14 baby birth videos that (really) prepare you for the big day

Your belly is growing, and so is your anticipation. After months of doctor’s appointments, swollen feet, backaches and developing an unstoppable nesting habit, you’re totally ready for labor and delivery. But the unpredictable nature of childbirth can make any parent-to-be worry themselves into a frenzy over what may or may not happen on delivery day. The best way to prepare yourself for any stressful situation is to get a realistic understanding of how events might play out, and watching birth videos is a fantastic way to do just that.

“In the U.S. today, it’s very common for people to have never seen a delivery before the birth of their own baby,” says Jocelyn Alt, the founder and doula at Seattle Doula Partners. “Seeing baby birth videos can help parents envision different scenarios of what they can expect during their own experience. Watching [real] birthing videos can dispel some of the false, overly dramatic images portrayed in movies and TV.”

Whatever type of birth experience you are planning on having, watching the birthing videos below will give you a well-rounded idea of what could happen and help prepare you for labor and delivery.

Birth videos showing the diversity of every childbirth experience

1. An unmedicated labor and hospital water birth

If you’re considering laboring without an epidural, this video gives you a good idea of what that experience will be like. As an added bonus, it also shows what it’s like to have a peaceful water birth at a hospital.

2. Start to finish birth of a “veteran mom”

@hortonlane

What it’s like to give birth! Come with me as I deliver my 5th baby. When I was pregnant with my first baby I had no idea what to expect when giving birth. I wish I had someone to walk me through how long labor could potentially be, the interventions that are used, and what my options were. So I decided to document and share my entire birthing experience from start to finish. I begin recording as my first serious contractions took place. I had been experiencing Braxton Hicks for several weeks at this point, but on this day the contractions were different. They were stronger and I could feel my whole uterus contracting, rather than just a localized area. They became stronger and I began breathing heavier. That’s when I knew the contractions needed to be timed. They say you know it’s time to leave for the hospital when your contractions are happening at least every 5 minutes, last for one minute each, and have been happening consistently for 1 hour. It’s called the 5-1-1 rule. I birth big babies, I am talking over 10 lbs, and never once was a c-section mentioned to me just because of their size. I have had an epidural for all my births so for baby number 5 I really wanted to try to have an unmedicated birth. Unfortunately I didn’t make it. I was close, but I knew I would lack the strength to push if I continued to suffer and fight the pain. I have actually enjoyed my epidural births! They allowed me to relax and be more present for the experience. Being able to relax is key too. Each time I tried to birth unmedicated labor wouldn’t progress. Please note, this is just my personal experience. Everyone is going to have a different birth story 🤗❤️ #givingbirthbelike #birthstory #birthstorytime #pregnantmama #pregnancyvlog #momtobe2023 #hospitalbag #givingbirthisnojoke #postpartumrecovery #10lbsbaby #hospitalbirth #hospitalbagessentials #pregnantmama #41weekspregnant #epiduralbirth #naturalbirth #unmedicatedbirth

♬ original sound – Chrissy Horton

Popular TikTok creator Chrissy Horton recently documented her entire birth experience from start to finish when she gave birth to baby number five (!). Not only does Horton show her pre-hospital prep (doing her other kids’ laundry), she gets real, showing her “shaking” from the epidural and freaking out about taking an elevator. Definitely worth a watch.

3. Dad delivers baby

As everyone knows, things don’t always go as planned, and in this birth video, dad winds up delivering his baby, as mom’s labor progressed faster than anyone expected. Additionally, mom delivers on all fours in this video instead of on her back, which is common practice.

4. An unmedicated vaginal birth in a hospital

In this uplifting birth video, The Dainty Pear takes you through her unmedicated birth experience. Surrounded by her family and a super supportive hospital staff, she will inspire any soon-to-be mom who is interested in a natural birth.

5. A hospital birth with an epidural

Watch this birth video if you are thinking of getting an epidural in the hospital. This mom’s experience is uplifting and emotional, and she’s assisted by an amazing nurse and a caring anesthesiologist.

6. A C-section birth in a hospital

Whether or not you think you are going to deliver via C-section, it’s good to have an idea of what the procedure involves. In this video, a newborn baby is birthed via C-section to an emotional and overjoyed mom and dad — and it’s beautifully captured by the parents themselves.

“Videos by parents often show love for the partner and child, play soft music and show how beautiful birth can be,” says birth and postpartum doula Stephanie Heintzeler. “Professional videos always have a message, either about natural childbirth or medical interventions.” 

7. A natural C-section birth 

A natural C-section birth is a cesarean with minimal doctor interference. After the doctor makes the incision, the baby essentially wiggles out on their own. This educational birth video shows just that. 

8. A VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section) birth

Some moms who had a C-section with their first babies are able to deliver vaginally the second time around. If you’re curious about what a VBAC would be like, this birth video has all the information you need.

9. A home birth

If you are considering giving birth to your baby at home, watch this video for an inspiring look at how beautiful a home birth can be.

“Birth videos are helpful for gaining comfort with the sights and sounds of birth and to see comfort measures, plus a range of experiences,” notes Karen Laing, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), perinatal educator and founder of Birthways.

10. A water birth at home

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlYuiEwgMBA&t=1s

This mom makes giving birth seem like a breeze. If you’re interested in a water birth, this video taking you through the labor, delivery and afterbirth makes you feel like you’re right in the room with her.

11. A vaginal multiples birth

Pregnant with twins (or more) and freaking out about delivery? Watching this twin birth video will make you feel empowered and get you ready for your own birth experience.

12. A C-section multiples birth

Again, whether you’re planning on having a C-section birth with your twins or not, it’s good to get an idea of what may happen. In this video, the angle is mostly on mom, but this twin C-section video shows the surgery aspect.

13. A premature birth

No one really plans on having their baby come early, but in some circumstances it can’t be helped. This honest portrayal of a premature birth and everything that comes after it will have you crying happy tears the whole way through.

14. A baby born in the amniotic sac

A baby being born “en caul” (still in the amniotic sac) is actually extremely rare. Only one in every 80,000 babies are born this way, but this miraculous type of birth is worth seeing.

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