Why I chose a home birth...

I was recently asked to tell my birth story of my 8^th child. I decided to come back to my blog (man, it has been awhile!!) and do just that. First, I think it is important to understand my reasons for choosing to birth at home.

Of my 7 other children, all were born in the hospital, 6 induced, and none followed the “birth plan” that I truly wanted. My first pregnancy I was diagnosed with hypertension and took meds all the way through my pregnancy and for safety reasons, I was assured it was best to induce before my due date. Despite wanting a natural labor and delivery, I agreed. Of course, interventions galore ensued... Pitocin, breaking my water, external monitor, internal monitor, iv pain meds, epidural, benedryl for epidural-induced itching, and finally the vacuum as she was posterior and I was totally numb and couldn't push effectively. I was young and didn't know any better, didn't know I had choices. My second labor started on its own, but I unknowingly went in too early and it ended up the same way. Pitocin to augment labor, iv meds, epi. With my third, my OB told me to “pick a day”... not for any medical reason, just because. So I did? Cytotec (dangerous!!) to start labor, pitocin, epi... #4??? Same thing, BP rose a bit so induction it is – pitocin, epi that only worked on one side. With #5 I had done more research and I was determined to have a natural (preferably water) birth with a midwife. I found a CNM who was awesome and listened to my disappointments and fears... Then lo and behold at 38 weeks my bp crept up as usual. It stayed there so I was induced. Again. On the positive side, I did not get the epi with that birth, making it a totally different experience!! Still in the hospital, tied to the bed and constantly monitored and interfered with, and no chance of water birth due to my high risk status then. I went to the same hospital and different midwives with #6. He was my legitimate medical delivery due to pre-eclampsia. With #7 I found a “natural minded” and large family friendly OB closer to home. All was well (though he had no confidence in my body's ability to go through pregnancy without bp issues) until 37 weeks when the baby was discovered to be breech. I was given two options: External version to turn her, or schedule a c-section. I took the first option, but went to extreme measures at home attempting to turn her myself, and it worked! But my bp went up at the hospital when I went for the ultrasound to check her position before they attempted the version. 3 days of laying in the hospital later, 2 days of labor after painful induction, she was miraculously born vaginally. How I didn't end up with a C-section I'll never know, other than the grace of God.

Following so many inductions, and disappointments at not being able and allowed to have the natural birth I so wanted, I was terrified to have another baby that way.

I soon found out I was expecting #8. I couldn't bear the thought of returning to the OB, or to the midwives I had seen before who didn't seem to encourage natural birth methods any more than an OB. I knew I wanted a homebirth, although it was a scary step to take, doing something different from society's normal procedures. I researched laws, birth stories, midwives in my area, and asked people for recommendations. I interviewed several home birth midwives, both via phone and in person, until I found one who put me so at ease... She was confident that my body could do it, that we could have a normal, natural childbirth. She gave me such hope!!!

I actually didn't tell very many people I was planning a homebirth. Even family, as the opinions of most of them weren't positive and I wanted to keep positive thoughts only!!

My pregnancy was uneventful. I monitored my blood pressure at home where I was comfortable and not affected by the stresses of doctors, nurses, hospitals, etc... and it stayed within a reasonable range! I visited my midwife for the usual course of prenatal visits, but without the usual course of intrusive tests and monitoring. My stress level over my pregnancy was noticeably lower than my previous pregnancies. Even my mother in law took notice!! I continued to remind myself that God had made my body to do this work, and He had blessed me with this precious life to nurture and care for, and He would be with me through it all.

<to be continued with the story of Ben's birth!>