This beautiful home birth in Central Texas was attended by a local midwife team and supported by me as Madelyne’s birth doula serving Copperas Cove, Killeen, Belton, and surrounding communities. Birth stories like this one show how powerful personalized doula support during home birth can be for mothers preparing to welcome their babies.
The Art of Home Birth
Not only is Madelyne an AMAZING artist, she is also something of a badass! She gave birth to baby boy Ryder in the comfort of her own home, a week before hell froze over Texas.
Madelyne reflects, “He knew…[it was] all in God’s perfect timing.”
Around 10:30pm the night before, Madelyne realized she was in active labor, on her exact due date, after thinking she had just been experiencing Braxton Hicks since 3pm that afternoon. “The mild ones felt like false labor. The [contraction from] 5-7 cm hurt like hell because he was flipped.” The back labor was one of the hardest parts of labor for Madelyne. “[A birth] high was when we got him in the right position and flipped it was less painful.” The midwife assistant recommended Madelyne do alternating inversions and side lying psoas release to get baby to flip and alleviate back labor. Thankfully it worked and she was able to get into positions that were more comfortable…until it was time for GBS antibiotics.
Managing Back Labor During Home Birth
Madelyne’s midwife asked her to sit on the birth ball so she could easily “inject [her] with the strep B antibiotic…with blood spurting everywhere as she had to do it between contractions”. Unfortunately it was not a comfortable position for Madelyne at this stage of labor and it took longer than expected to complete. Her midwife was also worried about her getting in the birth pool too soon so it didn’t get filled in time.
“Wow! Birth, especially natural, is SO humbling. What a journey.”
As her birth doula, watching Madelyne confidently vocalize her needs throughout labor made supporting her such a joy. “The birth comb and having the room deep cleaned and prepped helped…The breathing and pressure techniques that Shandy showed me and encouraged helped me a lot… thanks GOD for Shandy.” Truthfully, Madelyne didn’t *need* me. She was a badass all on her own, but boy am I so glad I was able to witness her strength and become her friend!
A Fast Water Birth Delivery
“My water broke on the side of my bed, that surprised me. Once I got in the pool it was hella fast–8 cm then 10 cm all within an hour and then baby came.” Ryder was a little wrapped up in his cord, but as soon as he was set free, he rested on his mama’s chest who thought “Omg omg it’s over!...In seriousness, I just cried and held him and said ‘my sweet baby boy’”
“It just went faster than I imagined and [more] intense and I can’t believe he came on his due date. Best part? It being over and holding baby boy. Thank God my placenta came out in one big push because I was done and tired. I learned what a bad ass I am and I never want to do it again lol. Wellll, maybe….”
Supporting Madelyne’s Central Texas home birth as her doula was such a gift. She is a strong, spirited woman who pours her whole heart and soul into everything she does and motherhood is no exception. Births like these are why many families choose home birth with doula support — to feel safe, respected, and deeply cared for throughout labor.
Home Birth Doula Support in Copperas Cove & Central Texas
Every birth unfolds in its own sacred way, but no mother should have to walk through it alone. Supporting families like this is why I serve as a Christian birth doula in Copperas Cove and throughout Central Texas — holding space, offering steady reassurance, and helping women feel empowered and confident as they welcome their babies.
Planning your own home birth or natural birth in Central Texas?
I would love to support you.
