Join us in welcoming Elliot Hart, our fourth Daily Mom baby born since our launch! Elliot is the first baby for editor Kayla and her husband Michael. She made her grand entrance on January 17 at 4:53 pm via a home water birth. A whopping 9 lbs 6 oz and 21″ long, Elliot arrived after 16 hours of labor. Mom, Kayla says of her birth:
“It was an amazing experience to bring my daughter into the world so gently, from the womb to the warm water of the tub. My midwife helped Elliot’s shoulders out and then I ‘caught’ her and pulled her to my chest. I was able to be totally present and aware during labor and delivery, and that made it the most rewarding birth experience that I could have imagined.”
When asked about her decision to have a home birth, Kayla said,”For me, it was never a question of whether or not I would have a home birth. It was always the birth I wanted. I wanted to have complete control over my birth experience and I wanted to labor and deliver in the way that I had been dreaming of for months. I knew it was possible and so I never had any doubts about my decision. In fact, it was my heritage, as my mom had given birth to my sisters and I at home with an amazing midwife assisting. I was lucky enough to have that same amazing midwife who delivered my youngest sister perform my prenatal care and assist in the delivery of my daughter.”
Kayla says motherhood has changed her in the best way possible. “It has caused me to slow down and take in every moment. It has brought my husband and I closer as a couple. Being a mom is the most amazing experience of my life. I love taking in her every expression and sound, and enjoy watching her learn something new each day.”
Kayla’s favorite moments are after feedings when Elliot looks up at her in a milk coma and gives her a heart- melting smile. “The only moment that rivals it is seeing my husband hold her and sing to her,” she said. “There is something so sweet about the relationship between a man and his daughter.”
“Elliot,” originating from Kayla’s Scottish heritage, means “boldly and rightly.” Kayla hopes Elliot will one day grow to exhibit these character traits.
Congratulations, Kayla, Michael and Elliot!
OMG this is totally awesome! i applaud you and the beautiful baby! i always wanted to do a homebirth but did not succeed my first try! I am glad you even had a baby over 9 LBS! The med community always push for a c-sec then claims you cannot push the baby out. You give me strength maybe i will do it this time!