She tried not to listen to the concerns of others about a planned home water birth. She had done it before and knew she can, and will, do it again.

“I was blessed with having my dream,” says Annissa, who owns her own landscape design and construction business. “All my births were water births with the assistance of midwives.”

However, this was her second home water birth with her daughter Julia. Luke (8) was born at a hospital in a natural birthing facility, but Ruby (5) was born at home. 

Doing Homework and Reaching a Decision

“I did lots of research beforehand. I spent hours watching home water births and home births online and joined like-minded websites and Facebook-pages for news and encouragement. I chose water birth for two reasons; I just love a hot bath and it is easier to move around in and very relaxing. It helps with labour pains and prevents episiotomies.” Annissa felt completely ready for the experience.

The Baby is Coming!

Annissa woke up in the morning and knew her water had broken. At this stage, she was one week late and expecting to go into labour. She admits that she was excited, but also a bit nervous. Annissa was surprised when her midwife encouraged her to push after only three and a half hours of labour. “I did experience some fear. I had dilated so quickly that I was stunned when she said I could push after such a short time. I tried to focus on one contraction at a time, just breathing to stay calm and go with the labour pains. Positive thinking and gospel music also helped." The pushing was hard and painful, tells Annissa, but all the pain was worth it when she felt her baby’s head with her hand. “I knew that I will be meeting my little girl soon,” she says. Taking it one contraction at a time, listening to her midwife’s encouraging words and seeing her children’s excited faces made her push harder and in the end, push through. Julia made her arrival weighing a healthy 3.78 kilogrammes.

“She was perfect and the birth was perfect. My children were both present and it was a family occasion,” says Annissa.

Support System

Annissa says she wouldn’t have been able to deliver without a doula. She helped the mother-to-be stay calm and relaxed. Positive affirmations from her and the assisting midwife carried Annissa through.

Fulfilment of Dreams

Her husband, Howard (39), who was present during the birth of his third child, says that it was the most amazing experience he’s ever had. “I am so proud of my wife and I love our beautiful children. It was amazing to see my children arrive into this world. I highly recommend this method to any brave dad,” he adds. Howard says that his greatest desire was to catch his baby and because he was in the tub with Annissa, his dream was fulfilled. “I caught our baby and immediately looked at her face. It’s a picture I’ll treasure for the remainder of my days. I instinctively knew our family is now complete.” - Staff writer

Books read: Internet sites and a few Facebook-pages

Labour lasted: 4 hours

Birth Date: End of August

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