Children in the Birth Space

When I was 10 years old I remember being in my backyard with my brother and sister playing when a loud yell came from the house. My mom was pregnant with her fourth child and she was laboring in our home on the couch. With a panic my step dad locked the back door and told us to stay outside so it wouldn’t be chaotic. I guess. I remember wanting to be by her side. I was looking through our windows trying to get to the one nearest to the couch. I climbed on the garbage bins on the side of the house overlooking the couch my sibling in tow. I heard the ambulance pull into our driveway and watched as the ambulance workers put her on a stretcher and took her away. I remember wanting to be her comfort. I wanted to see my youngest sister be born. I remember when I was told that hospitals didn’t allow children and I couldn’t go to see her be born. I wanted to be there. 

Being invited to in- home birth spaces has been a complete delight so far. The majority of my birth clients are experienced mothers with other kids in tow. I love it when my birth clients have confidence and decide to have their children in or around their birth space. I hear of some worries in consultations which is completely normal but nevertheless, during the active labor phase I see children go in quietly and mother’s labor as peaceful as they can. Kids see each big contraction and how their mothers handle it and want to instantly be of some support. Whether that is holding a cup of water, giving a small massage, a warm embrace, or a bite to eat for their mothers. I see all sorts of support and love wrapped around the mother. I see patience and sympathy. I see stress and relief. I see trust and empowerment. Tears of joy and hugs of excitement. The first time older siblings can hold their new sibling. It brings so much joy to my heart and I know the documentation that I service for my birth clients of these moments is priceless.  Not only to the parents but to their children.