Birth Story Of talia brooke

Talia Brooke’s Home Birth Story (in her mother’s own words)

**Vulnerable, raw, real.** (Mentions Miscarriage and Postpartum Hemorrhage)

November 10th, 2021- I suffered a miscarriage. It was very hard for me comprehend. It took me to a very dark place and fear started to take over my life. I feared over everything. I thought if God was going to take away my baby so soon, what else could he take away.

January 8th, 2022- I got a positive pregnancy test. I was over joyed in the moment. I always dreamt of having 4 kids and I was so excited that I get to bring another baby into the world, but along side the joy and excitement was accompanied by grief and fear. How interesting that these things can coincide and exist together from one moment to the next.

From the moment that I got a positive test, I felt the urge to have a home birth. It was so strong and one I couldn’t push out. I have seen a few midwives on Facebook and in certain groups I’m in. And I was specifically drawn to one in particular. (the Amazing Emily Schultz) I had acquaintances that used her, but no one that I truly knew on a personal level. It was just was a calling I felt I had to follow.

I emailed her literally that evening, and she emailed me back right away. We met with her the very next week. As soon as I walked into her office, peace came over me. I knew I was right where I needed to be and I knew that she was the right person. I felt like I had known her for forever. Landon too. We both connected with her from the first meeting.

The next couple months were hard for me. Everytime I got excited about this baby, I also got scared and worried. I would stress myself out until the next appointment to hear her heart beat or the next ultrasound to see her face. Until one day, I surrendered into the pain. I was done living everyday in fear. I reminded myself that God was in control. And he was bringing this baby into my life to heal my broken heart. The rainbow after a storm. I decided that fear had no room in my life. I had to fully trust God and my body. I decided early on not to share the pregnancy publicly. For several reasons. But I knew how I was bringing her earth side, and I didn’t want to answer to people’s questions, or dodge their fears and judgements. I knew what I needed to do, what I was being called to do, and there is nothing more powerful than listening to what you are called to do and letting no one stand in your way!

I could go on and on about the pregnancy and the phenomenal care I received. But I will say it was most healthy pregnancy I’ve had. With the help of Emily, I managed my gestational diabetes through food and lifestyle changes. I had normal blood pressure. I did everything naturally and holistically. I gained the least amount of weight. I was the most active. I ate the best. I was relaxed, at peace, and not stressed. I truly listened to my body and did what was best for me and my baby. When I got into my 39th week of pregnancy, I was amazed that I still felt so good. I was more tired, which is to be expected, but I still felt good. That made me realize how different this was turning out to be! For the better!

Saturday, September 17th (one day before my “due” date)- I took all the kids to Lilly’s soccer game. I rushed back home and got Layne to his football game. And then around 4:40pm, my water broke. After having a week of prodromal labor (start & stop labor), my water was finally broken and gushing out.

I think I was still in denial. I thought she was coming so many times, so when it really happened I wasn’t totally convinced. I was still thinking I had all the time in the world.

Landon was still at work. But nothing was really happening yet. Just a few contractions here and there.

Around 7pm a few more showed up. Landon was home at this point. We were able to laugh and talk through them. I was laying on the yoga ball during contractions. Things were starting to hurt a little more, but still nothing crazy.

Around 8pm, I decided to go lay down for a while. I was watching Good Girls on Netflix. After awhile, I realized that I would have to close my eyes to get through the contraction. (I knew it was getting more intense because I even closed my eyes during the scenes with “Rio”… IYKYK) So, I started timing them, and sent Emily the screen shot of the contractions. She asked if I wanted her to come, and I didn’t think she should just yet. I was thinking these would die off and I didn’t wanting her wasting a trip.

But by 9pm, I couldn’t lay down anymore. They went from uncomfortable to unbearable. So I got up and went to the living room and at this time I am moaning with each wave that comes. I didn’t realize it then, but this was definitely transition. My whole body started shaking and I felt like I had to puke. I remember thinking to myself just move and stay calm, breathe and if you have to scream, scream! So, I was walking around trying different positions to help me. The most comfortable position I found was just standing and surrendering to the pain. We texted our moms and photographer to come. Emily was already on her way. She knew I was closer than I even knew.

Around 9:20pm- Landon’s mom Cathy got there. My contractions at this point were just coming fast. I felt like I had no “in-between time” to rest. And I was starting to make some primal sounds. I am usually very internal with pain but for some reason this helped me feel in control. I think being in the comfort of my own home truly helped me to just be comfortable and relax.

Right before 9:30- Emily got there (her students were speeding behind her). Landon ran out and helped her bring in her stuff. She brought in the birthing pool, knowing that we probably didn’t have time to set it up, but I really wanted to try. Landon helped her and they tried really fast to set it up. Within a few minutes, it was blown up with the water starting to run.

At 9:43pm- I felt the urge to push. I was still standing in the same place, but I knelt over the couch with my hands resting on it. Standing still felt best. I definitely did not even think about laying down, or the pool, but it only had a few inches of water anyway.

At 9:44pm- Emily’s student arrived and jumped right in to help.

At 9:45pm- We didn’t have time to grab heart tones, or even do a cervical check.  Without anyone telling me to, I simply listened to my body and knew it was time. Standing felt like the right position - and I went for it. Emily could see her head as I started to instinctually push. I knew I had to get her out. I was standing on my living room rug, leaning forward, with my hands resting on the couch. My mother in law, Landon and the kids were on the other side of the couch facing me.

With one big painful push, and a loud “OW IT HURTS” from me, her head was out. She was trying to cry with out even being all the way out. Emily told us she was so chubby! (I saw the video afterwards and understood what she saw! lol). With the next contraction at 9:48pm I used every ounce of strength in my body and pushed her body out. I could tell she was a big girl, and I knew I had to get her out in one push… and I did just that. Emily caught her and handed her right up to my arms. I was in shock. For many reasons. I couldn’t believe she came that fast. I couldn’t believe she was finally here. I couldn’t believe how big she was and I couldn’t believe I just had this big beefy baby at home, on my living room rug for her to look just like her dad. LOL. A 4th mini Landon! She cried instantly. We laughed and cried. So happy our girl was finally with us!

Without getting too detailed, what happened next was a whirlwind. It’s taken a few weeks for me to process everything that happened. Within moments of her birth, I started to seriously hemorrhage. My body was pouring out blood before the placenta was even out. She got me to the couch quickly, where I delivered the placenta a few minutes later, but the blood was still (literally) arching out of me. Emily got my hemorrhaging under control quickly and calmly. She did an amazing job, and I think she truly saved my life! Landon was extremely concerned and started to freak out, but Emily let everyone know that it WAS an emergency, but she had it under control and she moved very fast. She stayed calm and confident. This kept the rest of us calm and confident. I know it was definitely scary for them (I had no idea what was going on. My conscious mind was not really there.). Everyone was quickly calmed down by how fast and eager Emily worked, while explaining, obtaining consent, and being reassuring.

I share this because emergencies can happen in birth and postpartum, in a hospital and at home. Everyone’s main concern for a home birth is “What if there is an emergency?!”, Well now I can say, it is still 100% handled as an emergency, just with less drama and trauma. That is why it is important to hire someone that has the knowledge and the experience that Emily has. I had an emergency during birth in a hospital, and let me tell you, it was traumatic! I had an emergency at home, and it was handled properly and efficiently, while trusting my body and staying calm and in control of the situation. But I also have built trust with Emily. My appointments were always an hour long. (Sometimes 2.. if we got lucky) She truly took the time to get to know me and my body, and my family. It truly makes a difference.

I never once felt scared. I felt very protected and provided for, during the whole experience.

And I knew at any time, if Emily decided she couldn’t help me or keep me safe at home, we would transfer my care to the hospital. Let me be clear by saying there was no neglect to that. Safety and autonomy is her main priority.

Shortly after I was sat down on the couch, my mom, Jordan, and Cassie showed up to hear Talia’s cries. They realized she had already come, super fast! I thought they had plenty of time to make it. Whoops!

After my bleeding was stable. I got into the warm birth pool to relax and soak up my new baby. I surely wasn’t going to let their hard work go to waste. I got in and held Talia. Her placenta was still attached, letting her get every last drop of blood, that belonged to her. (That’s what is in the bowl. It stayed in there until Lilly cut the cord a couple hours later.)

Sitting in the pool, soaking it all up. Seeing my kids get involved, my husband so proud, and our moms so full of love. It was a moment I don’t ever want to forget. There was a moment before I got out of the pool, I just took a moment to pray…. To thank God for keeping me with my babies and husband, this experience, for this new baby, for my amazing midwife and her team. And thankfully, Cassie, got a picture of it.

After awhile, I decided to get out and sit back down on the couch. I needed something to drink. I was so thirsty, I’m pretty sure I had 3 different drinks. I kept rotating. I couldn’t get enough and my throat was hurting from roaring so loudly.

While I was in the pool, Landon ordered food for me (that I didn’t even end up eating) and it was delivered to our house by a young college student. Emily opened the door with (clean) gloves on. Landon told her we just had a homebirth and asked if she wanted to peak inside and say hi. She did. I’m sure she will never forget that delivery.

Truet soon fell asleep on my mom. Layne wouldn’t leave my side. He kept patting my shoulder and staring in awe at his new baby sister. Lilly was helping the team clean up and get things taken care of. She even went on to cut the cord and learn about the placenta. Future Midwife? Maybe.

The next few hours, Emily stayed close by to monitor me and my bleeding. To assist me to the bathroom. They cleaned up, did laundry and then went on to do the newborn exam, where they weighed her & measured her. I couldn’t believe she was the exact same weight as her big brother (which was a pretty traumatic hospital birth). And this time I did it, standing in my living room, surrounded by love and trust. Such an accomplishment!

Around 3:30am everyone had left and we began the journey of healing and becoming a family of 6.

I am still on cloud 9. She’s a dream boat baby.

The kids are all smitten over her and they fight over who is going to hold her next.

Truet is convinced she’s a boy but we are working on that! I am resting as much as possible with 4 kids and trying to heal up. Postpartum is no joke. Be kind and love on all the mamas.

I am so grateful I listened to God, my intuition and my body. And I am so grateful I met Emily. She is more than just a midwife. She is such a radiant beauty. Inside and out who is a great encourager, an amazing teacher and mentor, and now, a very special friend who will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Just going to add, we decided together we would allow our kids to be there for the birth if they wanted. We kept it open and communicated with them what was going on and what they would see.

Truet won’t remember it. I’m not sure he really understood what happened anyway, even though he was right there watching. He just tells us that Talia came from the sky. Lilly and Layne wanted to be there, and said that from the start. Lilly was nervous and just wanted me to be okay. Layne was super emotional and very sweet. They both did amazing, and thought it was so awesome they got to be a part of it. If we don’t sexualize birth, there is really a lot of beauty and learning in it. They got to see it done in a different light, and they got to learn about what our bodies are capable of. It was such an amazing experience for all of us.

Talia Brooke Hallam 💛

9/17/2022 at 9:48pm

She weighted in at 10lbs and 11oz and was 21.25”long

Born at home. On purpose. ✨

#homebirth #homebirthbaby #ohiomidwife #bornathome #bornathomeonpurpose #yes #Iatetheplacenta #crunchyaf