Felicity's Birth Story

Supporting Lucy & Gabriel Through an Empowered, Unexpected Birth

Preparing for Birth with Intention

In January 2025, Lucy and Gabriel began preparing for the birth of their first baby by joining my Born to Birth HypnoBirthing® course. Over five weeks, I witnessed a remarkable transformation — from uncertainty to confidence, from anxiety to joyful anticipation.

"We’re actually excited for birth now."— Lucy, at the end of the course

By the final session, they asked me to be their doula. It was a true honor.

Waiting with Trust

As their due date came and went, Lucy stayed calm and centered, trusting her baby would come when ready. Unfortunately, her obstetrician was less patient, and by 41+3 weeks, the pressure to induce became difficult to ignore.

After exploring every natural method — from raspberry leaf tea to acupuncture — Lucy and Gabriel made a thoughtful, informed decision to proceed with a gentle hospital induction on March 26 2025.

A Gentle Start Turns Intense

That evening, Lucy began oral prostaglandins. After a long night with little sleep and only mild sensations, her waters were broken the next morning — despite her cervix not being fully softened.

This triggered an immediate shift: strong, fast surges began with barely any rest between. Gabriel called me, and I joined them in the hospital shortly after.

A Powerfully Connected Labor

I found Lucy on her hands and knees, breathing deeply, Gabriel applying counter-pressure with calm and purpose. Their teamwork was incredible — exactly what they’d prepared for.

"Just give me one more breath."— Gabriel, during an intense wave

Despite intense back labor (likely from baby’s less-than-optimal position), Lucy kept changing positions, stayed vertical, and remained deeply connected to her baby.

But as the hours passed, the surges intensified, and the team discovered Felicity was slightly turned in Lucy’s pelvis — slowing progress and increasing discomfort.

Surrendering to Support

By 5cm dilation, the team recommended synthetic oxytocin. Though Lucy had hoped to avoid it, she agreed — and after trying the bath for relief, she chose an epidural to allow for rest.

At first, things calmed. Lucy and Gabriel even shared a quiet moment, connecting with family and regrouping emotionally. But then, suddenly, the baby’s heart rate spiked.

An Emergency Decision

Within minutes, the midwife administered medication to slow contractions — but the baby’s heart rate remained high.

“My gut says we need to intervene now.”— Hannah, midwife

What followed was a swift transition into emergency cesarean prep. Lucy was readied for surgery, and Gabriel suited up to stay by her side. And perhaps there was even something deeply poetic about Gabriel — who was himself born by C-section — sitting beside Lucy as they welcomed their daughter into the world, continuing a circle of care and connection. I watched how he calmly sat next to Lucy and kept talking to her, trying to reassure her with each breath.

I remained close, offering comfort wherever I could, while Lucy focused on staying grounded through the unexpected shift.

Felicity Arrives

Felicity was born at 8:46 PM via cesarean section. She arrived quietly and needed help clearing fluid from her lungs. She was taken to the neonatal team for support while Gabriel never left her side - moments he’ll carry forever.

"She reached out and grabbed my finger."— Gabriel, in the neonatal unit

Supporting Lucy After Birth

Back in the operating room, I stayed with Lucy during and after the surgery, supporting her through intense post-birth shaking and nausea. She was frightened to close her eyes, so I talked to her and kept a hand on her arm, offering grounding and presence while playing the HypnoBirthing rainbow relaxation audio that she used as a preparation for birth…After some time and rest, she was wheeled down to meet her daughter properly.

Reunited at Last

When we arrived in the neonatal unit, Felicity was lying skin-to-skin with Gabriel — a beautiful, peaceful moment. Soon, she was placed on Lucy’s chest, where they finally met outside the womb. Although she still needed breathing support and couldn't yet breastfeed, she nestled in, calm and connected. The nurses reassured Lucy and Gabriel that breastfeeding would follow soon, once the oxygen could be weaned.

This was their moment of reconnection. Not the beginning they had envisioned, but a beautiful beginning nonetheless — full of strength, tenderness, and love.

"What a sweet couple… what a beautiful family,"— whispered by the nurses

Though the birth unfolded differently than Lucy and Gabriel had hoped, it remained rooted in love, trust, and fierce presence. They met each moment with open hearts and unwavering connection.

Why This Story Matters

Birth is unpredictable. It can ask more of us than we ever imagined. But even when plans shift and interventions arise, it can still be your birth — one shaped by informed choices, emotional presence, and the deep love between parents and their child.

Felicity’s story is one of resilience, surrender, and the power of connection. As a doula, I was honored to support Lucy and Gabriel through every high and low, and to witness their courage and tenderness in welcoming their daughter earthside.

I’m posting this story on the day Felicity is undergoing a necessary open-heart surgery. My thoughts are with her and her loving, warm parents. May they once again draw strength and calm from the deep love they share and the unshakable bond between them. While the connection between her heart condition and the way her birth unfolded remains unclear, what is clear is how deeply she has been held in love from the very beginning.

The birth took place at Sint Augustinus Hospital in Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium.