Zoe has been in labour since early Wednesday morning, she managed to get sleep here and there and I got “I am in labour” message just before 7am. I love everything about the rush, the anticipation and unknown of what’s to come. My babysitter arrived with her eyes half closed and since she knows my “hurry up mum is in labour!” messages by now she just pushed me out of the door and started to make breakkie for my children.

I was in Zoe’s house within an hour or so. Their new home was filled with people - kids, grandma, friend, midwives and of course her rock husband. Zoe was in bath most of the labour and besides humming noise (sometimes she even managed to hum to a song) she birthed in silence.
Let me tell you that wasn’t the case with her children, the laughter, the squeals of excitement. The coconut water she has been asking for was delivered with major delays as her youngest boy managed to drink it before it got to her. We got cups and sometimes even pretzels flowing in the bath. Youngest Alex hopped in the bath with her without any hesitation. Splashed, touched her, argued with her and dad…Zoe managed to stay present, content and calm, she always reassured her children she is ok, baby is coming and it wasnt until later her humming turned into gentle groan her daughter got emotional. We all did. The whole room was on her side, supporting her one way or another, she needed them to get through another contraction to bring her baby here.

She gently delivered her baby girl just an hour or so later. I did hear about calm birth and the fact babies dont have to cry…well I’ve seen it with my own eyes, besides few cries little Freyja was born into her arms silent. She snuggled on Zoe’s chest and kept dreaming half immersed in water. The joy in the room! With all of them transferring to the bedroom, her eldest boy cut the cord, they all fit into one bed, and impatiently waited to hold their baby sister.
They are complete and I will treasure that January morning with them forever.

Thank you Robyn from @yarravalleymidwives and Erin from @birthinginstinctsbayside for the beautiful work on the day xxx