All births are unique and special in their own way. But it’s even more extraordinary when a baby is born “en-caul,” meaning the amniotic sac remains unbroken during the birth which makes the infant appear to be inside 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. A caul birth occurs in about 1 in every 80,000 births. Babies lucky enough to come into this world covered in their caul are said to be lucky and have a special affinity for water.
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’.
Being tucked in the birth sac during labour and birth helps to protect the baby from contractions and makes for a gentler birth.
While most “en caul” babies are born early, experts now suggest that babies in danger of being born prematurely should be delivered “en caul” to give them a gentler start in life, and maintain the womb-like environment for as long as possible.
1 - This little guy was born partially “en caul.” This phenomenon occurs when the water bag does not break prior to baby emerging and they are born with the amniotic sack over their face and body. 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. A midwife is so very lucky to see this in her whole working life as it’s extremely rare, only 1 in 80,000 births are born en caul.
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 - "There are no words that i can use to properly express my birth experience bringing Maeve Juliette into this world. She chose me, i think because we all needed her. I needed her. She was gifted to us to carry on a name that was given to one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever known."
8 - Whether your babies are earthside or sky side, you are wonderful and deserving.
9 - "This birth was not only special because he was 1 in 80,000 by being born en caul (still in his waters), but because he is ours!"
10 - Baby arrives en caul (still in the amniotic sac) at this beautiful waterbirth!
11 - "With a few more inches of pool water, I got her in enough to at least have the relief of the water against her bum. Another wave, more pushing. My two partners quietly snuck in and like ninjas finished setting everything up. Within a few minutes a head started to emerge with a thick bag of water surrounding her. As my hands placed her on her moms chest, she was truly still between two worlds. My fingers grabbed the slimy veil that rest over her face. Pulling it back, I thanked her for letting me unveil her. This sweet baby laid on her momma, taking in her whole world. Not one cry for the first few hours following her birth. Just in complete awe of the life she was given."
12 - Loving all the details of this photo...those lips and tiny toes!
13 - This sweet little baby girl was born posterior with a nuchal hand (on top of her head/by her face) and en caul!
14 - Unveiling of this precious girl, Juliet James, born en caul into her mama’s hands at The Birth House.
15 - Here’s your baby girl, en caul!
16 - The "veil" or "caul" or "sac" that her baby was born in floating in the water. It was so beautiful and later on her husband and daughter spent a good amount of time playing with it and talking about how strong it is (amazing homeschool lesson for sure)
17 - Did you know that en caul births are also called “mermaid births” and “veiled births”?
18 - Gah!!!!! All these hands! What a story. Can you believe this second image that has made it to the top 100 out of over half a million in an international contest?! This moment was just incredible. Mama and midwife were unwrapping baby and baby was reaching out for Mama.
19 - An en caul birth is when the baby comes out still inside an intact amniotic sac (caul). This might make it look like your newborn is completely gift-wrapped in a soft, jello-like bubble. An en caul birth is also called a “veiled birth.”
20 - "I was in awe to see this first-time mom rock the hands-off homebirth of her first child"
21 - This sweet babe came in with the rising sun and was veiled in his sac when he greeted us.
22 - Baby born en caul! An en caul birth is when the baby is born still inside of their intact amniotic sac (caul). I will never forget when I saw my sister born en caul.... it was as if she was gift wrapped in a jelly like bluish colored ballon. An en caul birth is also called a “veiled birth.” This rare thing of beauty happens in less than 1 in 80,000 births.
23 - All the hands. Mama’s grip and thumb slipping off the sac. Dad’s hand still resting on her back. All the pause. The breath of being born, of awe, of waiting and worry and doubt. All is calm. All is bright.
24 - "A newborn baby can be seen in its amniotic sac, this is called “en caul”. The mother cradles the baby while the dad pulls on the amniotic membrane to remove the sac from the baby’s face."
25 - Born into her mama’s arms surrounded by so much love.
