A Midwife’s First Baby Born in a Hospital
March 22, 2025
Content Warning: This page contains graphic images of childbirth, including sensitive and medically detailed photos. Viewer discretion is advised. These images are for educational purposes only and must not be reproduced, shared, or distributed without permission.
A midwife gives birth to her first baby in a hospital after laboring at home for the majority of her labor. Mom’s membranes rupture during her Bradley childbirth preparation class, about 24 hours before mom feels like labor has progressed enough that it’s time to go to the hospital. No internals are performed until mom begins spontaneously pushing, 2 1/2 hours after admission.
The mother prepares for the arrival of her first child, embracing the natural process of labor with strength and determination. As contractions intensify, she moves through different positions, seeking comfort while waiting for the moment the baby enters the world.
Early Labor & Comfort Measures
The mother rests in a rocking chair. She finds this position unbearable but remains for the electronic fetal monitoring strip.
She moves to the tub and finds her labor greatly relieved, experiencing enough comfort to doze between contractions.
Preparing for Birth
As the mother begins to bear down, one of the nurses quickly administers antibiotics—she had previously tested positive for Group B Strep.
The father holds the fetal monitor on the mother’s belly while waiting for the first child to be born. The midwife sits quietly at the foot of the bed, supporting the mother as she listens to her body and pushes with each urge.
The Final Pushes
The mother pushes, and almost immediately, the head becomes visible.
She keeps thinking, “Relax everything… don’t make fists,” so she consciously keeps her hands loose and open. And the baby moves down beautifully with each push.
The mother spreads her legs with her hands and bears down. And for a first-time mother, she is very powerful, and the baby crowns in just a few pushes.
She reaches down and touches the baby’s head… it’s almost time! The head is fully crowned, and the baby is about to be born.
The mother winces at the burning sensation as the head slips out.
Meeting the Baby
The rest of the baby slips out easily, and the newborn is placed immediately on the mother’s belly, still attached to the umbilical cord. The new parents marvel at their baby girl!
The mother looks at the baby in disbelief as the father prepares to cut the last physical bond between them. The the cord is cut.
The baby wails in protest at being out in the world. The vernix covering the newborn is proof that she arrived three weeks before her estimated due date.
The baby is wiped clean while the mother remains overwhelmed with emotions.
The newborn looks up at the mother and finds comfort in her face. A proud father hugs and kisses the mother, creating a moment that will be cherished forever.
Recovery & Bonding
The mother delivers the placenta.
The baby gets a first real look at the father. Despite the relatively quick trip through the birth canal, there is noticeable molding to the head.
The newborn receives the first meal of mother’s milk.
Now mentally recovered, the mother is finally able to relax and cuddle with her new daughter.