 🩵My name is Marita and this is the birth of our first baby.

As a first time mom I felt super overwhelmed with options and choices when it comes to pregnancy and birth when finding out about our little miracle !

One thing I always knew is I didn’t want the cookie cutter hospital birth all my friends and family have had (no judgement to their experience, I just wanted something different). My good friend & doula (Julie Marais) was a great influence in my decision to go for a home birth, she provided me with so much knowledge & information surrounding this topic.

We were faced with so many strong opinions from loved ones and friends about how it’s irresponsible and unsafe etc etc but decided to stick to our guns. I found Crystal from Midwife By Nature and instantly felt seen and cared for from the first messages we exchanged.

Fast forward to my 20 week scan I was told my amniotic fluid was very low and I’m “high risk”. My heart sank as I listened to the ultrasound tech. After a long search to find an OB that was willing to give me a second opinion we were cleared to continue with birth as planned with Crystal at 28 weeks as my fluid levels were normal again . 🎊

After what felt like a lifetime 40 weeks came! And went 🤣 not by much luckily and on the 22nd of Jan I went into labour. (40 weeks & 2 days)

At first I doubted myself (this being my first baby) I wasn’t sure if I was being dramatic or if it was the real thing ! A few hours later I messaged Crystal and she advised me to track contractions for an hour and report back. They were irregular but building in intensity, after a further 30 mins of tracking she advised it be best if we head her way (we live about 1 hour away). Of course I needed to have pizza in the bath first 🤣

On arrival (10 pm) I was at 3cm. I’m not going to  lie I was a little disappointed hearing this number but we went about our business chatting outside while contractions continued to build and were coming more frequently (about one every 2 to 4 mins).

Fast forward to about 2am and I was at 6cm. Maybe it’s my type A personality but again I was not happy about my progress ,but I put my head down and focused on getting through each surge as they became super intense almost to the point where I struggled to control my breathing. I remember myself saying a few times, “I can’t do this, I’m not strong enough” & each time it was the encouraging words or touch of my birthing team team that got me through those moments.

Through this all I felt so safe,supported and loved, it’s almost impossible to explain. My team including my husband (Robert), Crystal (Midwife) & Julie my best friend & Doula held space for me to move as I needed always there with a loving word or hands to support me.

Finally after emptying by bladder one last time  Crystal checked me and I was at a 10 ! (Around 4:30 am) I hopped back in the birth pool , tired but excited to know it’s almost time to meet our baby !

These last few surges were like nothing I could have expected, intensity like nothing I’ve ever experienced. At this point Crystal told me if I felt the urge to push not to fight it but to give in & that’s what I did ! As my body gave me the go ahead I gave it my all and about 6 very intense surges later our gorgeous little boy made a quick entrance into the world !

04:47 am, 23 Jan 2025 🩵

This must be one of the most profound moments of my life pulling my baby towards my chest. An experience that’s hardly explainable!

3,6 kg & 50cm of pure love

In that moment I felt a wave of gratitude come over me, for my birthing team, the safe space I was in and the love I felt. What a privilege to be able to do what my body was designed to do so freely.

A huge thank you to Crystal & Jeremy from Midwife By Nature for their support in pregnancy, birth & beyond.

My friend & doula, Julie for always being there no matter what & being my voice of reason when I couldn’t speak up for myself.

My incredible husband, how wonderful to have your partner be present & supportive.

Let me be the one to remind you to stick to your guns, stand up for what you want & have faith in your body & baby. The female body & mind is more capable than you could ever begin to imagine.