Why I Chose Home Birth as a First-Time Mom

February 19, 2024 — The day that changed everything.

I figured, what better way to kick off this blog than by sharing the reason I started it in the first place: my home birth story.

After having a home birth as a first-time mom, I knew I wanted to share my experience — not just because it was beautiful, but because it completely changed the way I view birth and women’s bodies.

How It All Started

I was originally planning a hospital birth up until around 28 weeks. But after what ended up being my final OB appointment, I left feeling upset and dismissed.

Throughout my pregnancy, I had been adamant that I wanted an unmedicated labor. I had researched every decision that would need to be made during labor and delivery, and I created a detailed birth plan I was proud of. I put so much time and thought into making sure I was informed and prepared.

(I'm a big planner, if you can’t already tell.)

At that appointment, I asked my doctor when we could go over my birth plan — so she’d be aware of what I wanted and, most importantly, what I didn’t want. Her response?

“Oh, that’s not really that important... most of that stuff people ask for is standard care now.”

I was shocked — and honestly, hurt. Even if what I wanted was standard care, the fact that she didn’t want to have a conversation about my plan made me feel like my voice didn’t matter.

I went home, vented to my husband, and he said, “Let’s just do a home birth.”
At the time, I had no idea how to make that happen — especially so late in pregnancy.

Thankfully, a family friend who had birthed several of her children at home connected me with an amazing midwife she had used before. And, as if it were meant to be, the midwife had one February spot left.

And just like that, our home birth journey began.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

The Birth Story

February 18, 2024
We went to church that morning, just like any other Sunday. I felt pretty normal — large and uncomfortable, but that was nothing new.

That night, I started having a few Braxton Hicks contractions. Since I was still a week from my due date, I didn’t think much of it. But as I tried to fall asleep, I noticed the cramps were getting stronger — though still irregular.

February 19, 2024
12:30 a.m.
I realized the cramps were coming more frequently. That’s when it hit me:

“Ummmm, I think I’m in labor,” I said, shaking my very asleep husband, Tyler.

He blinked awake and asked, “Okay… what do we do?”

I remembered my doula's advice to rest as long as possible, so I tried to relax and stay in bed.

Between 1:30–2:00 a.m.
I called my midwife to update her. She suggested I take a warm bath to see if things would slow down or progress.

In the tub, I called my mom — filled with both excitement and nerves. I was surprised by how calm I felt. After about 30 minutes, it was clear this was real labor. The contractions started coming more rhythmically, though still far apart. I got out, walked around, and rested when I could.

But it’s hard to sit still when you're in pain and excited to finally meet your baby.

4:00 a.m.
Contractions picked up — stronger and closer together. I called my doula, and she decided it was time to come over. Tyler started prepping the bed with our birthing sheets while I called my mom to head over, too.

I couldn’t believe this was it. Today was really the day.
Even in the pain, I felt so much peace. The only thought in my mind was:

Surrender to the waves.

5:00 a.m.
My doula, midwife, her students, my mom, and my mother-in-law all arrived. Some might think that’s a lot of people, but for me, it felt perfect.

These were strong women who loved and supported me. Being surrounded by them made me feel empowered. I felt held.

The room was dimly lit, with soft worship music in the background and birth affirmations on the wall. Hushed voices floated around me. Despite the intensity, it was incredibly peaceful.

7:00 a.m.
I labored in bed for a while, and then my midwife asked if I wanted to get into the birthing pool. Before I did, I asked her to check me — but not tell me how dilated I was.

I didn’t want a number to mess with my head — I just wanted my body to do its thing.

(Spoiler: I later found out I was already 7cm 😱)

I slid into the pool, and immediately felt a burst of energy. I looked up and said,

“Oh my! This water is magical!”

Everything felt calm. I remember just talking to God, thanking Him for a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby, and this incredible opportunity to birth at home.

After 8:00 a.m.

Time faded away once I was in the water.

Each contraction came like a wave, and I just listened to my body. Sometimes I moved. Sometimes I stayed still. I was deep in labor land — hearing the soft chatter around me but fully focused on what my body was doing.

Eventually, my water still hadn’t broken, so we tried a position change — onto the toilet.

And that’s when things got real.

A powerful contraction hit, and I felt Waylen drop down. The feeling of his movement through my body was indescribable — it felt like we were working together, both of us on a mission.

A few more contractions, and my water finally broke.

Waddling back to the birth pool, I realized:

This is it. I’m about to meet my baby.

Back in the water, the contractions became intense. That primal urge to push kicked in. With each push, I felt him getting closer. I was exhausted but focused.

I took a deep breath and whispered a prayer.

Then came the final push...

1:45 p.m. — February 19, 2024

Waylen William Stancil was born in the comfort of our home.

The only words I could get out were,

“OH MY GOD — I DID IT!”

I have never been so proud of myself. I’ve never felt such instant, overwhelming love.

Final Thoughts

My home birth was absolutely amazing.
If you're considering an unmedicated birth, I highly recommend exploring home birth.

The freedom I had to let my body do what it was divinely made to do was breathtaking. My midwife and doula made me feel so safe and supported. Having my mom, my mother-in-law, and my husband by my side made the experience even more powerful.

It was magical.
It was sacred.
And I am forever grateful.

I’d love to hear from other mamas — what was your birth experience like?
Have you had or considered a home birth?

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m an open book and would love to support other women who are curious about home birth!

Check out more blog post by Lainey Stancil HERE