✨ Welcome Earthside, my boy 🌊👶🏽

Quaid John Lyall Butler

Just like with his sister, it all started with a chiropractic visit Rise Chiropractic in Panorama on the 12th of June… and by the next day, he was in my arms. 💫

Contractions hit hard after midnight — no slow buildup this time, just straight into intensity. By 8:15am, we were at the beautiful Midwife by nature – Crystal Esau birthing centre, greeted by my midwife, Crystal. Our birth photographer, Deidre from @bygracephotographystories, was already there, and my doula, Lindie from @blessed_beginnings.doula, joined shortly after. I was 4 cm and working through it, supported with love.

Between bouncing on the ball, walking through the peaceful garden, and snatching a quick side-lying nap with the peanut ball, I found moments of rest and rhythm. Then, into the birth pool, I went — where my daughter joined me for the most magical moment, gently rubbing my back and pouring water over me with my doula.

No water breaking, no show — just deep surrender. My waters must’ve released in the pool as I pushed. It was intense, but somehow, the pushing felt easier than before. With his head out, we noticed a nuchal cord (x2!), but it was handled calmly and expertly. I felt so safe.

He was born at 15:39, weighing a solid 4.140kg, 53cm of pure perfection. Afterwards, we soaked in the stillness — skin to skin, breastfeeding, and delayed cord clamping. Placenta was born peacefully, and soon I was cleaned up, cuddling my baby in bed, eating food brought by hubby, and heading home to our own bed by 7 pm — just hours later.

A birth that was raw, sacred, powerful… and deeply supported.