My name is Amanda Laurette, and I’m 24 years old. I decided to have a home birth before I ever got pregnant. I knew it was something I wanted to do. I am not a fan of hospitals or doctors. My son Sasha Rayne Laurette was due October 26th 2009, however he decided to bake a little longer and came November 9th 2009, just 2 days after my husband and I’s 1 year anniversary.

Being 2 weeks late, I would have had to go to the hospital if I didn’t have him that night, so I had to drink castor oil to make my labor progress. That was no fun, but it did get me the home birth I wanted. I labored pretty hard for about 3 hours, and then entered the pushing stage for about 45 minutes before my son finally entered the world.

My 2 wonderful midwifes were present, as well as my loving husband and my mother. My husband Darrel was amazing, feeding me apple slices and granola bars to keep my energy up. My midwife Jessica always reminding me to keep hydrated, and telling me I was doing great. It was tough stuff, but I don’t regret it. It was an amazing experience. I had a water birth, and used the La Bassine Birthing Pool, which was great! The water helped so much with the contractions, they still hurt a lot, but it was so much better than a dry contraction. I would never birth without water!

As I labored my husband actually had to leave the room a couple times because he was crying for me. It’s hard for our husbands to see us hurting and not be able to help. He and my mother actually went into the bathroom and hugged each other and cried together. A sweet bonding moment for them. As Sasha was descending I was able to feel his head coming down. I could feel the hair, and it was so exciting! It made the last part of my pushing a little easier knowing he was so close.

As he began to crown I felt the well known Ring of Fire, and held off my pushing a bit to allow some stretching to take place. Then with another push the head was out. Another and pop, I delivered my son my self, and he was on my chest, clean and perfect. Because he was late, he had no vernix left on his skin. It was the most amazing moment of my life. I was flooded with relief and pure joy.

Sasha was a healthy 9lb 8oz baby, 21 3/4 in long. Not small, and I didn’t tear at all! I finally appreciated these child-bearing hips I’ve had since puberty. Ha.

As for life as a parent, my hubbie and I have never been happier! I’ve always wanted a child, so this is my dream come true. He was even a good sleeper, only waking up about 3 times a night. He’s 3 months old now, and actually just slept a full night through for the 1st time last night!

God certainly blessed me a safe delivery and a beautiful angel to keep me company during my postpartum healing. My hubbie was able to stay home from work the 1st week of Sasha’s life, so I got breakfast in bed every morning, which then spoiled me very bad when I had to get up and do it for myself! I would definitely recommend a home birth to anyone that’s expecting. Much love and blessing.