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.