Feb
11
2009
11
2009
A Journey Into Pregnancy and Birth
Filed under: Healthy Living, Homebirth, Pregnancy
Note: Please be sure to read the comment section as well, as there are many great stories and questions that have come up. I will do my best to answer all of them in a timely manner.
In the past, I haven’t written much at all about my thoughts on pregnancy, homebirth, midwifery, etc. But now that I am “great with child”, it seems very natural to share my thoughts with you. Plus, I’ve been getting lots and lots of emails asking specific questions about this topic, so I’m just going to address them all here.
I love being pregnant. I even love giving birth! My homebirth experience with Bella was so incredible…a day I will never forget. And because of that, I am passionate about educating women…empowering women…giving them the knowledge they need to make the most informed decision possible about their birthing options. These decisions should not be rooted in fear or made simply to please family and friends. Giving birth is something that belongs to a woman (along with her spouse or partner)…and the details surrounding it should not be taken lightly.
Pregnancy is intense. Birth is more intense. Each mama’s experience is so unique and different…it’s impossible to compare one to another. Each woman needs to give birth in a place that she feels SAFE. If she doesn’t feel safe to begin with, birth will never unfold the way it’s supposed to. One woman’s perfect, safe birth might be in a forest all alone…and another may only feel comfortable and at ease surrounded by doctors. With that being said, I will say that I have VERY strong opinions about this topic. While you are reading this post, if you feel the least bit offended or hurt by anything I’m saying, please know that my opinion of how birth should be is not a direct attack on you or how your birthing experience turned out. I absolutely honor your birth experience and know that every mama makes decisions in the moment with the information she has been given…with the hope that those decisions are best for her baby. This post is simply my own opinion based on my experience and research.
Homebirth
Oh…where do I even begin? I LOVE HOMEBIRTH. It just feels so right to me. Pregnancy is not an illness that needs to be monitored by doctors and end in a hyper-managed birth and/or surgical procedure. It is a natural progression of life…our bodies are made to birth, and for me, the most comfortable and logical space to do that is in my home. I do believe that it’s possible to have a wonderful, empowering experience in a hospital setting…but it’s 10 times harder to do it there than at home. You are constantly fighting against a “system” that has been created “manage” a woman’s birth and in most cases, instill fear. If I ever had a situation where I had to birth in a hospital due to a medical condition beyond my control, I would absolutely hire the most radical, in your face doula to come with me. I’m truly afraid that if I had to deal with a doctor during birth, I might be arrested for my behavior. 
Options to Homebirth
Of course, there is the option of birthing in the hospital with a midwife. Just be sure that if this is your choice, that you be wary of “medical midwives” who may hold very similar views of birth as a doctor might. You see this a bit more when the midwife is working very closely with a doctor and/or is in a hospital that doesn’t have a good track record of natural birth. A birth center can offer the “best of both worlds”…birth centers have an inviting, home-like environment and can be a great option for those who aren’t quite ready to take the leap to a homebirth.
Midwifery Care
Midwife. Just saying that word makes my heart sing. I know so many amazing, inspiring women who are midwives… I currently have 2 friends who are midwives (meet Cosette, my midwife in Des Moines and my current midwife in Bozeman, Rebecca / *website here*), and 5 who are training to be. The very sound of that word crossing my lips brings a smile to my face.
Midwives are EXPERTS in natural birth. Doctors are experts in high-risk, medicalized birth. I am glad there there are doctors that can help out when there is a true emergency. However, it is my opinion that most “emergencies” in a hospital birth are avoidable. The progression of interventions that occur in a hospital are almost always a direct result of a doctor’s impatience and/or misconceptions about the birth process. A homebirth with a midwife (or unassisted) is one way to avoid unnecessary interventions.
Another reason that I love midwives is that the pregnancy season is so much different when you are meeting with them instead of a doctor. It’s a relationship that develops…a partnership. It’s just…different. Your appointments are usually about an hour long, instead of a quick in and out with a nurse and doctor. There are also several things during pregnancy and birth that I see as totally normal…such as:
- Declining the “routine tests” during pregnancy unless warranted.
- Not getting an ultrasound (this is not a very popular opinion, but I would assert that ultrasounds in general…except for instance of pregnancy complications…are not healthy for the baby and have not been proven completely safe. See research here and here. Even the American Medical Association recommends against “routine” ultrasounds, including those to determine gender, size, twins, etc.)
- Using a fetoscope to listen to the heartbeat instead of a Doppler. We have one at home that we use to listen whenever we want! We will use a Doppler during labor/birth.
- Not checking dilation during labor…but relying on bodily cues instead.
- Not being “told” when to push.
I know that there are some of you out there thinking “But Sara, if I wouldn’t have been in a hospital, my baby would have died”. I don’t want to discount your birth experience at all…and I’m not going to fight with anyone over that point. I just know that based on statistics, homebirth is as safe or safer than hospital birth for low-risk women with a skilled birth attendant. Many times, the interventions that happen in the hospital are actually the CAUSE of the problem that resulted in an emergency C-section, etc. There are certainly situations that can only be handled by a hospital…but it’s very, very few in the overall scheme of things. Even breech babies and twins (even triplets!) can be born at home safely.
There is also the misconception among those unfamiliar with homebirth that if a problem did arise during birth, there would not be time to get to a hospital. However, midwives are trained to recognize potential issues BEFORE they become a problem…leaving plenty of time to transfer to the hospital if needed. Homebirth midwives also carry equipment with them to assist in these cases…oxygen tanks, a Doppler to listen to the heart rate throughout labor, pitocin or herbs to stop bleeding, and so on.
One of my very favorite books is Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth, by Ina May Gaskin. In it, she details the statistics for 2,028 births that occurred over 30 years at The Farm in Tennessee. Out of those births, only 1.4% resulted in C-section. This is a little different than the current national C-section rate of at least 30%. Her other statistics are just as astounding…see the back of her book for the entire listing.
Another very disturbing statistic is the U.S. infant mortality rate. Basically, I am safer going to 28 other countries than to birth in a typical setting in the U.S. That’s just doesn’t make sense to me…you think it would be super low if hospital births truly are safer than homebirths.
I could write pages upon pages on my feelings about midwifery laws, the benefits of homebirth, a woman’s choice to choose where she wants to birth, etc. But…I’m trying to cover a lot in this one post. If you’re interested in more info, Google will be your best friend
Natural Pregnancy: Being Good To Your Body and Baby
I feel much healthier this time around for several reasons. I’m eating a vegetarian diet, which means that I have eliminated the source of most chemicals and hormones that pregnant women ingest. I’m taking much better supplements, I’m getting chiropractic care, massages, and doing yoga. I’m still not exercising regularly, except for chasing Bella around and housework That’s something I’m working on. I want to do some pilates type strengthening of my arms and legs especially. Here are some specifics:
Food:
I’m currently eating a mostly vegetarian diet rich in protein and healthy fats. I eat a lot of eggs, beans, brown rice, raw nuts and seeds, nut butters, avocados, fruits, veggies, whole grains and noodles, and dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach. I throw in some tofu and tempeh here and there. I do my best to avoid processed white flour and white sugar and if I do have sweetner, it’s in the form of agave nectar, pure maple syrup, or honey. I’ve recently cut out dairy, in preparation for nursing the new babe…and also because I just feel much better when I’m off of it. I don’t feel that cow’s milk products are beneficial for human bodies…although I have to fight against my urges because cheese is tasty and addictive Find out more about what I like to eat at Happy Foody.
Supplements:
Floradix
I’m always surprised when I tell someone about Floradix and they don’t know what it is! I just figured that EVERY pregnant woman knew about it…because it’s like a magic potion! If you are lightheaded, tired, or short of breath (like I was)…chances are you are low in iron. Floradix is a fabulous herbal supplement that you can feel working in just a few hours. When I forget to take it for a day, I absolutely notice a difference in my energy levels. I feel like a drug pusher because I’m always trying to get people to take it But it really is that fabulous.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
I’m a big believer in this wonderful tea. I wrote about it over at Happy Foody…but here is why you should drink it:
Red Raspberry Leaf: the best known and quintessential herb for pregnancy. Brewed as a tea or as an infusion, it contains fragrine, an alkaloid, which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvis and uterus. The benefits of this toning action include: prevention of miscarriage and false labor, reduction of pain during and after birth, production of more effective contractions during labor and therefore a faster birth, and prevention of postpartum hemorrhage or bleeding. Red Raspberry is also an rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and E, as well as the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients make it an excellent prevention and treatment for anemia and leg cramps, as well as a beneficial remedy for the reduction of morning sickness. The high mineral content also assists in the production of breast milk. (info from Birth Junkie)
I’ve been making my own concoction lately of RRL, nettles, and peppermint. My wonderful friend Rebecca just gave me a special yummy stash from Earth Mama / Angel Baby Organics. Although theirs is called “Third Trimester Tea”…you can drink it anytime. Most people will start in their 2nd trimester. If you have had previous complications or have a history of pre-term labor, consult your herbalist or midwife before taking in large quantities.
New Life Vitamins
I was previously taking Rainbow Light Prenatals…but after talking with Rebecca, my midwife, I’m now taking New Life Prenatals and I LOVE them. They are much smaller (not a horse pill!), “cleaner” and assimalate into my body faster and better (to test your vitamins, put them in apple cider vinegar for 45 minutes and if they dissolve completely, they are good!). I trust her opinion because she has worked in that industry and is pretty much a smarty pants when it comes to supplements.
Calcium
I’m taking additional calcium to help with “jumpy legs” at night and also because I’m not doing dairy. I’m currently taking Calcium Lactate by Standard Processing. Avoid calcium carbonate, and go for calcium citrate or calcium lactate. The second two are much more absorbable by the body.
Probiotics
Probiotics are extrememly important for digestion, immune function, controlling/supressing yeast in the body, etc. The best way to get these would be through a whole food source…yogurt being one of the best. But because I am not eating dairy and I don’t really love soy or goat yogurt, I am currently taking PB8. My midwife also recommends Pearls.
Nordic Naturals DHA
I think that everyone should be taking fish oil…but especially preganant women! It does so many good things for your body, I can’t even begin to list them all here. Fish oils are expecially important for kids to take too. Bella’s favorite is Barlean’s Lemon Swirl. But here is a blurb from Nordic Naturals explaining why should should take DHA, especially in the 3rd tri:
DHA, which constitutes approximately 40% of the brain, supports brain development during the last trimester of pregnancy when the unborn child’s demand for neurological growth increases greatly. If added to the mother’s diet, it can help prevent the depletion of the mother’s store of DHA and support the developing baby’s essential fatty acid needs. Currently, the proposed Adequate Intake of DHA for pregnant and lactating women is 300 mg per day.
Yoga
Yoga is a wonderful practice to engage in during pregnancy. I’ve found this to be one of very favorite things to do lately! I’ve found a great prenatal class in Bozeman that I attend once a week, but I also try to practice at home, even just for a few minutes a day. Yoga helps to align your body for carrying the baby and for birth, and also assists in “opening” up your hips and “making space” for your growing baby. I’ve found that I am so much more aware of my posture and my breathing during the day since taking up yoga and I’ve noticed a big difference in my muscle tension overall. One of the best postures for pregnancy is the “Cat/Cow” or the “Cat Back”. I do this even before getting out of bed in the morning to help align and loosen my spine and lower back and then again during the day as needed. I also love Child’s Pose with legs open wider, The Squat to prepare for birth and The Pigeon to open up my hips. Love it. Love it. Love it. I’m currently looking for a great yoga DVD to do at home and would love suggestions from those who have found one they really like.
Chiropractic Care
This is been a LIFESAVER so far in my pregnancy. I have been going to Dr. Amy Thomas in Bozeman…she has worked closely with the birth center there…tracking the outcomes of pregnancies/deliveries with and without chiropractic care. Their findings are really encouraging. With Bella, I had some trouble-shooting type chiropractic done, but this time around, I’m going at least once a week to keep everything in alignment. It’s so important for your hips to be aligned correctly…this can really affect your length of labor. According to a recent study, women receiving chiropractic care through their first pregnancy had a reduction time of 24% in labor time, and subjects giving birth for a second or third time reported a 39% reduction in labor times. I’m hoping this baby will just SHOOT right out of me!
I also found this interesting and just reinforced why I won’t be birthing on my back…
“Body position during delivery is critical. Any late second state labor position that denies postural sacral rotation denies the mother and the baby critical pelvic outlet diameter and moves the tip of the sacrum up to four centimeters into the pelvic outlet. In other words, the semi-recumbent position that places laboring women on their backs and onto the apex of the sacrum closes off the vital space needed for the baby to get through the pelvic outlet. This delivery position is the main reason why so many births are traumatic, labor is stalled, the mom becomes fatigued and overwhelmed by pain, so the utilization of epidurals, forceps, episiotomies, vacuum extraction, and cesarean increases. This is why squatting is the preferred position–gravity works to help and the pelvic outlet can open to a greater degree. (Pathways/Issue 20)
Massage
There is nothing more blissful than a massage during pregnancy. Oh. My. Goodness. I had the pleasure of having one just yesterday from a wonderful massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massage and has a special table for big bellies I will continue to get massages throughout this pregnancy…not only for relaxation, but also because when the muscles in your body are tense, they will “pull” your chiropractic work out right away! It’s best to utilize massage and chiropractic at the same time to compliment each other. These things may seem like “indulgences” to some, but for me, they are just part of preparing my body for birth and maintaining holistic health.
Honoring The Placenta
The placenta is a phenomenal organ! I am planning making a “print” from my placenta right after birth, as well as dehyrating, grinding, and encapsulating my placenta to ingest after birth. For more information about this process and why on earth I would want to take my placenta in pill form, check out Placenta Benefits. Here is a nice article from Mothering about honoring the placenta.
Water, Water, Everywhere
With Bella, we used the ever popular “fishy pool” and it worked great! We did have to add hot water a few times, which was a little distracting, but for the most part, it was good. And cheap! This time around I’m planning on using a larger tub with it’s own heater such as the AquaDoula or La Bassine.
RESOURCES:
Recommended Documentaries:
Business of Being Born (Every pregnant mama needs to watch this! Find it on Netflix, Amazon, or at your library)
Orgasmic Birth
Birth As We Know It
YouTube Birth Videos:
Olive’s Homebirth
Betsy’s Homebirth
VBAC Homebirth (after 3 C-sections)
Laura Shanley discussing unassisted birth and the physiology of birth
Recommended Books:
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth (if you only read ONE, this is it!)
Birthing From Within (take the class if there is one in your area!)
The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth
Hello Baby (a great kid’s book about homebirth from the UK…Bella loves it! We were able to find a version for about $15)
Gentle Birth Choices
Pushed: The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care
The Pregnancy Book
The Birth Book
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
Groups To Join:
La Leche League (I would highly suggest going to at least one meeting BEFORE the birth of your first baby…just to introduce yourself and meet the wonderful mamas who will be able to help you in your early days of breastfeeding. You are much more likely to get frustrated and potentially quit nursing if you don’t attend a meeting)
Holistic Moms Network
Attachment Parenting International
Magazines To Read:
Mothering
The Compleat Mother
Stay Far Away From:
What To Expect When You’re Expecting
This book offers little to nothing to the reader when it comes to preparing for a normal birth. I really do not like how the book uses language that encourages the view of the doctor as the know it all. The doctor does NOT know it all. Some doctors have never in their entire practice seen a natural birth without interventions. The book does a great job of creating fear instead of empowering women to see their bodies as amazing, powerful, and able to birth naturally. So if you want to freak out and be worried and wonder all the time if something is wrong, then you should read this book. If you want to learn more about your body and what the birth process is truly like, then read the books I’ve listed above.
Birth Reality Shows
Again, if you want to create fear within yourself, go ahead and watch A Baby Story and all of the like. I would recommend against it. “Normal” birth rarely sells…so most of the births on there are intervention city! There have been some that have focused on homebirth or midwife-assisted births, but they are few and far between.
Most Mainstream Pregnancy Magazines and Online Forums
This is mostly a personal preference of mine…but I really just can’t stand them. They usually aren’t in line with my birthing philosophies, so I avoid them altogether and choose to surround myself with resources and people that are uplifting and encourage me in my chosen birth path.
Stayed tuned for future posts on:
- Cloth Diapering
- Babywearing
- The Family Bed
- Breastfeeding
- Vaccination awareness
Pregnancy photos here, including my pregnancy with Bella and some other friends.
Photos of Bella’s birth.
The photo above is a self-portrait of Matt and I when I was 40 weeks pregnant with Bella.
Posted by Sara @ 10:20 pm | Leave a Comment
11
2009
Ah, you pretty much nailed everything I’ve been wanting to write about in the last couple of weeks
You’ve inspired to finally stop putting it away and start writing. I don’t know if I can do as good of a job as you have, as I have hard time keeping track of all the links, references and statistics…
I’ll be looking forward to your future posts on the subjects you mentioned
11
2009
Thanks for your wonderful insights to home birth. I’ve not had a home birth (or will, as I don’t plan on anymore children.) It’s fascinating learning about everything surrounding this and I have friends that swear by home birth.
I had a wonderful hospital birth and am in no way offended at your views/comments. I do wonder how you actually come by the information :
“I do believe that it’s possible to have a wonderful, empowering experience in a hospital setting…but it’s 10 times harder to do it there than at home.”
Having never experienced a hospital birth yourself. I’m sure that is just your feeling of course, but it seems to perpetuate this myth around home-birthers that all hospitals are horribly scary places where you have no say or rights. Most women that I know have had wonderful births, home or hospital. The ones I have know to have horrible birth experiences had them because of issues around the health of their children. Not caused by home birth or because their child was delivered by a GASP, doctor!
11
2009
I am a prenatal yoga instructor and I have viewed and tried several dvds. I just researched them again for a friend who is pregnant and boy, there are a ton out there! Since you said you are looking for more exercise, I really love and would recommend prenatal vinyasa by Jennifer Wolfe. I think she may have a new one out that has shorter sequences as the vinyasa one is over an hour. It is good stretching and a workout! It is my favorite that I have tried so far. I think that the strength building involved would definitely help to prepare you for the work of labor. I would buy it in combination with something more gentle and meditative though or keep your at home practice with poses from your class. I think this aspect of yoga can really help with surrendering to what ever your birth brings you, helps you to keep a clear mind between contractions (or rushes), and gives you the daily tool of breath awareness so that it will be an automatice pain coping strategy in birth.
Thanks for the Birthing From Within plug too! I am a BFW mentor and I am sure that all mentors will be happy that you mentioned it on a blog that reaches so many. Definitely take a class! It goes far beyond the scope of the book. The Keepsake Journal written by Pam England is also a cool way to prepare for birth.
11
2009
Christine…my opinions on birthing in the hospital, as you stated, do not come from my own personal experience, but from story upon story from friends and others about their experiences in a hospital.
And, I do not have anything against doctors
I just don’t think they are a necessary part of a healthy, low risk birth and that they bring more drama than anything. With that said, I’m sure there will be more comments about mamas who LOVE their doctors and how laid back and wonderful they are. That is fine and I’m SO GLAD there are some like that out there…but it’s not the norm, statistically speaking.
Sara…thanks so much for the DVD recommendation!! Can’t wait to try it out. I really feel like I need something to “follow”, so that should be great.
11
2009
Fabulous post Sara!!!! A big “AMEN” to everything!!!!
11
2009
sara,
thanks for posting your thoughts & resources. if (BIG IF!) we decide to have any more kids in the future (or find ourselves happily surprised), i’m really going to consider going it at home with a midwife. i have friends who have and loved it, and one who did and it didn’t turn out well (probably a bad choice in midwife). i had 2 hospital births – one just okay, and the second great and midwife attended – but am thinking with 2 under my belt (and both induced), i’m not keen on having a whole bunch more drugs pumped into me and being bed-ridden during labor anymore.
11
2009
Lindsay…regarding your friend who had her birth not turn out so well. I’m guessing that she probably transferred to the hospital and I just wanted to point out that this does happen
And it’s ok. It may or may not have been the midwife’s “fault”. There are several reasons why a mama might transfer to a hospital after trying a homebirth and it of course does not mean she had a “failed homebirth”…it is usually a conscious choice to go in after a crazy long labor, bleeding that won’t stop, or other complications. All things that do happen, but are not common.
12
2009
Sara,
She is completely healthy and I know she will do an amazing job. I couldn’t agree with your post more and I thank you for saying what I’ve so wanted to say but don’t have the talent you have to do so. I’m a terrible writer. 
lol
I don’t even know where to start. Really. As a “grin and bear it for another year” labor and delivery nurse who literally cringes when I am forced to “up the pit” on moms every night I work (hangs head in shame) I thank you IMMENSELY for your post. I am planning, after this year at the hospital, to go back to school and become a midwife. This is something I feel so very strongly about that I have actually convinced my baby sister to deliver at home with a midwife.
That said, I want to add a book to your list: Pushed by Jennifer Block. FANTASTIC book! It is amazing and so well written and informative. I’ve dogeared almost every page and highlighted and written notes to the point that I’ll probably need anothe copy just so I can read it! lol
I also have Spiritual Midwifery and Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth in my arsenal for when I go back to school and (hopefully) get my midwifery degree.
All three have been so integral in my life and I couldn’t imagine not ever reading them. I will save this post and read it again and again as I have those three books.
Thank you for this post, Sara, and I wish you another fantastic homebirth.
*hugs*
12
2009
Oh! I forgot to say…I looked at your pictures…and dude, your placenta looks so healthy! hehe
I LOVE it!
12
2009
Great informative post! Another movie to suggest is Birth As We Know It! There is a great (long) trailer on Youtube too
12
2009
i mostly agree with everything (except the placenta thing). my sister-in-law works as a midwife at homebirths, so it is somehow the view of my family too, but we (sisters and sisters-in-law) tend to give birth is hospital. the reason is that in Hungary homebirth is not completely legal. i mean you have the right to give birth at home, but doctors and midwifes are not allowed to participate in a planned homebirth. there is one doctor though and a handful of midwifes who travel all across the country to assist homebirthers. they face legal actions whenever there’s a complication (not often) – obviously not by homebirthers. homebirthers are considered to be selfish and irresponsible by society, and if you have problemas at homebirth, or are transferred to hospital in the end, you can be sure to be in the news(!!).
BUT nowadays there are two tendencies. one that maybe in the future will lift out homebith from its semi-illegal status, and another that affects hospital birth. it means you can choose the hospital, even the doctor (also midwife) who you trust, so if you care abouth the procedure of your giving birth, you have a choice to find a doctor that fits your expectations. but for most women the days afer birth still remain a bad experience, because normally you have to stay in hospital together with the baby for 3 days, and that is definitely not like home.
12
2009
I have a few questions (though I can think of dozens I’d like to ask–I wish I could come to Montana and sit down and have a nice long talk with you!): First, is Floradix safe to take while breastfeeding? I know, it’s a silly question, but I second-guess myself all the time.
Second, concerning ultrasounds: What do you think of having just one ultrasound–the 20 week one? I only ask because it seems that there are some problems that can be spotted at the 20 week ultrasound that can be fixed while the baby is still in the womb, but it’s quite likely I could be misinformed. I was just wondering your take on that. My doctor does an ultrasound at the first prenatal appointment, to determine exactly how far along you are, and then, of course, the 20 week one (except he does it more around 24 weeks).
Last, do you have the ‘normal’ prenatal bloodwork done? I did with both of mine, but refused the (separate) test that is done between 16-18 weeks to check for certain abnormalities in the baby, partially because it wouldn’t have made any difference for me, partially because it increases the risk of miscarriage. After talking with a friend, who had had the 16-18 week test done, I wondered if it was a normal blood-drawing test (but haven’t remembered to ask), which would mean I was putting my baby at risk by just doing the ‘normal’ bloodwork. Is this about as clear as mud?
I guess what I’m trying to ask is if you get the normal bloodwork done and if not, why?
I’m sorry that this is so long and confusing. I completely understand if you don’t have the time or energy to answer my silly questions!
12
2009
Oh, this hits home. I am SO passionate about homebirth and natural pregnancy resources. I have had two homebirths now and LOVE them. Our last birth was a bit complicated: cord wrapped around neck, arm above head, premature abruption of the placenta. You can see my homebirth story here:
http://www.nourishingdays.com/?p=299
It was really intense for a while, but I am so glad I WASN’T in a hospital. After leaving me to labor on my own (what I wanted) for 18 hours, she encouraged me to push that baby out, contractions or not, in 20 minutes. She saved both my baby’s and my own life. She is extremely skilled and nurturing. If I had been in the hospital they would have cut me open in a longer period of time than it took for me to birth this baby.
I am SO thankful for homebirth and skilled midwives.
12
2009
Sara,
Nice post. My daughter, born at home as well, was 2 and a half weeks early, I think, because of my stress level at work. She was perfectly healthy but TINY (not that 2 more weeks would have made her a big baby) so I’m trying to align my life to squeeze out a couple more weeks of baby-on-the-inside next time. Rassberry leaf tea wasn’t on my radar screen yet though.
The emphasis on birthing in your safe place is exactly right. It’s also important that your safe place at least be ok with your partner. Mine confessed a couple weeks before birth that his safe place was the hospital and mine made him extremely nervous. He hadn’t volunteered that information until we did our Birthing from Within exercise on fears so I third that recommendation. Our mentor led us through a discussion of both fact and feeling that reconciled my husband to my safe place. Now he doesn’t see why anyone would birth outside the home
On the hospital thing, I’m sure that a good experience is possible but I don’t know how common they are. My sister loved her hospital experiences. Early in my maternity leave, however, I actually found it hard to hang out in the moms groups in my neighborhood because so often they were trading “war stories” about their hospital births: drs threatening interventions, nurses forcing formula . . . and they were all complaining about how hard it now was to breastfeed. They weren’t sharing the empowering stories of birth I could relate to. I wanted to cry.
I also partially credit lots and lots of yoga for my easy birth. Her size made pushing faster than if she was bigger, no doubt, but had nothing to do with the fact that I dilated really fast too. Yoga teaches you to be mentally relaxed while physically working hard and to be in tune with the body. I also credit yoga with fixing my runners knee, planter facilitis, and chronic shin-splints . . . for folks not planning more kids . . and recommend choosing a studio that focuses on alignment if you are a beginner. I’m an Anusara junkie, personally.
Oy, between birth and yoga I could go on and on . . . congrats on your pregnancy.
12
2009
Thanks for posting this very thorough overview. I never had children but if I had, I would have wanted to have access to these kinds of ideas, so I’m glad you are sharing. The Netherlands is a country that supports home birth; very few children there are born in hospitals.
As far as C-sections I listened to three interns/residents one day riding the subway with me who talked about how much easier C-sections made *their* lives and that they do everything they can to make sure the birth turns over into C-section. It was so cold and deliberate, I wanted to bonk them over their heads! Especially the female one!!
12
2009
Hi Sarah,
I liked this post. I think this is all very important information.
I really liked the film you mention, “The Business of Being Born” because the filmmakers births show different extremes, one easier, natural birth; and one more difficult, eventual medicalized birth due to real emergency reasons.
I tried for the first, a natural birth, and ended up with the second. I had a midwife and a doula, and took good care of myself, but some babies do get stuck, just like in the film.
But I was glad I was knowlegable and informed, and knew I had tried for a natural birth and felt the midwife telling me we needed emergency medical care meant we really did need it.
12
2009
I just have to tell you this is the most positive article I’ve read in a long time about birth.
I had midwives with my first child – medical midwives who worked most of the week at the Group Health clinic (our insurer) and then had on-call time at the hospital across the street for deliveries for their GHC patients like me. They were awesome up til the end. Didn’t “require” me to go to birthing classes, supported me in my birth plan, substituting a chewable multivitamin for me when the prenatals all made me sicker, etc. They were adamant my daughter was head down near the end – at 41 weeks I went into labor, labored at home, my water broke, (now ex) husband rushed me to the hospital and POOF we found out I was dilating about a CM a minute and the baby was breech and on her way. Got myself an emergency C-section courtesy of the doc on call but my midwife stayed with me the whole time and assisted with the delivery. It all seemed very “natural” (ie pregnancy not being a disability *chuckle*) but then panic ensued at the hospital when I arrived. All told tho it worked out in my favor as I still walked away feeling that it went as well as it could have since they only did one ultrasound at the very beginning to ensure baby was developing okay, and that was it – a second one near the end would have shown us they were mistaken about her being head down, but it was water under the bridge. She arrived safely and that’s all that ultimately mattered.
Second time around was a planned C-section with military docs who told me that I could change my mind at ANY time and attempt a VBAC. They scheduled the C-section for me as requested but said if you go into labor and come to the ER, you can change your mind if you are feeling good and feeling like trying. WOW – not what I expected from the military, but things have changed in the past few years on that respect. They had an entire team of midwives who were completely swamped with “return from deployment” babies.
That experience was awesome too -literally like being at the SPA because the docs took such good care of me and paid such close attention to my communication about what I was (and wasn’t) feeling, hearing, etc. The doc doing my spinal tap actually kept wrapping my arms and face in warm towels during the surgery – my skin looked great after. haha
Point being, even dealing with a really supportive midwife team, I ended up with a C-section due to a frank breech baby and laboring so long at home (because they had taught me so well that labor was normal and not to be feared – maybe too well!) that there was no time to move her….and the second time around I had the same thing from docs who one would expect would be rather UNsupportive due to where they worked.
I’ve felt many times that certain moms and writers really look down on C-section moms as though WE did something wrong or our care providers did…. and I did NOT get that from your post. Long story, um, long…. THANKS for keeping this informative, enlightening, and most of all – SUPPORTIVE.
12
2009
THANK YOU for this post! I, too, have been wanting to write a post about homebirth on my own blog (or a note on facebook) but haven’t had the time to sit and write it out. I had a hospital birth with my first and a homebirth with my second. The hospital birth went well, considering I knew nothing about it all. The homebirth was THE MOST empowering experience of my life – and it was just my husband and I as the midwife didn’t make it before dd was born. Incredible! We loved that her birth happened that way.
Anyway, this post is great.
On a side note, how do you advocate for homebirth and other natural parenting choices in a gentle way? I’ve been struggling with this question for awhile now and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
12
2009
Sara, whew, what an intense post!
I am now in my 15th week of my first pregnancy and feel like I have information overload. Or maybe that’s just pregnancy brain? 
Anyways, when I watched “Business of Being Born” several months ago, it totally changed my whole outlook on birth. Ideally, I would like to be seen by a midwife but sadly they are illegal in NC (to do a delivery). My city does not have many ‘alternative’ resources, and the nearest birthing center is two hours away. Needless to say, I’m a tad discouraged. I would love to experience a home birth with a tub and just ‘be myself.’ I know at least for this one, I will be having a hospital birth, but I would like to try things differently, i.e. squatting. I think what I’m learning is that it’s really frustrating that women don’t have many choices when it comes to birthing. I wish I lived somewhere ‘crunchy’ where I could make my birthing dreams happen. In the meantime, I do happen to have a copy of “The Birth Book” by Sears on my shelf. I’ve skimmed it a bit, but will delve more into it.
12
2009
Thank you for this post. With our next child, I want to be as natural as possible. Our doctor ordered a c-section with our first child, and because I was in recovery after the surgery, I didn’t get to hold my daughter until almost five hours later. I realize that the surgery was necessary, and am so grateful to have a beautiful and healthy little girl, but I want to do everything I can with the next pregnancy to make healthy and kind choices.
12
2009
Sara,
All I have to say is….Thank you! What a wonderful and insightful post.
12
2009
Great post, Sara! I just wanted to add my favorite link for daily yoga practice: http://www.yogatoday.com It’s a 1hour yoga class, new every day. You can find some older ones, by difficulty or type of practice. It’s really been a lifesaver for me to do half of a video when I can. Hope you enjoy!
12
2009
Sara, just wanted to say that I thought this was a great article on birth and I couldn’t agree more with your words! I have had the great pleasure of using Cosette as my midwife with both my births and my experience was beautiful both times. The first was a waterbirth at home and the second was a planned homebirth, but at 34 weeks my body had other plans and I had a partical placental tear causing bleeding, and thus going to the hospital for care. I ended up going into labor at 36weeks while in the hospital(I was already ruled out of homebirth at this point because of the bleeding issues), and Oliver was born beautifully and peacefully in the hospital. My labor that time around only lasted 2 hrs from start to finish, but we were more than pleased with the space we were given to do things our own way. So guess what I am saying is that yes, it IS possible to have a great experience in a hospital setting given the proper knowledge and support. I wish you a happy, healthy rest of your pregnancy journey
12
2009
Serena asked: First, is Floradix safe to take while breastfeeding?
Absolutely! It’s herbal and is just like taking a multi-vitamin with iron or any other iron supplement that your doc would prescribe. But it’s WAY better
What do you think of having just one ultrasound–the 20 week one? I only ask because it seems that there are some problems that can be spotted at the 20 week ultrasound that can be fixed while the baby is still in the womb.
I don’t personally think it’s necessary. Ultrasounds are notorious for causing more questions than answers and in the end, everything would have been fine if the ultrasound was never even done. For example…babies that are “measuring too big”…is absurd to me. It’s so inaccurate and a doctor can use that to scare a mama. If there is a valid reason to do an ultrasound to check for a medical abnormality, then by all means it should be done. However, when even the Amercian Medical Association says that ultrasounds should not be done for routine checks, that raises red flags with me. We’ve gone for so many years with doing routine ultrasound…I think people have forgotten that a normal, low risk birth can actually happen without getting one!
Do you have the ‘normal’ prenatal blood work done?
I did with Bella, but have not decided if I will or not this time around. I usually like to see how my iron is, etc. especially since I’ve felt very low during this pregnancy. I don’t feel that that is any harm knowing your blood levels for nutrients, minerals, etc.
Rachel asked: How do you advocate for homebirth and other natural parenting choices in a gentle way?
I don’t try to “convince” anyone of my opinions…I just share what I know and let them make their choices.
For me, the most important thing is to always put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Like I said in the post, each woman makes a decision based on the information she has at the time and births where she feels safe. I really don’t think that many people are convinced to birth at home by other homebirthers that rant and rave and complain about other women birthing at the hospital. It’s a choice that usually comes about through conversations, research, and that little voice inside
Megan said: I would like to be seen by a midwife but sadly they are illegal in NC.
I did some research and found this:
“You may have your baby anywhere you wish, homebirth is NOT illegal in NC. At this point in time Certified Nurse Midwives can legally attend births at home in North Carolina. They must be licensed and have a doctor backup. Although many midwives (other than CNMs) have been through rigorous training and/or are certified, North Carolina does not recognize their certification and does not offer a way for these midwives to be licensed.”
http://www.nchomebirth.com/index.html
I do think it’s important to note that no matter what the laws in your state, it is still possible to have the birth you desire. There are usually many “underground” midwives practicing in midfife “unfriendly” states. It’s just a matter of deciding what you want and going after it. We had Bella with an underground midwife in Iowa, because there was no CNM in that area. I have friends who have flown in midwives for their birth, and also know others who have traveled to a state that is homebirth friendly and had the baby in a friend’s home or hotel. There is also the option of going to The Farm in Tennessee. My point being…that don’t give up on a homebirth just because the “state says…”.
12
2009
“Many times, the interventions that happen in the hospital are actually the CAUSE of the problem that resulted in an emergency C-section, etc.” ABSOLUTELY. Ditto marks to this whole post.
I always wanted to be an OB. I went to college, got the Bio degree, but as I did my own research on the allopathic medical system in general and also on birth in American hospitals, I was increasingly disturbed…but since I was on the path to medical school, I continued. Med students, heck, undergrad bio students are brainwashed. I was told in Cell Biology that herbal remedies are “dangerous.” IN UNDERGRAD! (sorry, i’m digressing into a rant)
I was a hospital shadow in the LD ward during college. I registered and continued to study for the MCAT. I cancelled my MCAT registration after I watched “The Business of Being Born” because it made me think of the births I saw in L&D and really question what I saw and did. Women are completely stripped of their power to give birth. The nurse on here can probably second me; the allopathic system in America is getting out of control.
Medical intervention is sometimes necessary. Absolutely. But I think speeding up the birth process when a woman and/or baby is not in distress is criminal. It is unkind to your patients, and is harmful (remember, First, do no harm?). It’s like prescribing a patient medicine they don’t need that doesn’t treat OR PREVENT anything.
Rock on with the placenta! Grow Sara grow!
12
2009
Hello! Wonderful Fantastic post!! It is hard sometimes to hear considering my story ended up the exact opposite of how I planned even with diligently doing everything possible from day one to help it go smoothly…but that is the way it goes sometimes I guess. It is hard because I want soo bad to experience this true womanhood, and then there are other people who don’t care and they end up having just fine birth experiences. I guess I could contemplate that as much as I want, but I have had to realize that the way it went was the way it was supposed to go and the positive part was that many of the nurses were actually enlightened by the fact that Iabored for so long at home and even in the hospital with out wanting drugs. Not very often do they see that, or really ever. But the biggest plus was that I ended up with a healthy child, and that is usually the goal.
I am very glad that you mentioned chiropractic in your post for this is one of the most important thing you can do for your health and your baby! My husband is in school to be a chiro doc in a couple of years and i can not tell you how important it is. I would encourage you to keep taking your newborn to get adjusted after the birth as soon as possible. I have some miraculous stories I need to start posting about soon. So, thanks for sharing, I look forward to hearing what you have to say in your future posts for this topic is very dear to my heart.
12
2009
Stephanie…thanks so much for sharing. We were actually with Kyle and Laura for a bit when you were going through all of your baby stuff. It’s so heart wrenching…especially when you wanted it another way. But you have the perfect outlook on it…and you are right, God is sovereign and knows exactly what he is doing at all times. I’m always jealous when I think that you’ll have a chiropractor LIVING with you!
Lucky girl! I will definitely be taking the new babe for adjustments…I’ve heard the cool stories and can’t wait to read more on your blog.
12
2009
Oh, Sara…why must you be so darn inspiring?
12
2009
Wow, this was so good. It just makes so much sense.
Here in rural Iowa we don’t have a lot of midwife options, just like you said. I’ve been so blessed though to have our family doctor deliver almost all of my babies. Yes, we were in the hospital, but he knew us so well and respected our wishes, that they all went so smoothly. Toby’s birth wasn’t quite so great, we had to transfer to a different doctor who didn’t know us. Long story, but I really think the difference is when the doctor really KNOWS you as an individual. When they truly take into consideration your preferences and desires and you aren’t just another number in a long list of patients.
I’ve gotta admit, having babies at the hospital and staying there for a couple days is a nice break from the chaos.
12
2009
Thank you so very much for your thoughts! It comes at a great time. My second DD was born in a hospital, but drug free and with few interventions. I so wanted to have her at home but I was too discouraged and my husband wasn’t on board 100%. This next time, I’m almost sure we’ll have the baby at home. Is it dumb to be worried about what others will think? Part of me is worried about the reactions of others, and being talked out of it. I went to a screening of The Business of Being Born after having my second, and it was one of those experiences that really changed me– I’m really torn but leaning more towards your way this time. I believe in myself and the powers of my body and know I can do it, such an empowering feeling.
12
2009
Sara,
I think it is wonderful that you had such an amazing homebirth experience with Bella and such great relationships with your midwives. I did not have a homebirth or work with a midwife, so I cannot comment on that experience.
But I can say my own experience with my doctor and the hospital was amazing. My doctor took all the time in the world for me and my husband at each of our appointments, and fought for, encouraged, and helped me to have the natural childbirth that I wanted.
Whereas I think that on a whole, the information about your life and thoughts that you are generous enough to share with all of us are extremely benefical – I think you do a disservice to others by generalizing an experience that you yourself did not have. Several of your thoughts about hospital births and/or ob/gyns appeared to be steryotypical, rather than being rooted in your own experience.
12
2009
What an AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME post! I went from “scary first time hospital, hours of pitocin, etc.etc.” (and can’t even remember who ‘caught’ my son because I had never met the doc before!) and now I have the most wonderful midwife and have been doing/learning a LOT about the thigns you wrote about–I feel so much more relaxed about this birth. I have seen The Business of Being Born and it was truly eye-opening! Another great resource is the book BIRTH byTina Cassidy but it is more of a history of birthing practices…not necessarily one way over another, just a general history written in 200 easy pages–it’s very interesting!
I am 38 weeks and can’t wait to have a waterbirth this time around. Unfortunately in our area there are no birthing centers, but we have one hospital that allows waterbirths witha midwife.
I am So glad you hit on every topic! although, to be honest, I’ve never heard of ingesting a placenta….
12
2009
Amanda…feeling concerned about what others think isn’t a big deal to ME, but if it is to you, then it’s something that you need to work through. It’s perfectly normal to feel that way. What I always remind women is that YOU are the one who will live a lifetime with the memories from your birth, not friends or family. It’s like someone trying to convince you of where THEY want you to go on your honeymoon. Everyone has an opinion that is based on their own experience…if they had a bad hospital birth, they will most likely be very fearful that you would follow in their footsteps and would “need” to be in a hospital. You’ll see this especially with older women/grandmothers who birthed during an era that was extremely unfriendly towards natural birth. They will project their fears onto you, and attempt to “help” you make your decision
Of course, they mean well and want the best for you…but sometimes you will not be able to convince family members or friends of your ideals. In that case, you just stop talking about it, and birth wherever you want and let them deal with it. I know many women that just let their families think they are birthing at the hospital…and never discuss it until after the homebirth. Sometimes that is the only way.
12
2009
Hi Laura…I am SO GLAD that you were able to have a natural birth in the hospital with a doc! But you are in the minority…
My “generalizations” aren’t just feelings I have about the medical system, they are proven over and over through studies and just looking at the current state of birth in America. Although I have not experienced a hospital birth, I have attended hospital births and have not seen an overhwhelming number of peaceful, intervention free births. So, like I said, you are truly blessed to have found a safe place to experience your natural birth.
12
2009
Oh, Sara! I want to be like you when I grow up.
Seriously, thank you for being such an inspiration, for empowering so many sistahs out there, and for blogging.
Looking forward to the coming posts.
12
2009
i’m 51 years old and have given birth 6 times. the first birth was in the hospital, unmedicated- i would never call it a natural birth, by hospital birth standards it would have been considered a easy birth, i knew they had added extra pain though and i knew THEY were 100% in control of my birth not me, this was 30 years ago. after that i had a midwife assisted homebirth, a birth center birth assisted by a midwife, 2 do it yourself unassisted homebirths (the best), and the last, at the age of 44, was a midwife assisted home water birth.they all went without a hitch, except the last one was slightly tramatized by the midwife, one of the most experienced in Dallas, Tx whom i had used 20 years earlier.i’ve never had a sonogram, ever. knowing the babies sex takes the majic out of your birth and whats the point, really? my experience being no matter what birth experience you chose don’t turn the control of your birth over to any other person, even the midwife.i couldn’t agree more about hospital births, and it’s really cool that a nurse and a med student? have spoken up on the comments about the horribleness(is that a word?)of most hospital births. i was at my daughter in laws hosptal birth and the nurse was 100% in charge unless the doctor popped in and she literally tortured my daughter in law. she kept uping the pit , never asking or telling her. it was horrifying,the pain was unbearable and i even suggested my dil take an epidural. by hospital birth standards the birth was very normal, even a good one and i have heard MANY hospital birth stories.
12
2009
Just to be a dissenter to the dissenting…
I’m one of those who did not get the birth I wanted…and the reasons were two-fold.
One was for very necessary reasons. I had to be induced at 38 weeks because my blood pressure had risen to 170/110 and wasn’t going down. I do think an induction was absolutely necessary.
HOWEVER, even if things would have gone perfectly and I had no health complications, my doctor would have most definitely been a major hindrance. From the get-go my OB was very against me wanting to have a natural birth. At 28 weeks when I said, “I have a question about an epidural…”…she said, “Yes, epidurals. They’re very very good. You’ll definitely want to get one.” That wasn’t my question. I told her I wanted to have a natural birth and she told me that the only benefit of having a natural birth was that you had a “story to tell” and why would you want to experience the worst pain in the world if you didn’t have to? Yeah. (And, after I had my son and I had a very low milk supply, she told me that if I switched to formula…our family’s “quality of life” would be much better.)
I stuck with the OB through that pregnancy and I’m still with her in my current pregnancy at 14 weeks. At my last appointment she told me that she hoped I would let her schedule my delivery. AT 12 WEEKS she’s encouraging induction. I just don’t understand.
I really am one of “those stories” of women whose doctor is extremely condescending and uses scare-tactics and misinformation to steer my decisions and opinions. I don’t expect her to agree with everything I believe…just recognize that I’m intelligent and capable and support my decisions. I really hate it and I’m at my wits end.
I am so glad that some people have wonderful doctors who support them and their decisions…I SO wish I did.
Great post, Sara. It really really was very inspiring and gives me hope that I can have a normal, natural pregnancy and birth this time around.
12
2009
wow…that is an amazing post Sara. You are blessed with wisdom and the ability to share in a loving CHRIST-like way:)
Here is my saga…My story is I had 4 hospital deliveries, one of the four were successful by my standards…meaning no NICU or hospital intervention…but the labor situation on that one was traumatic…no getting up to pee, 20 people in the room during delivery, being told “don’t push…the doc is finishing her lunch?!…what!!
anyway, we have lost 3 babies, 2 in the second trimester and a fit of trouble with staying pregnant AFTER i had an IUD..God told me no but I didn’t listen…anyway I’m ranting:) we have decided with our next one(we have 5 and i will have as many as God allows me to be sane for:) we will have a midwife and do a home birth. Our last birth was beautiful, in a hospital, we were left alone just my hubby and me, no monitors, no interuptions (except to sign my life away with paperwork:) it was awesome, but then the hospital rules said my son, who was tiny, needed formula to up his sugar?! wouldn’t let me nurse for 12 hours, on and on…so after all that mess we will let God be in control and we will use WISDOM but pray for a successful homebirth.
Thank you so much for blessing us with your wisdom Sara…I can’t wait to hear what else you have to say!
12
2009
Great article!
12
2009
Wow, had no idea that you could consume your own placenta but I guess it makes sense if other mammals do it. Also, I wonder if our infant death rate is higher do to all the crap we eat and chemicals ingested compared to other countries. Interesting tho. Thanks for your wording on each mama’s story and choice being important…I think that’s what women need is just being encouraged to do what they want and feel comfortable with. Love ya.
12
2009
Thanks for sharing. I am unfortunately too high risk for home birth or the birth center I had been looking forward to, after several miscarriages, etc., but I definitely relate to wanting to make the sort of choices you have been able to. My challenge with this pregnancy is to stay calm in the face of MANY doctor appointments, and to find the way to as good a birth experience as I can concoct in the hospital.
Fortunately, my doctors, though not all wonderful, do seem to understand that these choices are mine to make. I think it’s a rare doctor who will be threatening with a woman who wants to go natural, they may just think it’s weird. Given my history, I am already a weird and probably sometimes pushy patient. I don’t mind doing it a little more.
I am looking forward to seeing what you think about vaccines. I see so much opinionated material wildy for or against, and I suspect the truth lies somewhere in between. It’s hard to research something like that well, given the emotions involved – mine as the mom, and the authors as well.
12
2009
Hi Lindsay — as someone who was fortunate enough to experience two blessedly natural births in a hospital (with the help of a gentle yet firm doula and a very, very pro-woman OB) — a thought: mgiht you want to reconsider sticking with your OB this time around? I was blessed to have a doc who told the hospital that I could do things that were ‘against’ thier policy and didn’t have to do things accordign to their plans, which was a great boon — I could focus on birthing rather than fighting! But I don’t think it would have been that easy had my doc not been supportive. Just soemthign to consider!!
Sara — a wonderful post, as always. I’m usually a lurker, but always enjoy your insights and thoughts!!
12
2009
I actually saw a documentary/reality show type thing on t.v. a couple of years ago…I think on Discovery Health. One of those channels way up there that I don’t get anymore.
But it was my first exposure to the option of homebirth, and I loved it, and watched it whenever it was on. I wish I could think of the title to share with your readers…I’ll comment again if I find it. But I used to love Baby Story, and after watching that documentary, I couldn’t stand it anymore. The show follows a few couples in their experiences with homebirths and birthing centers. I used to think I watched A Baby Story so I “wouldn’t be so scared of it when the time comes.” Now I see that it’s not something to be scared of, it’s a wonderful experience that your body is made for. That line sums it up perfectly: “Pregnancy is not an illness that needs to be monitored by doctors.”
12
2009
Wow. Wow. WOW!
I have told you before how much I admire you and your family’s choices.
And now, you’ve gone and impressed me again! I don’t know much about births – but as a married 24-year-old, I imagine pregnancy is isn’t TOO distant in the future.
This is just a great resource – thank you for taking the time to do it!
(Is it selfish that I’m kind of happy you’re not traveling again – because now you’ll have time to write more posts!?
)
12
2009
Excellent post, Sara!! I’ve used the Aquadoula, fishy pool, and the Birth Pool in a Box. My fave is the Birth Pool in a Box. I didn’t care for the sides on the Aquadoula though do like the heating feature, liked the fishy pool sides better, but used the BPIAB last time and LOVED it.
12
2009
Sara,
What a great post. You are doing a lot of things I did to have a great pregnancy and birth. I just have to say I received chiropractic care with my last pregnancy and it helped sooo much. I had an amazing homebirth and went from 0 to 10 centimeters in 2 hours. It was extremely intense but i know I could not have done it if I wasn’t at home. Being home and letting my body do its thing was awesome and it transformed my view of birth and myself. God gave us an amazing birth and I know he was watching over us that night. Anyway, thanks for saying what I think a lot of people want to tell the world about birth.
Amy
12
2009
Sara,
Thank you so much for posting on another of my favorite subjects! I found your blog a few days ago and I think you must be reading my mind! LOL.
I’ve had two hospital births that were not as I had planned. I was induced because of hypertension and told once a high-risk pregnancy, always high risk. For my third, I believed that up until 20 weeks and then I discovered the beauty of home birth. My third birth was so beautiful and peaceful and healing in a number of ways. I’ve always wanted to be a midwife and thought the only way I could that was to be an RN. I’m so glad that now I have a new path! My midwife is going to let me start assisting with her. I am so excited about that!
I’ve been to two hospital births as a doula and they have both made me cringe. One was a twin birth and you’d have thought that they were the first set of twins ever born in the history of the world. So much management. My friend, however, had a completely natural, wonderful hospital birth thanks to an ex-home birth midwife nurse on duty and an extremely midwife-friendly doc. It’s so sad that she’s a minority, though.
Your blog has been such a blessing to me and your post on housework was exactly what I needed to read the other day. Thank you so much for being so open and willing to share. Oh, I’m a retailer for Earth Mama Angel Baby products and Thirsties, so I’d be more than happy to donate something if you ever wanted to do a give away
12
2009
Sara,
Because we have “great” insurance (covers 100% maternity), we had to go to an OB in Sandpoint instead of the midwife that I really wanted. Had a frustrating birth experience (I think they were probably laughing at my birth plan at the nurse’s station saying, “No pit?? Wanna bet?” But I avoided pain meds, and had a healthy baby, although he had some initial difficulty because of the pit, I think. I’d like to try to have a birth center birth the next time, but I would need to have a Certified Nurse Midwife in order for my insurance to cover. Missoula is 2 hours away (we live in western MT), but I’m thinking of going that direction instead of the hour to Sandpoint, since I’m very NOT impressed with the OB group there. Finally my question: Does your midwife know of any CNM practices/birth centers that are not medicalized?
Second question: With the eat-your-own placenta kit, do they give directions on how to dry it yourself, or do you have to send it somewhere? How soon after birth can you start consuming it?
Okay, enough for now. Thanks for your most excellent blog.
12
2009
I totally agree with this post, and feel the same way about everything you said. With my second baby I laboured at home instead of the hospital, and it was so EASY. I called my midwife when I kind of thought I was finally in labour, and I was kind of nervous that she would come and I’d be like, 2 cm, but I was 9.5! From my experience, I absolutely agree that just the hospital environment itself made it 10 times harder. Both of my births were great, and midwife-attended (no doctors or nurses at all, even in the hospital), but labour was so much easier at home, even though I was free to labour however I wanted to in the hospital.
Also I would add Babywise to the list of books to avoid… It’s not really birth-related, but I just have a really hard time with people toting this as the “Christian way”.
12
2009
This is interesting and informative. I have had both of my children in a hospital and induced. No epidural’s. Both were delivered by the wonderful OB – he even delayed a family trip to stay and deliver my second. I did trust my OB completely and I am one of those high riskers who do feel I owe my life and my healthy babes to my doctor.
On the other side of the coin – I often do wish that more would respect those of us who have our babies in the hospital with interventions. Both times I had serious issues and because of additional testing and intervention everything was fine – please note – I’m not saying I don’t see that here – just sometimes in general.
I guess my purpose of the comment is thank you for pointing out that homebirth is a good natural option for low risks.