How I did it: Having our youngest child at home was one of the best things I've ever done in my life. We had our first two in hospitals, but naturally - meaning no meds and as little intervention as we could get by with (according to them). I wouldn't call my first two experiences nightmares, but there were definitely things I didn't like... things that even really upset me. When you go into a hospital, they treat you like they know you and how to treat you better than you do, and they do everything their own way. You basically don't have a choice. I had a strict, two page, typed birth plan for my hospitals, signed by the doc, but still had to compromise on a couple of things with my first birth. They act like childbirth is some disease or illness that has to be treated... when really, it's a very natural and beautiful part of life. People have been totally brainwashed when it comes to childbirth. We've been lead to believe that the doc knows best, no matter what you feel. I'm totally thankful for docs, and I use them, but I don't see the sense in all this nonsense for childbirth... none of it's even natural. You should be able to do what you feel like - listen to your body - do your own thing. It's amazing that way!!
So at the beginning of my third pregnancy, I finally talked my very nervous and sceptical husband into a consult with a midwife, with whom I was already acquainted. She spent a couple of hours with us, explaining everything in detail, answering all our questions, mostly my husband's, and it was really great. He went for it.... although it took several months for him to really become comfortable with the idea.
One of the greatest things about having a midwife is that she actually becomes your friend. All our visits were at least an hour long, sometimes longer, and she really got to know us and our kids. A pregnancy is a whole family thing, and that's how it should be treated.
When I had docs, with the first two pregnancies, I'd have about 5 - 10 minutes for each visit, not even getting to know the doc. It's strictly a professionaly, kind of cold, experience... even though I really liked my docs, and they're great people. It's just the routine of things in the medical profession.
When I went into labor this time, there was no getting ready to go to the hospital, wondering when we should go, just knowing we'd have to go... and then to have to deal with everything once you get there - they make you do all sorts of stuff, when you just want to be left alone to labor. Then they WON'T let you do certain things, like walking or getting into a comfortable position that you want, or drinking orange juice to help keep your strength.... everything. I won't even go into all that detail.
At home, I was SOOOOOOOOO relaxed. I was able to really feel what my body was doing and get into positions that really helped me. It was such an amazing and intimate experience, with just my hubby and me.... and then my mom (coach) and midwife (friend) and eventually, her assistant, who we already knew too. It was so peaceful and calm. I had hard, intense labor, but I loved being at home, able to do what I felt and how I wanted.
When my baby was born, I was the one to grab him and hold him on me.... I held him for an hour. Then my hubby had him while I showered. When it was time for the midwives to do their stuff, like weighing and measuring, we were all on the bed together, so I was never more than an arm's length away from my baby. The whole experience was more incredible than words can describe.
Another thing, 5 days before I had my baby, I started leaking... a lot... like I thought my water broke. When labor didn't start, my midwife came over and checked the fluid and made sure I was feeling ok. She explained that sometimes a water pocket forms between the sacks and when it breaks, it's not actually the bag, just the pocket, and everything is just fine. However, she still came to check on me and the baby everyday, just to be sure. I can't tell you HOW HAPPY I am that I wasn't going to a doc, because they would have induced me right then, just because of a leak that was perfectly fine.
When it comes to childbirth, practically everything in the medical field just puts more strain on you and the baby, although, most women don't even have a clue. I do believe docs and hospitals are there for a good reason, and some situations (very few) actually do need them. It's just really sad to me that something so natural has become so UNnatural, and accepted that way.
I could go on and on... but I'll end it by recommending a wonderful video on natural childbirth. If you haven't seen it, you definitely should. It's called "The Business of Being Born." I think EVERYONE should watch this video, even if natural childbirth isn't your choice. It's full of wonderful experiences, statistics, and information. If nothing else, it can help you make a better and more educated decision on what you want.

Feb 13, 2009, 06:40PM PST | 0 comments | 3 cheers