Anyone who’s ever been pregnant will nod in solemn agreement when you talk about the end of pregnancy.

Not only is the end physically trying, it’s emotionally and mentally exhausting, too.

Sophia’s first son was born two weeks late. She expected to go late again – but that didn’t make it any easier.

40 weeks came and went.

In her mind, it seemed like she would NEVER go into labor!

Her home birth midwife continually offered her moral support and encouragement.

When baby Krishna arrived, 41 weeks exactly, she said, “I can’t believe he’s really here!”

You can read Sophia’s birth story in her own words below.

Sophia’s Home Birth Story
Second time mom

Krishna Sattva Shankara was born at the beginning of summer in early June

8lbs 3 oz
19 3/4 inches

Active labor was 2 hours
Early labor was about 3 hours

I went into labor 6 days after my due date. We were trying all kinds of things to get my body to kick into labor and on the 6th day it finally worked!!!

I went in for scheduled monitoring and measurement of amniotic fluid since I was almost a week past due. They had told me I was having contractions every 8-10 minutes, but I didn’t feel anything. My mom and mother-in-law came over to watch our firstborn.

Before active labor my partner was putting Himalayan salt lamps all over the place and I was like where are you getting all of these from I thought it was pretty funny!

I got home drank my 2nd castor oil cocktail and within the hour I was having contractions 5 minutes apart for 1 min long, things progressed very quickly after that. I had regular contractions for a few hours then active labor kicked in at 9pm and baby boy was born at 11:04pm.

Contractions felt as I expected. I think I handled them pretty well… of course right before Krishna was born was the most painful – but definitely worth it. Things that helped me was my midwife telling me to breathe and relax, that I was doing great.

During labor I just kept thinking about how my baby boy would be here soon!!! I was so excited!! I was very surprised at how fast labor really was I handled it a lot easier than with my first born.

The first thing I said to him was “Hi baby!” I fell in love all over again holding him. My precious little boy was finally here!

I felt like yes I did it !!!!! Definitely made me embrace what my body was able to handle and I just feel extremely grateful. It was a lot more peaceful/relaxing and a lot faster than I thought it would be.

I learned to appreciate/embrace myself more. This was an amazing birth and definitely made me realize how strong I can be.