10.14.2007

Why A Home Birth?

I've been fairly surprised at the amount of people who don't question our home birth option (although quite a few just raise their eyebrows and say "oh!"). I wonder if some people just think we're off our rockers and leave it at that? At any rate, I wanted to share some of the many reasons I think this is a better option, at least at this stage of the game.

Giving birth isn't an illness, so why would I need to be where all the sick people are? I want birth to be a small, intimate experience, not one where shift changes, interns, med students, and a doctor I've never met make a situation more stressful than needs be. Mostly, though, is that birth will progress how it feels most natural, allowing me to do what feels right at the time. I won't be hooked up to 2 or 3 monitors and thinking about who will see or hear me.

We're also planning on having a birthing tub here at home (something our hospitals here don't yet offer!). The site www.waterbirth.org lists many advantages that a waterbirth can offer which include:
  • Speeds up labor
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Gives mother more feelings of control
  • Provides significant pain relief
  • Promotes relaxation
  • Enables the mother to assume any position which is comfortable for labor and birth
  • Conserves her energy
  • Reduces the need for drugs and interventions
  • Gives mother a private protected space
  • Reduces perineal trauma and eliminates episiotomies
  • Reduces cesarean section rates
  • Is highly rated by mothers - typically stating they would consider giving birth in water again
  • Is highly rated by experienced providers
  • Encourages an easier birth for mother and a gentler welcome for baby
With all that said, there is always the possibility we could still end up in the hospital which is plan B. We'll deal with that if it happens. In the meantime, I'm mentally preparing myself for this amazing experience!

4 comments:

Katie said...

I'm sure you'll do great! If anyone can do it at home, you can, for sure!

Libby Design said...

I say good for you guys for choosing to do what you feel is right for you, not the "norm" that seems to be the most widely accepted. Everyone will have their own opinions about what's "right" and what's "wrong", but in the end you guys have to decide what you feel will make this experience the best it can be. God knows your thoughts on all of this and He'll take care of you through each step of the process...even if you DO end up in a stark, stuffy hospital. We'll be praying that everything goes well!

Ginger said...

Granola eaters....

If you can convince my oh so loving and open minded brother, you can convince anyone. :)

Amy said...

My sister in law did the water birth and loved it. She thought it was great. I don't think you're decision is weird at all. Good for you guys.