When a baby is delivered by vagina also referred to as a closed birth the amniotic sac is still intact. Your baby may resemble a transparent, supple bubble as a result. Somewhat akin to a water balloon After delivery, the mother or midwife carefully tears open the amniotic sac and separates the newborn from the amniotic membrane. C-sections are known to happen, although it’s believed that spontaneous deliveries are more common.

Some estimates that it is believed that deliveries would account for 1% to 2% of all vaginal births without the membranes being artificially ruptured. This is less than one in 80,000 births. So it’s even rarer in a system that can’t help but interfere…. Children born ‘en caul’ are said to be extremely lucky children. Throughout history, en caul births have been attributed with fame and fortune, even magical and spiritual abilities. In many parts of Europe, the amniotic sac, or “caul” itself held such special fortune, that it was often sold as a token of good luck and protection.

Childbirth is more admirable than conquest, more amazing than self-defense, and as courageous as either one

Given my passion with maintaining statistics, today seemed like the perfect day to look back on the previous four years as well as to share what is likely the nicest birth shot I will ever take. 4 years ago today, I attended my very first birth. Doing this task while still attending full-time school (or working full-time for the past year) and providing more than 700 hours of postpartum care really puts things into perspective.

The born baby is still protected by the amniotic sac, which can be said to be the protective membrane that protects the baby during the process of being in the womb. It is wonderful when the amniotic sac is still present when the little angel goes out to meet her parents.

Happy emotions are shown on the mother’s face when she meets her little angel after many days. The baby is born surrounded by the amniotic sac and the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck.

It’s still a hug, but now I’m cradled from the warmth of your mother’s hand. Your breath, surprise and worry. It all disappears around just one little angel.

I’ve never seen such a beautiful en caul birth. These twins were born in a birthing center. I dream of a day this kind of birth is available to all twin and breech babies.