What is an En Caul Birth?

Okay, radical honesty? Because I’m a nerd and it is super cool. But let me explain real quick!

Your water does not NEED to break. Nope, not during any part of labor. In fact, if your baby comes out en caul during a vaginal birth (that means in an intact amniotic sack), your birth was rarer than 1 out of 80,000! If you’re into photos or videos of your birth, this makes an incredible photo because your baby looks like it is wrapped up in a bubble. AND it’s totally safe!

Superstition considers en caul births to be good luck. Beliefs range from babies born en caul being destined for greatness to having special spiritual gifts including clairvoyance. Personally, the first birth I ever attended was an en caul birth and I consider it to be a general good omen for everyone in the room

This is one reason why I don’t put a ton of weight into water breaking. If your water breaks, it will definitely speed things up. But if it doesn’t, your body is still doing what it needs to do. You’re still progressing and baby is still moving and grooving!

Listen, at the end of the day, every birth can be an incredible experience. I worry that we can sometimes put too much weight in whether or not certain things have happened yet during labor. Each birth is entirely unique. Your labor and birth will never look exactly like your mom’s or your best friend’s. And if this isn’t your first birth, it probably will be different than any other births you’ve had!

You’re doing great,
Kyra