They say birth is natural—but no one really teaches us how to give birth.
We spend years in school preparing for careers, planning weddings, and reaching milestones. But when it comes to giving birth, so many women—myself included—walk in blind. During my first pregnancy, I had no idea what to expect. Still, I was determined to make my birthing journey a positive one.
This is my story of how I prepared my body and mind, how I embraced gentle birth through water birth, and how I continue to walk the path of breastfeeding and motherhood with faith and empowerment.
Why I’m Sharing My Birthing Journey
I’ll be sharing a video of my water birth with my daughter, Sparkle. Honestly, I hesitated because I am a private person. But many moms and women have been curious, and as someone who advocates for gentle birth and breastfeeding, I felt called to show that birth doesn’t always have to be fearful, traumatic, or clinical.
Birth can be empowering. Birth can be beautiful. Birth can be yours.
Birth is Yours. Claim It.
Your birth. Your body. Your baby.
We sometimes forget that as mothers, we have choices. We can prepare, make informed decisions, and choose how we want to welcome our babies into the world. For me, that shift began when I decided to educate myself about birth options instead of “just going with the flow.”
That’s when I found my doula, Betty San Luis of Birthing is a Blessing, and my midwife, Aileen Gaa Vinoya. They opened my eyes to the fact that birth does not have to be a traumatic, painful event. With the right preparation, it can be a gentle, positive birth experience.
Yes, I Did Water Birth—Even at 42
All three of my children were born via water birth, and each experience was magical in its own way.
Yes, even at 42, I was able to give birth naturally and safely. There’s a common belief that once you reach a certain age, pregnancy is too high-risk, and your choices become limited. While that may be true for some, I want to show that—with the right support, knowledge, and preparation—it is possible to have the birth you envision.
For me, preparation included:
• Eating nourishing food to strengthen my body and support my pregnancy.
• Yoga and gentle stretching to stay active and flexible.
• Meditation and prayer to keep myself grounded, calm, and trusting in the Lord’s perfect timing.
Pain was there, yes, but I learned not to fight it. Breathing and surrender helped me ride the waves of labor instead of resisting them. Each of my children taught me something different in birth—from Dylan’s steady rhythm, to Ethan’s eagerness, to Sparkle’s reminder that babies truly come when they are ready.
Breastfeeding: A Journey, Not a Race
My breastfeeding journey has been just as transformative as birth itself. I nursed all three of my children, with my longest stretch lasting three years. Every ounce of milk was a labor of love—sometimes difficult, often exhausting, but always worth it.
I know firsthand how challenging breastfeeding can be. That’s one of the reasons I created Sweet Success lactation treats—to support moms who want to continue breastfeeding with a nourishing, comforting boost. Sometimes, all it takes is one small encouragement for a mom to keep going.
Remember: whether you breastfeed for one day, one month, or one year, your effort matters. Don’t compare your journey with others. You are doing beautifully.
To the Women Who Long to Be Mothers
I also want to pause here to honor the women in their 30s or 40s who are still hoping, praying, and sometimes struggling to conceive. Sharing my story is not to say everyone will have the same path—it’s simply to witness what is possible.
If you are on a different journey—whether through IVF, adoption, or waiting in faith—know that your story is just as valid, powerful, and worthy of being told.
You’re Never Alone in Birth
One thing I want every mom to remember: you are not alone.
Your birth team isn’t just your doctor, midwife, or doula. It’s also your partner—and yes, your baby. Babies feel us, hear us, and work with us during labor. That connection is something deeply sacred and unforgettable.
From My Heart to Yours
Birth has transformed me. Breastfeeding has grounded me. And motherhood continues to stretch me in ways I never imagined.
If sharing my gentle birth story and water birth video helps even just one mom feel less afraid or more supported, then it’s worth every word. 💛
To every mother reading this—you are stronger than you know. And to every woman longing to be a mother—your journey is seen, your heart is honored.
You’ve got this.
With love and support,
Marjorie Tong Ko
Photo & Video by Bearthside Photography & Films – Manila
