When you’re expecting and starting to create your birth plan, reading others’ birth stories can have a beautiful impact and provide inspiration for your own birth. I am a birth photographer I had the privilege of photographing my friend & personal doula Lucie as she welcomed their third child via home birth here in St Joseph. Below is her story told in her own words.

Lucies story:

On Monday the 13th, 41 weeks and 5 days pregnant, I woke up with some cramps and I knew they were different from the Braxton hicks that I had been having since forever it seemed. The night wasn’t ideal. Irena my youngest at the time had a fever and didn’t feel well. 

I checked myself and felt a bag of water right there and I was 7cm dilated! 

The contractions weren’t very strong and so we decided to go for a walk to see what happens and I notified my midwives to give them heads up as well as my birth photographer Goldie and my doula Alexa. 

The walk was good but too short. Poor Irena was so done and didn’t want to go. I chatted more with my midwife Amber and she decided she will finish her appointment (which was my friend Brooke’s 6 weeks postpartum visit) and then they will head this way since it takes an hour. 

I called to get my chiropractic adjustment moved from 12 to 10:30am and on the way there and back I had some powerful surges – but it’s just always terrible in the car. Thankfully it is just 5 mins away. 

When we got home from chiropractor at 11:30am my contractions were minimal and almost gone. That felt really discouraging. I knew the midwives were almost here and nothing was happening… Ashley, the student midwife arrived first and Garin and my dad were setting up the birth pool just so it’s ready and everyone came into the room and I felt so overwhelmed. So many people, so much going on, attention on me but I had no contractions.. I got so emotional and asked my parents to take the girls somewhere outside. I went to the bathroom and just cried. Then my midwife Amber arrived with another student midwife Samantha. I told them that I feel like I dragged them there for nothing. They encouraged me that it doesn’t matter. I shouldn’t worry about them and that it’s so important that I am letting emotions out. 

Garin was so encouraging too, letting me know that it’s gonna happen, that I don’t have to worry about anyone. 

Then Garin, my parents and the girls went outside again and I stayed with the midwives to eat some lunch. I asked to be checked if I am not making it up that I am 7cm and I really was and very very soft and stretchy. 

I had some light lunch – brown rice noodles. Something that will not be super bad to throw up since I always do throw up during transition. I started having some contractions again that I had to stop for and breath through them but nothing really bad. I wanted to take a walk on the parkway and asked the midwives to go with me so I could lean on them. Plus I love to hang out with them, I always enjoy being around friends, women that are my inspiration. It was such a beautiful sunny day. Perfect for a walk. I had to stop through the contractions and I wondered how many of my neighbors saw me. Well all the ones working from home or homeschooling did as I later found out haha but it’s just a fun part of the story. 

We walked for about an hour. From 12:45 to 1:40. I decided to head back just because I needed to pee and didn’t really want to be on our busy street anymore. Now the contractions were getting pretty strong so we all went upstairs and wanted to start filling the tub. Garin was trying to put Irena to bed but forgot to take a white noise machine so I tried to get my dad to take it but I had some strong urges. 

I texted Goldie, that I think she can come over and I was about to text Alexa as well. I actually wrote the text but then I felt like I needed to pee again even though I just went 5 mins ago. As soon as I sat I felt scraping and a pop and my water broke (for the first time during labor!) and then a strong powerful surge took over and I had to get on my hands and knees and started grunting and it felt like the contraction was not ending at all. Transition. Just one on top of each other. So powerful suddenly and I don’t think I ever had that intense contractions with my other births. 

I told everyone that I didn’t send the text to Alexa to please text her but no one probably heard because they were so busy getting everything ready so quickly. There was no water in the pool and I really just wanted to get in. Then the water was too hot. They yelled for Garin to come right away since I was pushing already. Poor Irena just fell asleep but Garin getting up woke her as well. I had no music because no one found the iPad laying right on my nightstand haha but then I got a tiny break just in time to find a playlist on my phone and play it.

I was holding on to Garin who came to stay right by my side. And then I was able to get in the almost empty pool. I scooted down just so at least I am a tiny bit in the water. I felt her head but it was still in the cervix but another contraction came and her head came out. So quick. And then I looked up and Goldie was there. She made it. I asked Myriam to come in the pool because she wanted to help. She was amazing and so excited. Ever since we got home from my walk she was with me and helping. 

Then another contraction and I reached down to get her and Myriam helped me to catch her. Immediately I asked her if she wanted to look first if it’s a boy or girl. She looked and said I think a boy. Well I saw that and it was another girl!! Another beautiful princess in our family. Little less than 20 minutes since my water broke and only 30 mins after we got home from a walk. Gosh I was glad I decided to go home from the walk when I did. Wouldn’t want to birth on our street ha. And I didn’t throw up. It seems like there was no time for anything extra. 

I wanted to deliver placenta myself and I did. The contractions were a bit stronger and I was trying to push and then it came out and I was able to get it and place it in the bowl. We got out and went to bed and just snuggled all, it was so special to have my parents and see their excited faces. Knowing how my moms perspective on birth changed. She never knew it could be something like this even though she has always talked nicely about her births. It’s just different to have an amazing supportive team and stay and feel safe, doing exactly what you feel like and following your body’s cues. 

I always take showers after birth to refresh and so I did this time too. It makes it a special time for Garin and the girls to be able to enjoy the baby as well. 

We had names prepared for both boy and girl. We actually changed the girl name two days before her birth…

Our third baby girls name is Rosalin Estée. Born on February 13th at 2:14pm at 41 weeks and 5 days of pregnancy. Weighting 7lbs 5oz and measuring 21 inches.

Lucies birth team

Lucie had a St Joseph home birth and her support team included the following:

Midwife: Sacred Song Home Birth

Doula: Alexa Boehler

Photographer: Goldie Lynn Imagery

Chiropractor: Thrive Family Chiropractic

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: Abby with Elevate 360 Physical Therapy

More about Lucies birth services

Lucie is a mother, doula, educator, birth advocate and photographer. She has had a passion for birth work from a young age and that passion has only grown as she has become a mother herself. Lucie has been working with St Joseph home births, hospital births, and birthing centers for the last several years. She also services the Kansas City metro and surrounding areas.

To learn more about Lucie and her services you can check out her website by clicking here.

Are you interested in documenting your birth story?

I am a photographer who photographers St Joseph home births, hospital births, and in birthing centers. I also service the Kansas City metro. If you’re considering having your birth documented I would love to chat. Click here to read more information about my birth services.

Feeling inspired by Lucies home birth story? Click here to read Emmas home birth story.