What Happens During a Home Birth? A Midwife Explains Step by Step

Birthstone Midwifery

Home Birth Education

What Happens During a Home Birth?
A Midwife Explains Step by Step

By Tayna Chessman, LM, CPM  ·  Temecula, Riverside County

One of the most common reasons families hesitate about home birth is simply not knowing what to expect. What actually happens? Who is there? What if something goes wrong? I want to walk you through a home birth from beginning to end — so you can picture exactly what this experience looks like.

Your Home Birth From Start to Finish

Early Labor — Staying Home and Staying Comfortable

Most families stay home and labor quietly in early labor. Rest, eat lightly, drink fluids, and stay comfortable. I am available by phone throughout early labor, checking in regularly on your contractions and progress.

Active Labor — Your Midwife Arrives

When labor is clearly active, I come to your home with at least one trained birth attendant and all clinical equipment. I set up quietly, take over the clinical monitoring, and blend into your environment. Your home stays your home.

Continuous Monitoring Throughout Labor

Fetal heart tones assessed regularly with a hand-held Doppler. Maternal vital signs monitored. Labor progress tracked. Comfort support and position guidance for you and your support team throughout.

Pushing and Birth

You push in whatever position feels right — hands and knees, side-lying, squatting, in the birth tub. You are not on a clock. When your baby is born, I place them directly onto your chest.

The Golden Hour

Uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with your baby. Baby's temperature regulates, bonding hormones flood both systems, and the first latch happens naturally. Newborn assessments happen after this hour — not before.

After Birth — We Stay With You

I stay for a minimum of four hours after birth. Full newborn assessment, breastfeeding support, perineal repair if needed, monitoring your recovery. I clean up your birth space completely before I leave.

"There are no hospital policies to follow, no shift changes, no strangers coming in and out. Just you, your baby, your people, and your midwife."

What I Bring to Every Birth

• Oxygen for mother and baby
• IV supplies and IV fluids
• Medications to manage postpartum hemorrhage
• Neonatal resuscitation equipment
• Suturing supplies for perineal repair
• Doppler for continuous fetal monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is present at a home birth?

At minimum, myself and one trained birth attendant. Many families also have a partner, family member, doula, or photographer present. You decide who is in your birth space.

What if I change my mind and want an epidural?

You can always choose to transfer to the hospital for pain medication. This is a non-emergency transfer and I will accompany you. There is no judgment — ever.

Is the birth messy? Who cleans up?

Birth involves fluids — that is simply reality. We use waterproof pads and protective covers, and I clean up completely before I leave. Most families are genuinely surprised by how little mess remains.

Can I have a water birth at home in Temecula?

Yes, water birth is available through Birthstone Midwifery for appropriate candidates. A birth pool rental can be arranged, and I will guide you on setup and timing.

Ready to Talk About Your Home Birth?

If you are pregnant in Temecula, Murrieta, or anywhere in Riverside County and curious about what a home birth with Birthstone Midwifery would look like for your family, the best next step is a conversation.

Schedule Your Free Midwifery Chat →

Tayna Chessman, LM, CPM (#784) is a California Licensed Midwife and the founder of Birthstone Midwifery,
serving families in Temecula, Murrieta, Winchester, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, and throughout Riverside County, California.