Three years after her first birth, Meli came back knowing her body. And this time, she listened to it.
Meli’s second birth in Arnhem: rebozo, breath and a pink surprise
I first met this family three years ago, as the photographer at the birth of their first daughter. This time, Meli asked me to be there as her doula too.
Early on, we used the rebozo to hold her belly. It felt heavy, as if it was pushing outwards, and the rebozo gave her support and relief. This time, the rebozo became one of her biggest tools.
We breathed together the whole way. When I saw her drifting away, or holding her breath, we found the rhythm again, together. Her husband was always by her side, ready to do anything she needed.
Counter-pressure massage, especially on her hips, brought her a lot of relief. Water, and going to the toilet regularly, were part of the routine too. Small things that make a big difference over many hours.
Meli’s labour was beautiful, and much more conscious than the first time. She moved, and looked for positions to help her baby turn and come down with gravity. So many hours awake can make you tired, yes. But she stayed present in her body, all the way, to bring her baby into the world.
And there was one more surprise. They didn’t know if they were having a boy or a girl. Then their world turned pink, once again.
What helped Meli during labour
- The rebozo, to support her belly and to help her baby find the way
- Breathing together, every time it got hard
- Counter-pressure massage on her hips
- Water, and regular toilet breaks
- Moving, and using gravity to help her baby come down
Want to see this day in photos? Read her birth story on Ka Monge Photography.
Doula support · Hospital birth in Arnhem · 19 October 2026