All births are unique and special in their own way. It’s even more amazing when a baby is born “en-caul,” which means the amniotic sac remains intact during the birth, giving the impression that the baby is within a bubble.
Having an en caul birth is so rare, in fact, that many moms have never even heard of it until it happens to them. En caul births, in which a baby is born inside an intact amniotic sac, only occur in about 1 in 80,000 births. It’s more common in cesarean births than vaginal births, but still very rare overall.
What is an “en caul” birth?
So-called “caul babies” who arrive in the world with parts of the amniotic sac or caul (also called the veil) still covering their face or body have it removed by a doctor, doula or midwife after the birth. This is sometimes known as being ‘born with a shirt’ or ‘born with a veil’.
Keeping the baby tucked in the birth sac throughout labor and delivery protects the infant from painful contractions and allows for a more pleasant birth. Seeing the baby curled up inside the sac and subsequently being “birthed” from it is simply mesmerizing.
While most “en caul” babies are born early, experts now recommend that babies who are at risk of being born prematurely be delivered “en caul” to offer them a more peaceful start in life and to prolong the womb-like environment.
1 This little guy was born partially “en caul.” This happens when the water bag does not burst before the baby emerges and the amniotic sack covers the infant’s face and torso. True en caul births only occur in 1 out of 80,000 births.
2 Peeling the last of the veil off this sweet little babe born en caul. Little lady had some meconium too…she came quite quickly but all was well!
3 How amazing is an en caul birth. Also known as a “mermaid birth”. When baby is born ‘gift-wrapped’ in his amniotic sack.
4 Special series of images of dad catching baby… baby was born en caul!
5 This little one was born en caul! Her little veil is still floating next to her in the water.
6 The veil that this baby is wearing is part of their amniotic sac! When babies are born in their sac, it is called an “en caul” birth and is considered in many cultures to be a sign of good luck.
7 “A picture of a baby born “en-caul”, which means that the membrane protecting the baby’s body and head has not yet torn. This membrane normally breaches as the birth process begins, and this is referred to as “breaking of water.”
8 Whether your babies are earth side or sky side, you are wonderful and deserving.
9 Newborns usually cry shortly after being born as their respiratory system is introduced to the new surroundings.
But when this boy was born, still in his amniotic sac, it was as if he were still in his mum’s womb.
10 Baby arrives en caul (still in the amniotic sac) at this beautiful water birth!
