Wednesday, January 19, 2011

At Home

Porter and Molly were both born in a hospital. Two different hospitals, but my experiences were similar. Everything turned out great in the end (which is all that really matters), but there were a lot of little things that I just didn't like. My doctors and nurses have all been competent and courteous, but for this baby we decided we wanted something a bit different. So we found a midwife, and we are having the birth at home. Provided everything goes well, of course.

I haven't written about this yet, and honestly don't talk about it much in my daily life. Everyone has their opinion on home birth, which is completely understandable, but I just don't want to hear it. It's not the right thing for everyone, nor is it the holy grail of birthing experiences. But I think it's the right thing for me, and for my family, and I am truly very excited as the date approaches.

I remember how I felt after Molly was born. I was starving. And I wanted a shower. And a nap. In that order. After loving on my new baby of course. I had to wait for the 7am breakfast time in order to eat anything substantial, I showered in that lovely hospital bathroom, and then I didn't get a nap because nurses kept coming in to check on me and the baby. All of these things were well intentioned, but I can't wait to have something to eat right away, and to shower in my own bathroom, and to be able to take a nap when I'm tired because I know my mom and my husband will be here taking good care of the kids.

I am also very aware (after two births) that nothing ever goes exactly to plan where having babies is concerned. But I'm not too worried. This is a new adventure for us, but one that promises to be memorable.

12 comments:

  1. You're brave!!!! I will be anxious to hear how it all goes and give you kudos for doing what your heart tells you to do.

    I'd only be afraid of the mess to clean up but since you'll be "out of commission" sort of speak, you don't even have to worry about that. ;)

    WOOT!

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  2. Rock on with your bad self. Having had two easy peasy deliveries myself, I can totally see wanting do it at home. You are so right about the schedule thing - I remember desperately wanting a shower after A was born and waiting forever. With T, I did it long before I had the okay to. But it would have been so much better in my own shower. Are you going to have a photographer document it? Go big or go home. So to speak, of course.

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  3. Glad that you are making the decision that is right for you. You are so right on not being able to rest in the hospital due to the nurses constantly being in there to check something. You will be in my thoughts.

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  4. Thanks guys. :)

    Elena - my midwife even cleans everything up for you. So woot!

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  5. Congratulations on your home birth decision!

    I am a doula and have attended 30 hospital births and 4 home births (with a midwife) as an assistant here in kodiak. The difference between the two experiences is striking. At home, women are left to let their bodies do what they were designed to do. And after the baby is born, time is taken to let mom birth the placenta (no tugging or pitocin). Mom can then take an herb bath with her baby--we fill the tub and help her get in. Women LOVE it! While shes soaking, we clean up everything, take garbage out to the car, do dishes, prepare food for mom. Before we leave, we make sure she is comfortable in bed with food and drink. It always feel so right to pamper a mom in this way after birth!

    Birth is a polarized topic. I've quickly discovered this, as I"ve started telling people I"m apprenticing to become a home birth midwife. Some of my friends in the medical community are absolutely horrified. So I"ve decided to just not talk about it with most people, as I'm not looking for their input or feedback. I'm doing it no matter what! We need more midwifery care in the world. And I really enjoy birth and helping women during the process.

    Home birth is not for everyone just as hospital birth is not for everyone. Some women think that giving birth in a hospital is brave! I had 2 good hospital births here in Kodiak, but being at home births has helped me really appreciate the midwifery model of care. The midwifery model really values pregnancy and birth as a normal, natural process. The medical model tends to approach pregnancy as an illness, and during labor, it is sometimes approached as "potential disaster" around every corner.

    Oh gosh...I could go on and on. Stay tuned on our blog...I'm overdue for a birth blog post. I'm very excited for your decision and am eager to hear more! :)

    Zoya

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  6. I think it's awesome that you're doing what you think is best for you and your family. I hope it's a wonderful, loving experience for you all.

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  7. Jessy - I think it's fabulous that you've made the decision that is best for you and your family. I can totally see this being an amazing experience and am so excited to hear about how everything goes and your thoughts on the comparisons. Good luck - that baby will be here sooner than later, and in the end, that's what matters most. :-)

    Jenn

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  8. Rock on, Jessy! I am so excited for you. Put my number on your speed dial :)

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  9. Wow! Thanks again everyone for all the support. It means a lot!

    Zoya - I knew you were a doula but didn't know you were apprenticing to be a midwife. That's great! I'll be curious to hear more of your views on home birth.

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  10. Are you getting the big tub? I think that sounded great. Way to make #3 super special! -Tracey

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  11. Ahh...yes-the tub!! Its been called the "water-dural" because it can help so much in labor! Especially during transition.

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