Makoa’s Birth Story: The Home Birth I Prayed For
After experiencing a hospital birth with my first baby and a birthing center birth that didn’t quite go as planned, I finally had the home water birth I had been praying for. On New Year’s Eve, nine days earlier than expected, our sweet Makoa Felix made his grand entrance into the world—surrounded by love, a little chaos, and so much grace.
This was my most empowering birth experience yet—one that felt deeply aligned with everything I had hoped for. It was a journey of surrender, trust, and realizing just how much strength we carry within us as parents.
Embracing the Unexpected
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from birth, it’s that no two experiences are ever the same. Each of my births—with Aluna, Osa, and now Makoa—has been completely different, teaching me valuable lessons along the way.
With my first birth in a hospital, I experienced a more traditional medical setting but learned how important it was to advocate for myself. With my second, I planned a water birth at a birthing center, but things progressed so quickly that I never even made it into the tub! So for this third time around, I knew I wanted to be at home, in my own space, surrounded by familiarity and love.
Even with all the preparation, I reminded myself that labor has a way of unfolding in its own time, in its own way. No matter how much we plan, birth is unpredictable—and that’s part of its beauty.
A Birth Filled with Love, Chaos, and God’s Grace
Laboring at home was everything I had envisioned—peaceful, intense, and deeply spiritual. The moment I felt the first real contractions, I knew this time would be different. There was a sense of calm but also an unshakable knowing that my body was ready.
As things progressed, I leaned into the support of my family. My husband, Nic, was by my side, encouraging me through every wave of labor. My older kids, Aluna and Osa, were in and out of the space, curiously watching, playing, and even splashing water in the tub mid-contraction! It was messy, real, and absolutely perfect.
In the midst of the intensity, I found peace. I trusted my body, my intuition, and God’s plan. And when the moment finally came, and I reached down to bring Makoa into my arms, I felt the deepest sense of joy and relief—a reminder of the incredible resilience we all carry within us.
Lessons from Three Births
Each of my births has left me with different lessons, but this experience reaffirmed three things:
1. Trust Your Gut
From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted a home birth. I did my research, found a supportive birth team, and trusted that my body was capable. No matter where or how you choose to give birth, listening to your instincts is key.
2. Advocate for Yourself
With my first two births, I learned just how important it is to speak up for what you want. Birth is unpredictable, but having a clear vision, a supportive team, and a voice in the process makes all the difference.
3. Embrace the Chaos
Birth (and parenting in general) is never perfect. It’s raw, messy, and beautifully chaotic. Letting go of the idea that things need to happen a certain way opens the door to joy, presence, and peace.
Hear the Full Story!
I poured my heart into sharing this journey on the season finale of my podcast, Show Up With Betina.
If you want to hear every detail—from the first contractions to the final, life-changing push—listen to the full episode here!
Plus, Nic and I will be sharing a YouTube video soon about our experiences, so stay tuned for that. 🖤
To all the parents out there—whether you’re expecting, in the thick of it, or just love hearing stories of resilience—this one’s for you.
Birth is powerful, and so are you. 💛
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