Welcome Zelda – Oakland Home Birth
On May 24th at 8:26am, after 7 hours of labor, my second child was born. A girl (very much to my surprise). Her name is Zelda (after my grandmother). She was born at home. My partner, Loretta is amazing. Our son, Ellis, was also born at home, and he attended most of his sister’s birth. Winnie, our trusty Pit Bull, was also here, but did not get off her bed the entire labor. Our midwives, Tenaya and Mary, were so great, and Loretta’s aunt arrived during the labor just when Ellis needed her. She was an incredible help. One of the great things about having a baby in your own home is that once the baby is born, you are already home. You can go to sleep in your own bed and make food in your own kitchen and shower in your own shower.
Even though Zelda was born almost exactly on her due date, before she arrived, it felt like she would never come. We had really been expecting her to come a week or two early. Loretta would have a couple of contractions here and there, and we would get excited, and then nothing would happen. We had taken to going to Berkeley Bowl every day in hopes of having a water breaking experience at the grocery store. When Loretta finally went into labor, it felt like we had been waiting forever. Maybe Zelda was trying to tell us to take it easy.
Loretta, Ellis, Winnie, and I are so happy to welcome Zelda into our lives. Here are a few pictures from hours after Zelda was born.
Congratulations dear Gabriel!
Thank you for the intimacy of sharing. These are beautiful pictures!! As always!
Being a brand new grandmother just this month and being there for my daughter, tells me that there is a lot of love and power and intensity behind the scenes you so sensitively depict here!
Take good care of yourselves…. lots of sleep and food and sweet private time at home…. such a precious time!
Hugs from Christina
I was so happy to get to see you guys this weekend. And even though I saw you in the flesh, and met the new kidlet, I thank you for sharing. Because your family is beautiful and your photos capture that essence. There can not be too much beauty shared in the world! Again, welcome Zelda, and congrats family!
thank you for the beautiful and personal view in to these exciting days. i’m madly in love with the pictures of Ellis on Lo’s belly. Zelda is gorgeous; as is your other lovely lady and proud big brother. many blessings and love to you four. Enjoy the amazing ride!