On April 2nd, I gave birth to our daughter at home in the birthing tub as planned.

In the evening, a little after 5pm, I suddenly had contractions. Even though I was giving birth for the first time, I knew it wasn't just a pick-up contraction. Shortly after, I timed the contractions, which lasted 1 minute already, but they weren't regular, and there was plenty of time between them. My girlfriend prepared for the birth with a cover, towels and sheets on the bed and sofa, and got the tub ready. In the meantime, I contacted the home birth program.

I was standing in the kitchen, dealing with my contractions. The midwife arrived a few hours later, and we talked about my birth wishes. It was really nice and reassuring that she was 100% focused on me and just stayed with us. She felt at home and contributed to a safe atmosphere and gave good advice along the way.

By 11pm, the contractions had become intense, and I wanted to get in the tub. It felt really nice when the warm water hugged my body during contractions.

At 4:21 a.m. I gave birth to our little girl. My boyfriend was sitting in the tub next to me, so I could lean on him and feel his presence as he hugged me. He was a great support, and just as our daughter was about to swim out to us, the midwife said so I could welcome her myself. It felt so magical! Some time later, I delivered the placenta, while the LED lights were so beautiful in our living room. It had been dark and quiet outside, but now it was getting light. I had a small tear and came up on the dining table and got a few stitches. It was so smart that the midwife could do it from home, so we didn't have to go anywhere.

When I had breastfed and our daughter had been measured and weighed, the midwife left and we went to bed.

It all just felt so natural. I could just let my body do its thing without worrying about the midwife suddenly having to move on to another room. It was quiet so I didn't get nervous about hearing other women giving birth, like in the delivery room, and just as importantly, only relevant conversations were held about my birth, so I knew that all the focus was on me and my and my baby's safety.

I would recommend everyone to give birth at home, if they fall within the recommendations. It really helps to give birth at home in the comfort of your own home, where you are used to being.