The couple spoke with friends who had done home births or given birth at birthing centres. Everyone described the experience in the same way: Gentle, intentional, purposeful and beautiful. These were exactly the qualities Wu hoped for when it was her turn to give birth.
In the lead-up to her estimated due date, she did what she could to prepare her body. She went for frequent walks, did Kegel exercises and ate nutritious meals to ensure she had the strength and energy for labour.
When labour began, Wu and her husband were in their cosy apartment. With them was a birthing team of an experienced midwife and her assistant.
Though the space was small, Wu felt enveloped with love. The environment was warm and calming, filled with familiar scents that helped her relax. There were no “anxiety-inducing noises” or anyone insisting she deviate from her decision not to use pain relief.
She felt safe and powerful, she said.
“The best part was that Jared was with me the whole time,” Wu added. He massaged her, held her and stayed by her side through every contraction.
“I remember Jared sitting with his arms around me, and watching my birthing team hold space as I brought our daughter into the world. I pushed in this position for about half an hour. I was focused and using my breath to bring the baby down.”
Then, it happened.
“I felt her head emerge, and with the next push, our midwife said, ‘Here comes your baby!’ and caught our daughter Juniper, placing her in my arms. She was so beautiful. Jared started crying and we both kept saying, ‘Hi, baby!’”
NO OTHER BIRTH PLAN FELT AS POWERFUL
Her first home birth was so empowering that when Wu became pregnant with her second baby in 2024, this time back in Singapore, she knew she wanted to do it again.
