Home Birth in Portugal: A Real Expat Birth Story

What is it really like to go through labor and give birth at home in Portugal as an expat? In this honest and moving birth story, one mother - Tsoof - shares her experience of welcoming her baby in the comfort of her own home, supported by local midwives. Early in her pregnancy, a consultation with me helped her explore her birth options in Portugal and take the first steps toward finding the right support. Her story focuses on the emotional and physical journey of labor, offering a personal glimpse into home birth as an expat in Portugal.

This story is shared in her own words, without edits or adaptations.

“🌿 Rafael’s Birth Story Expected date: February 3, 2025
Actual birth: January 23, 2025, 7:48 PM
Place: Home birth, in our house in Portugal The day before your birth, we visited the midwife for a routine check-up in my 38th week. As I stood up from the chair, I let out a heavy sigh. The midwife laughed, saying I looked like someone ready to give birth. I joked back, saying I was ready if you were—and that I had no problem if it happened then. But honestly, I never imagined I’d meet you within 24 hours. I went to sleep struggling a bit with the big belly but managed to rest well. Thursday, January 23, 2025 – 6:00 AM
I woke up to mild contractions and couldn’t get back to sleep. I didn’t realize this was the start of labor. I tried changing positions but nothing felt comfortable, so I got up and began doing chores—laundry, putting away dishes, cleaning and I took a shower. Around 8:00 AM, , I told your Dad I thought I was having contractions but wasn’t sure if labor had really begun. I asked him to go to the store for supplies—and most importantly, to get a hose to fill the birthing pool since I planned to give birth in water. I faced the contractions alone at home, unable to rest lying down, only comfortable standing. 9:00 AM
I downloaded an app to time the contractions—they were every five minutes, lasting about one to one and a half minutes. Dad went shopping while I sent a screenshot of the timing to our doula, Madoka. She responded she was coming over. Only then did I start to realize this might really be it—that you would be born today. I tried to rest, lying down as recommended, but it was uncomfortable. I needed to be upright. 10:30 AM
Dad returned, set up the hose and pool, and played the special playlist I made called “A Wonderful and Safe Birth.” I updated him that the doula was on her way and asked him to send the contraction timings to Sonia, our midwife. Sonia said this looked like early labor and suggested a shower to ease the contractions. She also said I should try to rest since labor might take until evening, but I couldn’t lie down—I needed to stay upright. 12:00 PM 
Madoka helped me into the shower and poured water over my back. The contractions grew stronger and closer together. The water helped me relax a bit. Dad re-timed the contractions, which were now 2-3 minutes apart. I was fully in active labor, I was already deep in my birthing bubble, focusing on my hypnobirthing breaths and the mantra I repeated all pregnancy: “Each wave brings you closer to me.” 1:00 PM
Rita, the midwife, arrived to check in. I was sitting on the toilet with Madoka helping me with each wave. Rita listened to your heartbeat and said you were doing fine. A few minutes later we moved to the living room. I knelt on all fours, using my breathing and visualization to get through each contraction. I asked if I could get in the pool—she said yes. Dad and Madoka filled it, and once in the warm water, I felt huge relief. From here, my memory is a bit blurry, but photos help fill in the gaps. I do remember Dad picking flowers from the garden, placing them near me because he knows how much I love them and how calming they are. Madoka gave me rose oil to smell, which helped me relax. I kept breathing through each wave, reminding myself that each one brought you closer. 2:30 PM
Sonia arrived, and I felt calmer trusting her. Still in the pool, she helped me adjust positions and encouraged you down. I kept breathing and focusing through each contraction. Your heartbeat was always steady—this reassured me you were cooperating with me for the most natural, comfortable birth possible. Around 5:00 PM
My waters broke while I was still in the pool, probably fully dilated, but you weren’t moving down with contractions. I began feeling tired and said “I can’t” several times, though inside I knew I could and that you’d be here soon. Before 6:00 PM, we decided I should get out of the water—maybe you needed gravity or just preferred to be born in air, not water, like I imagined. Sonia suggested I sit on the toilet again, but after a few contractions I was uncomfortable and wanted to move to the living room. Dad sat on the couch, I leaned on him on my knees, belly parallel to the floor. At times I changed position, but mostly I stayed leaning on him. I felt the urge to push with each contraction. There was a moment I was worried labor wasn’t progressing and you wouldn’t come soon—but Sonia placed a mirror under me and I saw your head beginning to crown. I realized you were really close, and had no choice but to keep going. Suddenly I felt a burst of energy, encouraging me to listen to my body. With every contraction, I imagined you moving down and pushed actively as it felt right. Dad kept encouraging me, telling me I was doing great and so close to holding you. 7:45 PM
A strong contraction and intense pressure—I felt your head emerging and knew it was almost over. Dad told me your head was out while still supporting mine. I waited patiently for the last contraction, pushed one final time, and you were here. What a relief. In that moment, I forgot all pain. 7:48 PM
I picked you up, I looked at you, unable to believe I had done it—that you were really mine. I didn’t know who you were yet, but at the same time, you felt so familiar. I held you, hugged you, stunned. We moved to the couch, you on me, breathing your first breaths in this world. You nursed from me for the first time. Rafael, Your birth was wonderful—gentle, intense, and tender.
You taught me so much before you even arrived.
Thank you for choosing me to be your mother. I love you my boy“