Having a baby at home in Costa Rica
I wrote a post about preparing for birth and why we left Nicaragua and how we ended up in Costa Rica because we're having a baby at home.
And then one night in a pregnant brain stupor, I accidentally deleted my entire website. Yeah, oops.
Luckily I was able to get the backup restored, but that post was not included.
We ended up in Costa Rica because we couldn't find a midwife for having a baby at home in Nicaragua—and, on top of that, we had to leave due to the 60-day limit on our vehicle permit. With a baby on the way, we needed a place to settle in for the birth, and Costa Rica seemed like the right choice.
As it often does, events worked out serendipitously so that we were able to housesit for a friend and we made the move from Nica to Costa Rica in between Christmas and New Year's. I also connected with a midwife who was willing to come all the way out to where we would be living(about two hours from San Jose), making it possible for me to feel comfortable having a baby at home, surrounded by people I trusted in a place that felt peaceful and right for our family.
Returning was a little surreal. It was in 2008, with four children, that Greg and I had made a decision - we're having a baby, at home, in Costa Rica (we were living in Escazú at the time).
As it turned out, we soon had to return to the States for work, and ultimately our path led us to the Dominican Republic, then Georgia, India and Alaska where we finally had that baby number five.
From there we began Alaska to Argentina, spending over a year in Guatemala, where we made the decision to add number six. Little did we know that she would become a Tica (Costa Rican), completing the circle and fulfilling the 'prophesy' we made all those years ago.
Visitors
The visitors while having a baby at home
Settling in to our new place in Puriscal, we received a visit from my cousin and her baby, and then the exciting news that grandma and grandpa would be coming!
It had been nearly three years since the kids had last seen them in Homer, Alaska when we said goodbye and drove south.
The initial fear was that the baby would be born before grandma arrived. But once that danger was passed, we spent the days wondering if today was the day, and hoping she would be born with plenty of time for grandma to enjoy her before they had to leave.
The Day
But as we knew it must, finally the day arrived. It started Saturday night with some promising contractions. But on the phone my midwife wisely counseled me to go to bed and rest. Sunday the 9th of February, contractions woke me up at 4:00 a.m., and I dozed between them on the couch in our room, until around 6:00 a.m. when we finally sent a text to the midwife and told her to come over, as it was about a two hour drive.
Of course I was nervous that she would 'come all that way' and nothing would happen. But then I reminded myself that my intention for this birth was to be present, mindful and to trust. It wasn't my job to control the outcome, just to submit to the natural process.
But by the time she arrived, the house was awake and I was distracted. I'd always labored at night, when it was quiet and I could focus. Now my contractions were slowing with all this noise and conversation and expectation that the baby would be born today. What if she wasn't?
Gratefully my husband noticed what was happening and finally kicked everyone out -- the kids were 'ordered' to enjoy a movie fest with grandma and grandpa. I laid down for a little nap and a little internal examination to make sure I was letting go of any mental blocks.
I've already mentioned the fears I had regarding labor. I was so terrified after having Atlas (#5) that I DID NOT want to have another baby. I didn't want to go through this experience again, and once we decided there was another child for us, I originally considered a hospital birth with drugs. I eventually realized that my fear of hospital births and all they entailed was greater than my fear of birth. So here I was, having a baby at home.
After a power nap I woke up with powerful contractions. Trying to be in tune with my body and the best position for helping this baby came out, I felt most comfortable sitting in the bathroom on the bidet. 🙂
Time passed, and progress gently continued. Contractions were strong, but not painful. As intensity increased, I decided to try getting in the water -- we'd purchased a blow up swimming pool and set it up in the shower. Ironically, the hot water wasn't working well that day, and my mom lovingly carried pots of water from the kitchen into the bathroom so I could have a warm tub (the same thing happened with my first birth, and our neighbors brought over gallons of hot water from their house so we could fill up the swimming pool in our front room. 😉 )
As great as the warm water felt, it slowed my contractions, and I couldn't seem to get in the 'right' position. Eventually getting out, I had the midwife check the position of the baby to see if she was facing the right way, as I'd been having some back pain.
She was turned to one side, so to get her to flip a little more I knelt on the bed leaning over a birthing ball while my cousin massaged my back. That was tiring, and I decided to lay down and rest a little. Then I went back to the bathroom and sat on the bidet.
It's Time
During all this time I knew that I needed to move on to the next stage -- the stage that was 'not fun' -- transition. I liked how things were going, and I liked having strong contractions that weren't painful. But I knew what was coming, and I knew that in some way I was holding it back. Those fears were still there.
It was about this time that Greg said, "Let's get this over with. We don't need to take all day. You'll just get more worn out and tired." My excuse was that I wanted to take it slow so that I wouldn't get too worn out, but I knew he was right.
So I made the decision and gave myself the permission to move ahead. I thought about what I was doing -- bringing a new life into this world -- and assured myself that I could do it. And now was the time.
As much as standing wore me out, I knew that's what would help this baby come out. I got to my feet and used Greg as a support during contractions. I'd also sit in the camp chair Greg had brought into the bathroom, and lean way back. Things were intensifying now.
I straddled Greg and wrapped my arms around his neck, my face buried in his shoulder. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows. My mom sat nearby and my cousin was behind me. My body was weak and tired. Contractions were painful. But I didn't feel hopeless. I didn't feel afraid. I felt confident and strong, and loved and supported—having a baby at home, surrounded by my family, in a space where I felt safe and empowered.
At this point, I couldn’t help but reflect on how powerful the experience of having a baby at home was. There was no rush, no pressure, no medical interventions—just the slow, steady unfolding of this new life. Having a baby at home felt like the perfect choice for me, allowing me to feel fully in tune with my body, supported by the people who loved me most.
Having a baby at home
I felt close to my husband, united in a common purpose of bearing and raising children -- bonded together in creating a family unit, not just with sex, but with every part of it -- sharing the burden of bringing them into this world and in raising them to be conscious and contributing human beings, having a baby at home in a way that was all our own.
Even with Greg holding and helping me, I became so tired that I needed to lay down. He helped me to the bed and by now I was shaking uncontrollably, teeth chattering, body shivering, even though I wasn't cold. I tried to relax and calm down so I could rest. Greg talked to me and helped me focus. My mom and cousin massaged and rubbed essential oils on my back, legs and feet. Contractions were painful and I knew she would never come out while I was laying down, but I needed to rest.
Once I finally relaxed, the midwife decided to check and see how the baby was. She felt my cervix and could tell that part of it was in the way, blocking the baby's descent. During the next contraction she helped to move it out of the way while I pushed. Then I was up again and headed back into the bathroom -- I had to use the toilet!
I knew that she was coming. "Hurry," I thought, "I need to get off, I don't want to have this baby on the toilet!" Back in the camp chair, I was partially squatting, partially sitting, being held up by my husband and my cousin.
There was nothing but this moment, and the intensity of each contraction. "I can see her hair!" someone exclaimed. My mom let out a little cry behind me. I reached down and felt her head. The next contraction it was out, I pushed again and out came her little body, creamy and white, covered in vernix. Immediately, a feeling of relief washes over me. I pull her up to my chest. It's over. She's here.
But I can't relax. I try to sit back in the camp chair but it hurts my butt. I try to get comfortable, but no one seems to notice my discomfort. Greg is making sure Saige is breathing. The midwife is puttering around and worrying about the placenta. I just want to relax, but I can't get comfy! This dang chair!
"Take me to the bed," I request. Greg carries me, and I carry Saige and he lays me in bed. A few minutes later they lift me up and the placenta is birthed. Ahhh… I'm done. It's over. Nine long months, and now it's over. Relief.
Me - Having a baby at home!
But they're still poking and prodding. The midwife is checking for tears. Greg is pushing on my uterus to make sure I don't hemorrhage. Leave me alone! I feel like yelling. I get a little feisty, and finally they get the idea. I lay back, look at my baby and let my muscles loosen up.
I did it. It was beautiful. I was strong. She's here. I'm done. I am powerful.
Within a few moments the kids have joined us, coming to welcome their new little sister. There's oohing and ahhing and kisses. We agree she doesn't look too alien like. She's beautiful.
And I'm in love once again, having a baby at home surrounded by my family, my strength, and my love.
2024 UPDATE!
We’re excited to share that we’ve made a big move! We are now living in beautiful Portugal and have taken ownership of the World School Family Resort. We are now known as the Extraordinary Family Life, where we focus on coaching and mentoring moms, dads, and teens to create fulfilling, joyful, extraordinary family lives. With over 20 years of experience traveling the world with our seven children, we’re passionate about sharing the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Check out the links below to learn more about what we do!
ABOUT GREG DENNING
Greg left home at the age of 16 and difficult circumstances forced him to find a way to find happiness and build his own happy family life.
Discovering the answers to some of life's biggest questions has continued in a lifelong pursuit of learning and personal growth.
He's married to his best friend and they have seven incredible kids. He's traveled, adventured, and taught in 49 countries on five continents.
ABOUT RACHEL DENNING
Rachel is an ambitious mother of seven children. She homeschools, manages a multiple six-figure business, and organizes trips for her family and friends.
She loves to read, learn, travel, and create resources for her children to get the 'best education possible' which often includes incredible experiences around the globe.
Rachel provides the 'logistics' behind the program -- from tracking to curriculum to trip planning.
Learn to save money on travel here!
Visit us at the Worldschool Family Beach Resort in Portugal!
Listen to our podcast.
Check out Rachel's YouTube Channel, Raising Well-Adjusted Kids.
Take Rachel's 28-Day Challenge for moms.
Join Greg's Be The Man Tribe.
Tune into Greg's Be the Man podcast.
Visit Greg's Formidable Family Men YouTube Channel.
Comments
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Congratulations! What a beautiful home birth story. Thank you for sharing.
Thank YOU for your comment!
Congratulations! So happy to hear of your new addition and that you had her in the manner you wanted. Best wishes to you and your family.
Thank you for your nice comment.
Beautiful post!
She is finally here! Had you in my thoughts and wondering when we would finally hear the grand news! Oh, happiness! 🙂 Great job! And she is beautiful! Now , I want one.
Thank you so much! They are beautiful (babies) and tempting 😉
Your story was so beautiful that it brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you for telling me. It means a lot!
Ah 🙂 Good job mama! That is so awesome you were able to tune in and relax. I had a completely pain free birth at home unassisted with our daughter almost a year ago, and am expecting again in Sept! Oddly, I’m more nervous with this one, and hoping and praying it can be just as awesome as the last birth! Blessings to your family!!
http://frugalgreenbaby.com/about/willows-birth-story/
That’s so awesome! We considered unassisted, but I like having a midwife to take care of all the ‘messy’ details. Congrats on your upcoming birth. It will be beautiful!
I was interested to read about your fear with this birth.
I went through exactly the same thing with baby number 6 and couldnt for the life of my explain why I was so anxious!
Luckily I had an amazing midwife who told me she had experienced this as a young midwife with her own mother and was able to be considerate, supportive and UNDERSTANDING of my fears.
The right support is just so important.
Absolutely, good support makes a big difference.
Congratulations! Great story. 🙂
So happy for you all! She is beautiful.
Thank you Jen! <3
I love this Rachael! Thank you for sharing such a special moment in your life! I’m contemplating having #6, so this was very inspiring.
Thank you for telling me and taking the time to leave a comment!
What a beautiful birth story Rachel!! Saige is just gorgeous. Enjoy this precious time with her. Honoring your fears, you were able to let go of them and tap into your power. You are very inspiring!
Thank you so much! And I agree, she is gorgeous!
Yay–thanks for sharing the birth story!! So proud of you, and a beautiful birth!!! Way to be strong!!!
Thanks Alisa!
Congratulations – what a Precious baby!!
Thanks so much!
Oh I love it! My eyes are all full of tears. How wonderful to share this experience. It brought me right back to having my kids now 9 and 11 years ago.
How time flies… I was thinking of how many babies I’ve held on my chest, and now they’re all grown… it makes me sad, but helps me enjoy this one even more.
Yay!!!!!!! I saw the YouTube vids a few months ago when you were pregs and I was wondering 🙂 congratulations! You DID IT!! Happy day! Welcome little Costa Rican princess 🙂
Julie – Ventura CA
The 4th stage of labor is the worst. You just want to relax and everyone is still buzzing about. Ugh. I hate that part. You did wonderfully!
Yeah, that part is the worst 🙂 Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this story! We live in Nicaragua and are considering our options. Can you share the contact info for your midwife in Costa Rica? Thanks!
Sure thing! I’ll send you an email.
Very inspiring! I labored at home for three days before my midwife finally recommended transferring to a hospital. So glad you got your home birth! It was my understanding that midwives had to fly under the radar here in Costa Rica… I would also love to have her contact info, please!
Thanks! If you connect with me on my Facebook page, then I can send her contact information.
Thank you for sharing your birth story. Birth stories are my favorite, and I have six of my own 🙂 You did beautifully and I am honored to share in the experience.
Thank you!
Thanks for the inspiring birth story! I’m expecting my second and would love to have a homebirth in Costa Rica. It’s been difficult finding many resources online, if you are willing to share more information with me about the process, I would really appreciate it.
[…] You can read the full birth story here. […]
Hi 🙂 If a baby is born in Costa Rica, does parents get the residency automatically? How does the proccess goes? How about naming a child, it is done in Costa Rica or we can do it in our Country? We are from Europe(Estonia).
You have to apply for the residency and do all the paperwork. We named our baby and received a Costa Rican birth certificate and then we went to our embassy to get a ‘Certificate of Birth Abroad’… not sure how it works for other countries.