My Unmedicated Natural Water Birth at Home : Trusting God's Timing and My 38 Year Old Body


Giving birth at home was something I never thought I’d do—until I did it. And now, looking back, I can honestly say it was one of the most powerful and faith-building experiences of my life.

This was my third time giving birth, but the first time doing it completely different. I chose to trust my body fully, surrender to God’s timing, and allow the process to unfold naturally—at home.


The Backstory: Trusting God's Timing

All three of my babies went past 40 weeks, so I’ve definitely learned a thing or two about waiting. With my first, I was medically induced at 41.1 weeks after an ultrasound showed low amniotic fluid. Even though I had a midwife at the hospital, I didn’t go into labor naturally. With my second, I was approaching that 41-week mark again and chose to self-induce at home—successfully.

But with my third? I wanted it to be different. I wanted to trust the Lord completely. I remember praying, “God, You know exactly when this baby is supposed to come into the world. I don’t want to interfere. I want to trust You and trust my body.” And I meant it.

That prayer became a turning point. It continually taught me that waiting on the Lord—even when it’s hard, even when it’s uncomfortable—is worth it. This birth taught me about surrender, about divine timing, and about leaning into God’s plan instead of rushing into my own.


Press play below to watch the full story unfold, then keep scrolling for extra reflections and gentle insight I didn’t want to leave out.


The Day Labor Began: A Horrible Massage and a Walk Through Sam’s Club


So, it was a Sunday morning. I was 40 weeks and 6 days—just one day shy of 41 weeks. My husband had surprised me with a prenatal massage, which felt like the perfect treat. The spa called that morning to say they had a cancellation and asked if I could come at 10:00 a.m. instead of 1:00 p.m. I was like, “Sure,” but it was already 9:00, so I had to rush across town to get there.

I arrived on time, but let me just say—it was hands down the worst massage I’ve ever had, seriously. I love a firm massage, especially that late in pregnancy, but this one? It felt like she was barely touching me- a feeling that is repulsive to me.  I even asked for more pressure, but it didn’t help much. I left that appointment feeling annoyed and disappointed! Nevertheless, I appreciated the gesture from my husband.

Afterward, I went to Sam’s Club to walk around—hoping that staying active would get things moving. I grabbed a jar of their famous peaches and pineapples—side note, if you’ve never had them, go get some! I walked for about 30 minutes, then headed home.

That’s when I noticed something different: my contractions weren’t stopping.


Early Labor: Timed Contractions and a Sense of Peace


Once I got home, I told my husband about the terrible massage—and then mentioned I’d been having some consistent contractions. I started timing them at 1:39 p.m., and they were staying about 5 minutes apart. My husband told me to try lying down to see if they’d slow down, but they didn’t. That’s when I knew—it was go time. (Let's gooooo!)

Even though I hadn’t lost my mucus plug or had any signs like bloody show, I just knew. This was it.

Texting My Midwife and Leaning Into Labor


Around 4:00 p.m., I texted my midwifery group to give them a heads up. We had already spoken earlier that day to confirm my massage location was okay. Not long after, I had a contraction that made me vocalize—and my husband looked at me and said, “Oh no, I know that sound. I’m calling them now.” We called the midwife around 5:30 or so and told her she probably had about 30 minutes to get here.

Midwife Arrives


She arrived at 6:10 p.m. I was still up, talking, and moving around. She asked if she could check me—this would be the first time I’d been checked during this pregnancy. I had declined all checks leading up to this point because I really wanted to trust my body without getting caught up in the numbers.

When she checked me, her eyes widened and she said, “Girl, you’re at a very soft 8.” I was eight centimeters, and baby was at a -1 station. She was shocked, and honestly, so was I. But it confirmed what I felt: I could trust my body and labor would naturally progress.

Labor Intensifies


After that, everything intensified. I tried to get some protein in me—my nutrition that day hadn’t been great—but at this point, contractions were on top of each other- one after another with what felt like little to no break. I was hovering over the toilet, unable to move, having contraction after contraction. Eventually, I moved to the bathroom floor and kneeling on all fours.

My 5- and 8-year-old girls were nearby. I had given them the option to be present or go to their rooms. They chose to stay close.They were amazing—bringing me water and giving me sips of water, rubbing my back, encouraging me. I’ll never forget my 5-year-old whispering to me as I was kneeling on the floor, “Mommy, you’re doing a really good job.” I needed that more than she’ll ever know. Both my girls were so intuitively nurturing during my labor.


Laboring at Home: The Sacred Space I Prayed For

I had created a peaceful, prayed-over space in our bedroom—an atmosphere where the presence of the Lord could be sensed as I brought life into the world. And He met me there. It was in the depth of my labor that I could sense it was nothing but my reliance on His grace carrying me through. Many times, I just called out to Him. He was my first and most important labour support person.


The Birthing Pool- A Different Kind of Relief


Giving birth in the water was one thing I really wanted to experience. Thankfully, they got the pool set up just in time. I got in around 7:00 p.m., and the relief was instant. It didn’t take all the discomfort away, but it changed the whole experience.

I’d had back labor with my previous pregnancies, and this time was no different. But the warm water helped soothe the intensity.

The midwife periodically would reminded me often, “Breathe. Remember your breath.” That breath connected me to my source—Jesus. I kept thinking, God breathed this breath into me. This strength is not mine; it’s His. That reminder gave me the stamina I needed.


The Ring of Fire and Letting My Body Lead

When I felt the “ring of fire,” I called it out loud. “Ring of fire! Okay, we’re getting somewhere!” I didn’t force anything.  I didn’t push. I just let my body guide the process. I gave myself counterpressure where I needed it, trusting the sensations and following what felt right in the moment; especially since I’d torn with my other two births, and I really wanted to avoid that.

Then came the most amazing part…


Emerging in the Sac: The Coolest Surprise

 As his head began to crown, the midwives noticed something unusual—he was still in the amniotic sac. My water never broke! His head came out en caul, which is incredibly rare and beautiful. I have a video of him coming out with his head still in the sac—it’s incredible.

Shortly after, the sac ruptured, and he was born into the water. I was on all fours, and my midwife helped guide him out. I turned over and scooped him into my arms. It was surreal. I was in awe and shock of what my body just did—with God’s strength. Relief washed over me—physically, emotionally, spiritually. God had done it. He’d carried me through.

[Born at 7:39 p.m.]

I transitioned to my bed with baby and laid there, surrounded by my family. I remember eventually asking what time he was born. They said 7:39 p.m.—exactly six hours after my first timed contraction at 1:39. That timing felt so significant. I had trusted God’s timing, and He showed me He was in control the whole time. I laid there in my bed, holding him on my chest, overwhelmed with gratitude. The timing, the peace, the presence of my children, the strength I didn’t know I had—it was all orchestrated so perfectly.


Final Thoughts- Wisdom Over Fear


Giving birth at home, at age 38, was hands down the best decision. It wasn’t without discomfort or unknowns, but it was filled with peace, faith, and wisdom.  While I deeply cherish and honor my homebirth experience, I also know that it’s not the safest or most appropriate path for everyone. Some pregnancies are considered high risk—due to medical conditions, complications, or history—and in those cases, a homebirth may not be an option. And that’s okay.

The goal is always a healthy mama and a healthy baby.

In my case, I was blessed to have a low-risk pregnancy, a supportive midwifery team, and a body that was responding well to the natural rhythm of pregnancy. After much prayer, research, and consultation with my care providers, I made the informed decision to birth at home.

But wisdom must always lead. Our safety and our baby’s safety come first—and every birth, no matter the setting, is sacred and worthy of celebration.

Would You Ever Consider a Home Birth?

Maybe this is your first baby. Maybe your third. Maybe you're just curious. Wherever you are, know this:

Your body is strong.
You were made for this.
And God is trustworthy.

Thanks for reading my story. Whether you’re preparing for your own birth, walking alongside someone else’s, or simply curious about what it looks like to surrender and trust your body—

I pray this story blesses you, encourages you, and reminds you that you are capable of beautiful, powerful things. If it encouraged or helped you in any way, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Continue Your Journey

Water birth is a beautiful, intentional way to bring your baby into the world. If you’re interested in continuing your holistic, faith-centered birth journey, check out these blog posts and offerings from Evolution to Be:



 

Greetings! Hi, I’m Britt Renea — a mother (of 3), nurse, writer, wife, and lover of all things beautiful, creative, and rooted in Christ. Through Evolution to Be, I invite moms to embrace a softer rhythm — one that allows them to simply be. We carry so much. We do so much. This space was born to speak to the heart of the mom who’s forgotten what it feels like to be seen… to be herself… to be whole. Whether you’re navigating motherhood, rediscovering your identity, or longing for a breath of honesty and encouragement — you’re welcome here. Evolution to Be is more than content. It’s community, conversation, and commonality. I hope you’ll stay awhile.