Homebirth is not as scary as you might think. I laboured for 15 hours before meeting Brody for the first time. He was alert, we were in awe and we were at home.
I was always resigned to the idea that if our homebirth plan did not work out and we ended up in the hospital I would be alright with that. However, with everything working out as smoothly as a labour and delivery could, I feel the need to spread the word about this most empowering experience.
Often people comment "That was really brave!". I wouldn't say brave, it just felt right. My husband had some concerns, but after meeting with the Midwife for a Homebirth information session, all his fears subsided.
What if something goes wrong? Having a midwife does not guarantee that you will have a homebirth, (there are always reasons why having your baby in the hospital is the best option for you) but it does allow you to give it your best shot. Midwives are trained professionals who are equipped to deal with emergency situations. If something happens, they will get you the most appropriate care as quickly as possible. It's a little different from the days when the midwife would arrive, boil water and get the towels. Now they bring medication and oxygen, and the only reason for boiled water is tea.
Think it's messy? Don't want to get blood and placenta on your new carpet?
Don't worry. If properly prepared there will be no sign that you just gave birth except for a bag of garbage, a bag of laundry, oh yea, and a baby.
It doesn't take much to prepare, a few receiving blankets and a plastic sheet for the bed are almost everything you need. And Gatorade. Lots of Gatorade.
I don't know how anyone gets in the car and goes to the hospital. I really don't. When the contractions are going strong, maybe you are throwing up and exhausted, it seems to me that being at home is the most comforting and relaxing place to be.
A lot of women have natural births, but allow the hospital to medicalize what should be a normal process with EFMs, IVs etc. Not to mention the risk of hospital acquired bacterial infections.
As Midwives and Homebirths are becoming more mainstream in Canada, Toronto in particular, we encourage anyone and everyone to at least give it some consideration.
Cheers,
E
What do you think about letting a baby stand holding it's own weight from an infant stage? Will it get bow legged? Is that an old wives tale?
ReplyDeleteWe think that's an old wives tale. We think that babies will let you know what they are capable of. If the baby wants to stand up, why not? All babies are bow legged, you won't do anything to hurt him. Thanks for the question!
ReplyDeleteE&H