DANI
Welcome To the World
Kennedy Faye POKE
Born on the 8.09.2024
At 6.39 am
41 weeks and 4 days
Weight 7 pounds 7 ounces
“We are made to do this work, and it’s not easy…I would say that pain is part of the glory, or the tremendous mystery of life. And that if anything, it’s a kind of privilege to stand so close to such an incredible miracle.” –Simone in Klasson
**Here we go again. **
This is the second time I have the honour of being part of Dani and Dalton’s birth journey. I met them three years ago when they decided to engage a doula to help them feel supported emotionally, physically, and educationally throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
That was the start of a beautiful friendship. Dani was truly an informed and empowered birthing goddess, and on the day she brought their first gorgeous child, Dawson, into the world, she achieved the calm water birth she had so deeply hoped for. Surrounded by Dalton, our wonderful midwife, and myself, Dawson’s birth was a testament to Dani’s strength and unwavering trust in her own ability to bring her baby into the world. Her confidence and calm radiated throughout the room, and her light shone brightly during those precious moments.
This time, Dani was excited to have her sister Cait as part of her birth support team. Dani and Cait share a close bond, and this experience would be a truly special one for both of them. Dani was excited for Cait to witness the power and beauty of a physiological labour and birth.
40 weeks
For now, we are ready and patiently waiting.
"Patience is the calm before the miracle, a gentle reminder that the most beautiful things take time."
Dani and Dalton’s little boy, Dawson, is an adorable little two-year-old who seems wise beyond his years. When I asked him, the other day, about having a new baby soon, he very sweetly shook his head and said, “Not yet.” And he was right. As I write this story, Baby Pumpkin—as he or she is affectionately known—has yet to make their debut at 41 weeks today.
The weather in Tasmania has been atrocious this last week, and I’m sure Baby Pumpkin has been listening; it’s been far too windy and rainy to be driving around in the middle of the night. Dani and Dalton even had no power for a few days.
Dani had a wish for her birth. She was focusing on positive thoughts, hoping this birth would go as smoothly as Dawson’s. She pictured labouring through the night, giving birth in the water, and being home by lunchtime. This would mean that Dawson would sleep through the night and wake up in the morning, and baby pumpkin would be here.
4th September 2024
I received a Message from Dani followed by a phone call – It looks like she is in early labour with sensations starting around 7.57 pm 10- 12 min apart, lasting around 45seconds. We are all going to try and get some sleep as it may be a busy night.
5th of September
It wasn’t meant to be, as Dani had her midwife appointment today. The midwife explained that the baby had shifted, which was probably the reason behind the sensations Dani had been feeling last night. The good news was that the baby had moved into an ideal position for birth.
6th of September
I visited Dani today, and we spent time doing Spinning Babies exercises, acupressure, and using the moxa stick to help with labour preparation. Dani was in good spirits—she’s been keeping active while also making sure to rest when needed. Dalton had a beautiful idea of leaving the door to baby Pumpkin’s room open, as a way to say, “Your room is ready for you, little one.”
7th September
Dani had a hospital appointment this morning, accompanied by her MGP midwife. It was a really positive visit, and Dani decided to go ahead with a stretch and sweep since everything was looking favourable. This might just be enough to kickstart her labour—and it was! By 12:00 pm, Dani began to feel sensations. It was exciting, as it seemed like early labour was starting.
The sensations were a bit scattered, which is very normal in early labour. I suggested that she and Dalton could try some abdominal lift-and-tuck exercises if she felt up for it or simply wait and see what unfolded in the coming hours. True to Dani’s proactive nature, she was keen to give it a go. Not long after they finished the set of ten, Dani messaged me to say her sensations had intensified. With her TENS machine on, her surges were now consistently about 20 minutes apart.
Dani and I kept in contact throughout the rest of the day and night. I went to bed as I was positive I would be getting a call to come on over in the hours ahead.
2:04 am – After another round of Spinning Babies and lift-and-tucks, Dani’s sensations have become much stronger and closer together. I’m on my way now. When we spoke earlier about resting or giving it another go, she said, “I’m not going down without a fight,” and I can see that fierce determination in her.
2:45 am – I arrive at Dani and Dalton’s house. Alby, their golden retriever, greets me, his tail wagging as he jumps up for a cuddle, as if to say, “Come on in, it’s all happening in here!”
The quiet of the night brings a sense of calm, and there, in the peaceful stillness, is my birthing goddess. Dani is breathing steadily, leaning over the kitchen bench with her TENS machine on, an acupressure comb in hand, and a hot water bottle tucked into the back of her pyjamas. Dalton is standing behind her, performing some effective double hip squeezes, helping to ease her sensations. Cait had arrived just before me, and now the whole team is here, ready to support Dani.
Dani already had her background music playing. I set up the diffuser, letting the soothing scent fill the air, and lay out an affirmation card for Dani that reads, “I am a strong and capable woman”—a sentiment she embodies completely. Dani rests her head on the cool stone benchtop, the coolness offering her some relief. As Cait and I take over, allowing Dalton and Alby to get some rest before the main event, I remember how much Dani found comfort in the acupressure needles last time. Gently, I place them in her ears to help her find calm once again. More double hip squeezes and Cait brushing Dani’s hair all help her to keep on breathing through each sensation.
“The knowledge about how to give birth is born within every woman: women do not need to be taught how to give birth but rather to have more trust and faith in their own body knowledge.” –Birth Works
4 am – Cait and I made sure to take good care of Dani, offering drinks, supporting her emotionally and physically, and chatting between her sensations. We even enjoyed snacking on Dani’s lollies—though I don’t think Dani had any! Cait was also making sure Dani had her lip balm handy. Dani was a trooper and let me place a yoga block under each foot for three contractions on each side to help create extra space for the baby to descend into a good position.
Her sensations were picking up and getting closer together. Dani asked when I thought would be a good time to head to the labour ward, and I assured her that I’d know when the moment came. In the end, Dani didn’t need me to call it—she knew in herself that she was ready to go. We woke up Dalton, and I called the LGH to let them know we were on our way and requested a room with a bath.
4.39 am Dalton has time for a few more double hip squeezes while I pack up all that we will need in my doula toolbox.
As we pass through the gates, we stop for Dani, as a wave of emotion washes over her, and she starts to cry. The reality that she is about to become a mum to a new little person has suddenly hit her, and it’s overwhelming. We pause for a moment, sharing a hug, acknowledging and honouring the enormity of this day—the day she will meet her baby. It truly is the biggest and best day of our lives. And Dani knows this first-hand that
Becoming a mother is the moment when all the love you’ve ever imagined feeling suddenly has a face, a name, and tiny hands holding yours.
I hand Dalton the keys to my car, and he drives us into town. I stay in the backseat with Dani, who is on all fours since sitting is too uncomfortable. I continue with double hip squeezes, offering her my love and support as we make our way to the hospital, with a towel on the seat just in case her waters break. Cait will wait for Dani’s mum to arrive to look after Dawson, and then she’ll drive in to join us at the labour ward.
At 5:19 am, we have made our way here and up to the labour ward, we wait at the door to be let in. Dani leans up against the wall, breathing through her sensations, which are coming on strong and frequently.
By 5:29 am, we are ushered into the observation room, left to ourselves while the midwives finish preparing the birth room with the bath, just as we had hoped for. Dani is doing amazingly well, surrounded by her birth support team. Leaning over the tray table, she hums her special labour song, while Dalton continues with the double hip squeezes. I am so proud of my birthing goddess; she makes it all look so doable.
“A woman in Birth is at once her most powerful, and most vulnerable. But any woman who has birthed unhindered understands that we are stronger than we know.” –Marcie Macari
As Dani moves closer to meeting her baby, tears for a second time flow down her cheeks. Her hormones are dancing to their own tune, and I imagine she is picturing those first magical moments—the first look, the first touch, the first time she will hear her baby cry. It’s the beginning of a bond that will last a lifetime.
Dani’s sensations are now only a minute apart. By 5:40 am, we’re moved into our room, and as the midwife begins to fill the bath, I set about taking a few more photos and setting up the room to recreate what we had at home. Dani sways softly in Dalton’s strong, reassuring arms. The love and calmness he radiates are so beautiful to witness, and I know, without a doubt, that his quiet strength helps Dani feel safe, grounded, and confident. In this moment, surrounded by so much love, she knows deep in her heart that she can do this. Together, they are an incredible team.
Cait wasn’t far behind and now joins us in the birth suite. With the three of us by her side, Dani has the team she needs to feel safe and fully supported. Her wonderful MGP midwife will be arriving soon to complete the circle of care, ready to stand alongside her as she brings her baby into the world.
When a woman feels supported emotionally and physically during birth, it strengthens her, builds her confidence, and creates a foundation of love and trust for the journey ahead.” — Unknown
5:35 am – Dani begins to feel the pressure, the unmistakable signal that her baby is moving down.
5:52 am – Dani finally sinks her body into the warm depths of the bath, and I can physically see the relief wash over her. Dani soon after asks for Dalton to join her, and he does, sitting behind her, holding her close—both her arms and her heart—keeping her safe and loved in this moment and all the ones to come.
The physiology of birth is a force of nature; it’s the body’s instinctive wisdom, unfolding in its own time. Every sensation is a step toward bringing new life into the world, reminding us of the incredible strength within every woman.
In the gentle, soothing embrace of the bath, Dani found herself floating freely, weightless in the warm water. It was a moment of freedom amidst the powerful sensations of labour. I suggested that Dani might try rocking and swaying her hips, knowing how beneficial movement can be in guiding a baby through the birth canal. Dani, ever open to guidance, embraced this idea and gracefully moved her body with each breath of gas, which she had been eagerly anticipating for its calming effect. Dani’s strength of labour comes not from resistance but from surrender. It’s in her letting go and trusting the natural flow of birth, as the sensations hit their highest peaks that her true power is revealed.
The room is filled with soft music and twinkling fairy lights, creating a space of comfort and warmth. Dani is enveloped in the love and support of everyone around her, a cocoon of care and encouragement.
Cait, despite being new to the world of labour and birth, was a remarkable support to her sister. Her natural instinct and attentiveness were shining brightly as she ensured that everything Dani needed was readily available, including keeping the hydrolyte bottle filled to support Dani’s fluid intake. Cait's presence was a testament to her love, gentle strength and empathy, contributing to the nurturing atmosphere of Dani's birthing journey.
“To labour with love and support is to labour with power. The touch, words, and encouragement of those around you lift you when you need it most.” — Unknown
At 6:20 pm, Dani began to drift into a serene, timeless world. Her mind wandered to a place beyond our reach, where soon she would return, cradling her baby in her arms. Our role now was simply to be present, holding space and offering quiet support as Dani journeyed through this sacred moment.
The arrival of Dani’s MGP midwife was perfectly timed. With a gentle touch, she listened to the baby's heartbeat on the Doppler, and all sounded perfectly happy and reassuring.
As Dani neared the final phase of labour, it was clear that her labour was shifting gear. Dani could sense that her baby was almost here, her mind responding with shakes of her head as the pressure built. Dani stayed focused, waiting for the fetal ejection reflex to guide her through the birth.
The intensity of Dani’s labour was visible, her strength evident in the power of her voice and the way her body was opening. As a witness to this powerful moment, my own heart quickened with anticipation, feeling the surge of oxytocin filling the room.
Dani shared with me later that she felt the ring of fire as her baby’s head began to emerge, she reached down to touch her baby. She had initially planned to bring her baby into the world with her own hands but overwhelmed by the constant intensity, she asked the midwife for help so she could focus on birthing the rest of her baby’s head and shoulders. With immense power and courage, Dani brought her baby into the world, a true birthing goddess in every sense.
Just five minutes after her first push, time seemed to stand still. Dani reached down to gently take her baby from the midwife’s hands. Her voice, once filled with the strength of labour, softened instantly as she whispered, “Hello baby, hello darling.” Noticing, “You look just like your brother,” as their baby cried out for the first time, we all drew breathe. Dani asked, “Who do we have here?” and discovered it was a little girl. Dani was overwhelmed with joy.
We were all enveloped in a bubble of love and such happiness, a feeling so special that words barely do it justice. I looked over at Cait, whose eyes were overflowing with tears of love, pride, and pure emotion.
Watching the miracle of birth unfold is to witness the sheer magic of life itself. It’s a moment of pure awe, where every breath and every heartbeat becomes a testament to the incredible journey of bringing a new soul into the world.
Welcome to the world, Kennedy Faye. You are such an adorable and perfect little girl, completing your wonderful family. Dani and Dalton, thank you for inviting me be part of your special journey once again. It’s been a true joy to witness this beautiful moment and share in the love that surrounds your growing family. I’m so grateful for the chance to be part of your story and for the trust you’ve placed in me. I’m looking forward to supporting you as you enjoy these early days with your new little one and helping you navigate the postpartum period with peace and joy
Love, Krista xxx