17 Apr 5 Mums Tell Us Their Hopes For Their Babies
Those first few weeks with your new baby are monumental; a marker of a new journey into motherhood. We spoke to five mums who are happy to share their unique birth experiences and the hopes they hold for their little ones.
Leonie Percy and Luna
There is something very magical as a woman about having a daughter. It was an incredible experience to birth Luna VBAC, pain-free in water after all the medical intervention I had with my six-year-old son. I was quite traumatised by his birth. I know the importance of health in labour, so did a lot of preparation with my partner, and used acupressure points. Luna was conceived under a super-full moon in July, when there was a lot of energy circulating in the universe, and born on the lunar eclipse in April. I knew her name was Luna before she was even conceived. She’s such a content little baby; she only cries when she’s uncomfortable. She’s very alert, opening her eyes, a real observer. We believe she’s going to be of service, a change-maker in her own way. She’s going to be helping and healing others. I took her to be blessed by a visiting guru from India when she was eight days old. She’s off to a good start already.
Tara Gilding and Nash
Nash was a homebirth. I had an accidental homebirth with my second, so this time we planned it. The only thing that wasn’t part of my ‘birth plan’ was that it was daytime – my first two were at night. There is something relaxing about a night birth. I hope that whatever Nash’s dream are, he gets to achieve them with our support. I hope he grows up in a fair world where he can be himself without judgement. I don’t want to put any pressure on him to do things he doesn’t want to do. My two older girls, five and two, love him. They think he’s great. They couldn’t wait to get to school and tell everyone, although they have trouble remembering his name.
Mia Southwell and Levi
Levi’s birth was empowering. I had an emergency Caesarean with my first. This time I went to the birth centre at the hospital, and birthed naturally with the support of a doula. My first baby was a difficult sleeper; this time it’s much easier. They’re like chalk and cheese. Zachary is smitten, full of affection. What are my hopes for Levi? That he grows up to be happy, independent, family-orientated and healthy.
Tara Mahoney and Tabitha
The birth was extraordinary. It was everything I wished and hoped for. I gave birth standing up: I never thought I would do that! It was very healing for me, because my last birth was a traumatic, protracted, intervention-filled labour with an epidural. This birth was fast. Intense. I have never felt such raw phenomenal power. I was on a high for days. I want Tabitha to live in a world where she’s happy and confident and knows she can do anything. Whether she is serious, creative or outlandish, I want her to grow up knowing she can be who she wants to be. I want her to be spirited, independent, challenging, complex and accepted for who she is, no matter what.
Vanessa Varacalli and Olivia
The birth was really good, better than anything I ever expected, perhaps because I had an epidural after a while and it didn’t last too long! Olivia is a very placid baby. I want Olivia to live in a better world, where she will be safe. Everyone wants their child to be safe. I was talking to my husband about my hopes for Olivia, and it’s funny, but I don’t have anything outstanding; just that she’s happy, healthy, a good person, loved and appreciated. Feeling loved is the main thing.
Compiled by Karen Miles / Photography by Jerusha Sutton
