Embracing Motherhood Again at 40
At 40, and with this pregnancy likely her last, Lay Jyn wanted to experience birth as naturally as possible at home. With rebozo work for optimal positioning and steady doula support, she welcomed her daughter in the birth pool.
Lay Jyn's story
2 August 2024 · Home Water Birth · Labour: 12 hours · Baby: Ng Ler Reese Isacarah · 3kg
“I felt a profound sense of relief as I sensed my baby continue to glide out — her tiny, perfect body.”
Reflecting back to 2015, we joyously welcomed Isaiah into the world when I was 31. In 2017, Isabel joined our family when I was 33, bringing even more love and happiness into our lives.
As we approached 39, the desire for another child grew stronger, and my husband and I felt our hearts were more prepared for this next chapter. After trying for about 10 months, we finally conceived. Despite challenges, including a placenta abruption at week 17, we held onto faith.
The Journey
Throughout this journey I was surrounded by a supportive community — prayers, emotional encouragement, medical expertise, and nutritional guidance — all forming a comforting network around me. Recognising the risks associated with pregnancy at an older age, I felt immensely blessed by the support around me.
Since this pregnancy might be our last, I deeply desired to experience childbirth as naturally as possible, without medication or painkillers, in the comfort of our home, surrounded by my loving family. It was a birth I visualised and diligently prepared for.
The Birth
Surges began gently at 8am, each wave managed with practised breathing techniques. By noon the surges were closer yet manageable, allowing me a brief nap to gather strength.
My doula arrived around 5pm and together we prepared for the water birth we had envisioned. My husband and children were nearby, supporting me in their own comforting ways.
Entering the pool at 7pm, I immediately sensed a shift as my mucus plug released. My doula noticed that my baby bump was slightly tilted to the left, and gently used the rebozo method to help straighten my bump and encourage optimal positioning for birth.
As labour progressed, I found greater comfort standing and sitting, reassured by my husband beside me. With him supporting me from behind, my membranes ruptured, and after approximately three more intense surges we saw our baby''s head emerge — a powerful moment of both intensity and immense joy.
Reflection
I felt a profound sense of relief as I sensed my baby continue to glide out, followed by shoulders, neck, and then the rest of her tiny, perfect body. The room filled with the joyous sound of her cries.
Welcoming my daughter: Ng Ler Reese Isacarah — 2nd August 2024