27/05/2026
Friday was super special for me. Supporting birthing families is always special but this time, it was family. My beautiful Cousin Aimee, who also happens to be my Goddaughter went into labour in the wee hours. We had been preparing and chatting for months, so that going into labour, she knew her whys and she knew support was there throughout.
Because she chose to labour at home, I got to watch something that I haven’t had the privilege of before. Aimee had her amazing, supportive partner with her but she also had her Mum and Sister. Three people who know her and love her best, there for every moment. I consciously stepped back and watched as this beautiful team did their thing. I didn’t need to do much at all because the preparation was already there and so was the beautiful support.
Every birthing Mama teaches me something. This was no exception. One of the many things I take with me from Friday is this… No matter how much anxiety attempts to take control, with preparation and support, anxiety cannot win. I saw it try and I saw it beaten repeatedly by a woman who is so much stronger than she believed! A few times she needed reminding, but they were brief, because once she remembered, she took control and won.
Aimee’s labour was beautiful in every way. It didn’t end exactly as hoped and this family has a unique birth story to tell, that’s for sure! But when one of Aimee’s greatest worries came to pass and a hospital transfer became necessary, she was reminded by us around her that she was not and would never be alone.
Thank you Aimee and Tom for allowing me into your space and a massive congratulations on the birth of your beautiful daughter, Bella!