Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

In a tale of divine revelation and unwavering faith, the journey of Zhan & Louis expecting their “jubilee” baby unfolds. From the Netherlands to South Africa, the anticipation of a natural birth takes an unexpected turn as the baby assumes a breech position. Trusting in God’s plan, the couple opts for midwife-led care, and as the 40th week approaches, signs of labor are awaited with faith. Amidst a church service revelation and the unexpected prelude of a Springboks’ game, the intense labor begins, leading to a swift race to the birth house. In the early hours of the morning, a miracle is unveiled as Joah Judah Schoonbee enters the world, a testament to God’s faithfulness and a song of praise for the newly-expanded family.

Divine Revelation: Anticipating Our Jubilee Baby

On February 8, 2023, joyous news arrived – our “jubilee” baby was on the way, carrying special significance as our time in the Netherlands aligned with the Biblical concept of jubilee. Navigating pregnancy in the Netherlands revealed the advantages of midwife-led continuous care. The Dutch norm of natural childbirth bolstered our confidence, leading us to choose midwife-led care in South Africa for the best chance of a natural delivery.

Unexpected Turn: Breech Position and Uncertain Paths

Entering my 30th week in South Africa brought unexpected news – my baby was breech. Despite the norm of babies turning after 32 weeks, doubts arose about a vaginal delivery, with mentions of epidurals and induction looming. Relying on our trust in God’s providence, we believed He would orchestrate the perfect team. Attending Midwives Exclusive’s session affirmed our decision, providing safety and assurance for our unique journey. Approaching the 40th week, signs of labor were absent, but our faith in God’s timing remained steadfast. Despite trying various methods to kickstart labor, the waiting game continued. On October 15th, at 40 weeks and 4 days, deep peace enveloped me during a church service. Worship songs affirmed our trust in the Lord’s plan for our son’s birth.

Springboks’ Drama and Unexpected Prelude

As the Springboks played in the RWC quarter-final that evening, I bounced on a birthing ball. At 00:14, my water ruptured. Anticipating a long labor, I encouraged my husband to rest, but intense contractions dispelled any hopes of sleep within 10 minutes. A warm bath proved ineffective, prompting a move to the living room with a worship playlist. By 04:00, my husband joined, and as contractions intensified, I focused on breathing and movement. At 06:00, my midwife suggested timing contractions, revealing regularity. The decision was made to head to the birth house, initiating a challenging 15-minute drive. Contractions intensified, confirming faster-than-anticipated progress.

Miraculous Arrival: Joah Judah Schoonbee

Upon arrival at 07:00, Anjo, my midwife, assessed 8 centimeters dilation. A brief tub respite at 07:15 provided relief before the undeniable urge to push arose. Despite initial progress, the baby’s descent slowed, leading to a strategic bed move for an episiotomy. At 08:13 am, Joah Judah Schoonbee entered the world, weighing 4.79kg. In just over 8 hours, without pain medication, I experienced the most surreal, joyous, and proud moment – a testament to God’s faithfulness.

Joah, meaning “established by God,” and Judah, meaning “praise,” perfectly encapsulate our miracle baby, born as a testament to God’s establishment and a song of praise.