03/02/2026
At 11:18pm on the 29th of January, we welcomed Lily Dariane Hooper earthside (named after incredible grandmother). She arrived calmly at home in the birth pool, and it was everything I could have hoped for and so much more 💞
I wanted this birth to feel different from my previous experiences. I came into it with a very positive and grounded headspace, hoping for autonomy over my body, and my birth choices. I wanted the ability to listen to my body, move with the waves of contractions, feel safe in my surroundings and be fully present as I breathed my baby girl into this world.
And truly, this birth was the most healing experience of my life.
After what has previously been some challenging and traumatic birth experiences for me, to have a peaceful and empowered homebirth surrounded by an incredible support team was transformative,
Having my mother, my sister, my husband and my midwives holding space for me throughout made all the difference.
I was able to switch off my brain and sink into the rhythm of birth, feeling and breathing through each contraction, trusting in my body, not fearing what was to come
Oxytocin fueled by the loving touch of my husband, as he squeezed my hand, my hips, and whispered affirmations to me when the self-doubts crept in during transition.
To have my mother and my sister, both seasoned in birthing themselves, to hold my hands and cheer me on as our daughter crowned and was born.
We created a sensory friendly birth space, with low lighting, calming music, my hypnobirthing podcast, pictures of my boys, word of affirmation, gentle touch and familiar textures. Being in my own home, allowed me to feel safe enough to surrender completely, especially in those final powerful moments.
It’s almost impossible to be able to describe birth, its a whirlwind of fear, doubt, intensity, love, joy and transcendence, all at once
It’s messy,
It’s painful,
It’s funny,
It’s chaotic,
It’s powerful,
And yes, it can also be deeply and profoundly healing.
Welcome to the world little Lily, you were born into so much love 💞
And thank you for not only supporting but also capturing this birth so beautifully ❤️