A Birth Story From Renata

A birth story shared by Renata

A mum right here in Christchurch!

I didn't always know I would have a home birth. All I knew for sure was that I didn’t want to birth in a hospital.

When I found the Home Birthing Midwives, everything started to fall into place—and looking back, it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.

Our midwife, Kimberly, was a calm, assertive and confident presence from the start, and we were lucky to have Emily at the birth, with Kate as a supportive backup. They were all incredible—understanding, knowledgeable, and deeply respectful of our space and the birth process. I felt safe, supported, and truly taken care of throughout the entire experience.

I couldn't even imagine how different it would have been if I had to give birth in a hospital setting, with bright lights, strangers coming in and out, constant poking and prodding, and the constant beeping of machines... Being in New Zealand and having the opportunity for a home birth was a true blessing.

Coming from Croatia, I couldn't help but feel for the women in my home country who didn't have the same options as I did. It seemed so unfair that something as natural as giving birth was restricted. Home births are actually illegal in Croatia, which meant that women like me didn't have a choice in where they could bring their child into the world.

I felt incredibly fortunate to have been in New Zealand, where home births were not only allowed but fully supported and fully funded. The experience of birthing at home, surrounded by loving, knowledgeable midwives and my supportive partner, was something I would always be grateful for.

We had a birthing pool set up in our living space, surrounded by soft lighting and a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere with candles and fairy lights, gentle music playing in the background.

We also had our whanau to be a part of the journey; our incredible friend Celeste was there throughout, holding space with such grace and presence. She brought grounding energy, deep care, and emotional support that uplifted us in the most beautiful way.

At 6 a.m., my water broke, and everything began unfolding naturally. Labor started picking up around 5 p.m., and by 6 p.m., I was in active labour.

The pushing phase began around 1 a.m., I entered the birthing pool and surrendered to the rhythm of my body, supported and surrounded by people I trusted.

At 3 a.m., our beautiful baby boy was in our arms.

It was my first pregnancy and labour, and I’m grateful it lasted only nine hours—an intense, and empowering journey. It was fully natural, and I had all the happy hormones assisting this experience - medication free. I truly believe that the calm and safe home environment made all the difference. There were no bright lights, no noise, no strangers coming in and out, no unnecessary questions or interventions. Just trust, quiet, and support. This is what allowed my body to go through the process without interruptions and pauses and do what it's naturally meant to do.

At the very end, after our baby’s head was born, his shoulders didn’t turn within the expected time. Kimberly stepped in skillfully assisted him to turn. Thanks to her expertise, our son was born healthy and happy—and we will forever be grateful for her care.

He entered the world peacefully, and he was looking around and smiling. I believe that was because of the calm and gentle energy that surrounded his birth.

After the birth, we had our golden hour, undisturbed skin-to-skin time, and a delayed cord clamping, which my partner did once the cord stopped pulsating. We kept the placenta and later had a deeply touching placenta ceremony that honoured the journey.

Though I experienced a fourth-degree tear and needed to transfer to the hospital for repair, we made that move when we were ready. There was no rush, no panic—just a smooth transition. Everything had already flowed so nicely.

I feel so lucky and grateful for the support of our midwives, for the experience of birthing at home, and for the calm, empowered way our sun came into the world. This birth changed me—and it affirmed everything I intuitively knew about the power of birthing in a familiar space filled with peace and calm.