so cool- just came from a homebirth

[ismommy]

One of my closest friends gave birth to her 3rd baby tday. She asked me to photograph it. We met when I was doing a story on homesbirth over 3 years ago. I photographed the birth of her 2nd baby and have been very close the family since.The oldest sister - 6 years - was at the birth today and it was so great to see her react to everything. She got to announce the sex of the baby( a boy)
I am on a high from being present at such a wonderful occasion so wanted to share.
I hope everyone has a great day and that are pregnant moms have as beautiful a birth as I just witnessed!
Helene
mommy to Isabella

[Rachels]

Awesome! I'm strongly considering a homebirth for my next baby. They're so wonderful!

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[ismommy]

Rachel,

I know how knowledgable you are about all this so I won't go into all the reasons they are so great and you are right homebirths are just so so wonderful. I had planned one with Bella but she had her own ideas and came as an emergency c-section. I just found out tonight that I might be able to do a VBAC at the birth center. For a while their insurance wouldn't let them but now if I can find a doc to back me up I can. Which in addition to the homebirth made the night even more perfect.
Helene
mommy to Isabella

[ismommy]

Rachel,

I know how knowledgable you are about all this so I won't go into all the reasons they are so great and you are right homebirths are just so so wonderful. I had planned one with Bella but she had her own ideas and came as an emergency c-section. I just found out tonight that I might be able to do a VBAC at the birth center. For a while their insurance wouldn't let them but now if I can find a doc to back me up I can. Which in addition to the homebirth made the night even more perfect.
Helene
mommy to Isabella

[Rachels]

Yay! That's so great. You know, one thing about planning to birth at home is that you know that if you transfer for a cesarean, it's because one was actually needed. You don't have to count yourself among the thousands and thousands of women who endure that surgery without adequate medical cause. But I'm glad you have another option! I had a birth center birth with Abigail, and it was great.

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[Rachels]

Yay! That's so great. You know, one thing about planning to birth at home is that you know that if you transfer for a cesarean, it's because one was actually needed. You don't have to count yourself among the thousands and thousands of women who endure that surgery without adequate medical cause. But I'm glad you have another option! I had a birth center birth with Abigail, and it was great.

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[barbarhow]

I'm all teary and goosebumpy. I would love to do a homebirth but we will be living so far from a hospital-the distance scares me. It sounds so wonderful.
Barbara-mom to Jack 3/27/03

[barbarhow]

I'm all teary and goosebumpy. I would love to do a homebirth but we will be living so far from a hospital-the distance scares me. It sounds so wonderful.
Barbara-mom to Jack 3/27/03

[NEVE and TRISTAN]

I had considered a homebirth with my second, a local gal here did one and could pass on her support and knowlwdge. I do have a fear though that with Tristan is took them 1 1/2 hours to get the placenta. They were very nervous and thought I would have to go to the OR for that!!!!! I actually felt like I was going to faint, and didn't realize how nervous they were until my two week appt after.
That I think has been my scare.
But I do think it sounds like the most wonderful of experience!!!!
Edited to add I am sure what you witnessed was magical!!!!
Neve
http://home.nc.rr.com/ourbabytristan
AKA "mama2be"-forgot password
and Baby Boy Tristan born @UNC
Feb 25, 2003
Brother to 3 pups "gees" and 2 kitties

[NEVE and TRISTAN]

I had considered a homebirth with my second, a local gal here did one and could pass on her support and knowlwdge. I do have a fear though that with Tristan is took them 1 1/2 hours to get the placenta. They were very nervous and thought I would have to go to the OR for that!!!!! I actually felt like I was going to faint, and didn't realize how nervous they were until my two week appt after.
That I think has been my scare.
But I do think it sounds like the most wonderful of experience!!!!
Edited to add I am sure what you witnessed was magical!!!!
Neve
http://home.nc.rr.com/ourbabytristan
AKA "mama2be"-forgot password
and Baby Boy Tristan born @UNC
Feb 25, 2003
Brother to 3 pups "gees" and 2 kitties

[ismommy]

Yes, I am relieved that I have no doubts that my c-section was necesary and am forever grateful for the wonderful care that helped me have a healthy Bella. In Northern VA there is a group of certified nurse midwives who have a birth center and do home births. They are who I used last time but for a home birth. If I can find a backup I will use them next time too. I guess there insurance says it will have to be a birth center birth. I am really excited that the rules have changed. I have been doing so much research to find a VBAC doctor and was so disappointed that Birthcare didn't do them anymore so now I hope that they will be allowed to and the rules won't change back.
After spending the night there I keep thinking I should be a birth assistant - I love being at births!!!
rachel - if you do a home birth will you use a cnm or a direct entry midwife?
what are the laws in MA?
Helene
mommy to Isabella

[ismommy]

Yes, I am relieved that I have no doubts that my c-section was necesary and am forever grateful for the wonderful care that helped me have a healthy Bella. In Northern VA there is a group of certified nurse midwives who have a birth center and do home births. They are who I used last time but for a home birth. If I can find a backup I will use them next time too. I guess there insurance says it will have to be a birth center birth. I am really excited that the rules have changed. I have been doing so much research to find a VBAC doctor and was so disappointed that Birthcare didn't do them anymore so now I hope that they will be allowed to and the rules won't change back.
After spending the night there I keep thinking I should be a birth assistant - I love being at births!!!
rachel - if you do a home birth will you use a cnm or a direct entry midwife?
what are the laws in MA?
Helene
mommy to Isabella

[Rachels]

Neve, you could always talk to the homebirth midwives and ask about their comfort / experience with retained placenta if you'd really like to consider that option. There's about a 10% recurrence rate-- so a 90% chance that everything would be just fine.

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[Rachels]

Neve, you could always talk to the homebirth midwives and ask about their comfort / experience with retained placenta if you'd really like to consider that option. There's about a 10% recurrence rate-- so a 90% chance that everything would be just fine.

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[ismommy]

Neve,

You should consider it. It is so wonderful. While I have no regreat about Bella's birth - she was healthy that was most important. I loved laboring at home and looking at the photos of Mosby protecting me from the doppler:)
If you want more info on homebirth email me or call. Its one of my favorite subjects.

Helene
mommy to Isabella

[ismommy]

Neve,

You should consider it. It is so wonderful. While I have no regreat about Bella's birth - she was healthy that was most important. I loved laboring at home and looking at the photos of Mosby protecting me from the doppler:)
If you want more info on homebirth email me or call. Its one of my favorite subjects.

Helene
mommy to Isabella

[Melanie]

How wonderful. I would love to be a guest or photographer at someone's birth. How special that must be.

I'm also considering a HB w/ #2, but if not that then another (but more prepared) attempt at a birthing center.

[gravymommy3]

Just a word of advice - if you have a homebirth, make sure it is planned (unlike moi!) A house full of paramedics and firemen running around tends to spoil the moment!

[amyinNC]

That sounds wonderful! I'd love to have a home birth. Can you believe it is ILLEGAL for a midwife or doctor to attend a home birth in North Carolina -- which makes it quite difficult to accomplish here. I understand there are a few lay midwives who will do these under the radar. We don't have a birth center in Charlotte either! It's the hospital or an unattended birth at home (I'm not sure my husband is ready for that one)! I had a great nonmedicated birth with my son and now would feel more comfortable using a lay midwife at home for my second child. Or I keep hoping someone will open a birth center soon.

So great that you could attend such a beautiful birth!
Amy

[nohomama]

I wholeheartedly agree that homebirth can be a wonderful and powerful experience. Lola was born at home and if all the pieces fall into place during our move from MA to MN, #2 will be born at home too. I highly recommend homebirth to healthy women without many risk factors in their pregnancies.

[NEVE and TRISTAN]

I did not know that!!!!
The gal who I was going to hire to watch Tristan if I ever returned to work had a home birth (PLANNED), and she lives in my town...
HMMMM...gotta get the details, I did not know that...
Neve
http://home.nc.rr.com/ourbabytristan
AKA "mama2be"-forgot password
and Baby Boy Tristan born @UNC
Feb 25, 2003
Brother to 3 pups "gees" and 2 kitties

[sntm]

that explains a Hathor the cow goddess comic I read -- I had no idea it was illegal!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
shannon
not-even-pregnant-yet-overachiever
trying-to-conceive :)
PREGNANT! EDD 6/9/03
mama to Jack 6/6/03

[khakismom]

I think that a homebirth would be the coolest thing! Although, I think I would have to/want to do it in the water--ie, have a giant tub brought in. I loved my epidurals and would want something soothing. The water births looks wonderful to me. And I love the idea of resting in my own bed and eating what I want during the labor.

[ismommy]

That is actually what led me to the story in th first place. Direct-entry midwives are illegal in VA. In fact 2 of them were charged with manslaughter when a woman died. (anyonw read the books midwives by Christopher B?)I couldnt believe that something regarding how a woman gives birth could be dictated by the gov't so I went looking for the direct entry midwives. I spoke with a number of them and they were extremely helpful but would not be photographed do to fear of discovery. They suggested if I wanted to photograph a home-birth I should go with birthcare - since they are Certified Nurse Midwives they can legally do home births in VA. I did this story with a reporter and all the info I discovered made me feel very strongly that a home-birth was right for me and my child.
I think that homebirth is the best way to go for an uncomplicated birth and if you feel comfortable with it. There is nothing sweeter in my mind than leaving the house at 5:30 am as the new addition snuggled in bed with his mama and dada and big sister. his older brother slept though it.
Even though I was not able to have my home birth - what I learned from my midwives was invaluable. I KNEW what was being done with my pregnancy and didn't submit to random tests just because.
When the emergency c-section happpened I knew it before they told me(just felt something change) and unlike lots of women with c-sections I have never questioned mine.
I think one of the best gifts you can give a child is knowledge and by researching different avenues of birth you will find the one that is best for you and not just go along with what happens here.
I just realzied how preachy I am sounding and I apologize if I am offending in anyway. I have been up now for over 30 hours and just feel so passionate that women should educated about their birth options.
When I read about some of the comments by OB's I shudder and have kept quiet but after seeing such a wonderful experince( its actually my 3rd time shooting a birth) I just truly wish every woman reading this board would think about how she wants to give birth - not just go to a hospital just because.
I think after researching if thats what someone chooses that is great but be aware of all your options. SO you don't end up at how your baby was born with doubts like so many woman who have c-sectiosn for no medical reason do. This is not directed at anyone in particular just my thoughts.

Helene
mommy to Isabella

[Melanie]

>Just a word of advice - if you have a homebirth, make sure it
>is planned (unlike moi!) A house full of paramedics and
>firemen running around tends to spoil the moment!

Amy you're too funny! I'll remember that. I had considered a HB with #1 but we lived in a really small two-story townhome w/ no place for a birthing tub and the most wonderful big tub but in a TINY bathroom. I was so certain I'd be having a waterbirth - LOL. Now we have a bigger place so we could put a birth tub in the living room I guess (LOL) but no big wonderful tub. I like the idea of the MW coming to you and only focusing on you during labor. I have abandonment issues with the last MW. =P

[2004mamma]

Is this the one in Alexandria? I would love to consider that option, but it would take me 45 minutes with no traffic to get there. I heard somebody say something about a birth center in Loudoun County, but I haven't been able to find any details about it.

Kristen

[ismommy]

It is the one in Alexandria. They do births in Louden county. We were in Prince William today. I don't know about any center in Louden. I can ask Birthcare next time I talk with them. Also if you want more details about Birthcare just email me and I can supply lots. I also have a great birth assistant if you are looking.
When are you due?

Helene
mommy to Isabella

[Rachels]

You should do some doula training! Check out www.dona.org or www.alace.org if you're interested. If I decide on a homebirth, I'm not sure yet who I'll use. In general, it's much easier in MA to find direct-entry midwives to do homebirths. There are a few CNMs who do it, but most of them practice in birth centers or hospitals. However, I have good relationships with a few of the homebirth CNMs, one of whom I particularly love, so I might start there. I had a tough pregnancy with Abigail-- nothing that would rule me out of a homebirth, but I needed somebody who could write prescriptions. In that sense, a CNM would be simpler. If I chose a direct-entry midwife, I'd do some medical backup with a homebirth-friendly doc I know. And our ped homebirths and will do home visits for homebirthed babies! But that said, I did have a great birth center experience, so I haven't ruled that out, either. Don't quite know how I'll decide...

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[Rachels]

Sigh. It's illegal in tons of states. Midwifery has very few parity laws, which is ridiculous but true. However, if you want to have a homebirth, you can pretty much always find a homebirth midwife unless you're in an incredibly remote area. And all these midwives have backup doctors who know they are doing homebirths, so you're covered if you need to transfer (which most people don't). Even with midwifery not being legally protected, it is regularly demonstrated to be as safe or safer than hospital birth, and has a dramatically lower rate of interventions. All the countries (and there are more than two dozen) with better birth outcomes than we have in the US have midwives attending at least 75% of births. So don't let the legality thing scare you. Midwifery is still an excellent way to go if you're so inclined.

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[papal]

Helene.. that is so cool!
I wanted to have a home birth with Leela but dh was totally against it.. i guess the biggest fear is the WHAT IF something happens and we need a specialist pronto. I think with the next one we may want to try it at home. The hospital, while very nice, is not home. I want my next baby to be born at home. That would be so much more relaxing and calming for everyone involved!

[Rachels]

I can recommend some good reading if your DH is open to it. Once I did all the reading, the hospital "what-ifs" started to seem much more dangerous than the homebirth "what-ifs." It also helped my DH to learn that homebirth midwives carry oxygen & pitocin and are prepared to intubate or handle emergencies until you can get to a hospital. But there are very few emergency transfers. Most things you can see coming, so transfers happen more frequently in a non-emergency state. But for the emergencies, you know, that's why hospital backup is there. It's an appropriate use of technology.

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[ismommy]

Rashmi,
Birthcare is on King Street in Old Town. They also do well women care. SO I would definitely look into them. Rachel covered the safety issues. In addition Birthcare require a birth assistant or doula - so there are two people trained in CPR. Also they monitor you so carefully throughout your pregnancy and you have aback upp doctor in case you need to go to the hospital.
I can give you lots more details next time we meet
Helene
mommy to Isabella

[ismommy]

Rachel,

The problem with me being a doula is DH's travel schedule - I was lucky he was home or I would have had to call someone at midnight to watch Bella.That is great that direct-entry midwives are easier in MA. Also a ped that does home visits. WOW! Our ped was okay with a homebirth but I still would have had to bring Bella to them.
Helene
mommy to Isabella

[nohomama]

>It also helped my DH to learn that homebirth midwives carry
>oxygen & pitocin and are prepared to intubate or handle
>emergencies until you can get to a hospital.

As with any birth option, I think it's important to be informed and to reasearch homebirth and the homebirth midwives you consider having as caregivers. Asking what type of medical supplies and equipment they bring to a birth is important as is finding out whether they are certified in neonatal resuscitation. Many homebirth midwives do bring oxygen and pitocin to the births they attend, but not all do and training among homebirth midwives can vary greatly.

My advise to those seriously considering homebirth is to sit down and make a list of the things that are important to them in a caregiver, to research the laws in their area as they pertain to homebirth, and the research the homebirth community in their area as well. Talk to midwives and homebirth friendly medical professionals (they will be some of your best resources) and keep an open mind. When I started reasearching the homebirth options in MN I quickly discovered that the situation I have here in MA, a homebirth midwife practice with dedicated medical back-up, simply doesn't exist there. Initially I felt that without that I wouldn't feel comfortable delivering at home. However, after talking to several midwives there, my feelings have completely changed.

[MelissaTC]

Wow...I didn't know that it was illegal here. I know of at least 2 ladies here in Cary that had homebirths at home with a midwife...and one had Dr. Fortier as her back-up MD...interesting...

[nohomama]

I just found several sources that state that homebirth IS legal in North Carolina. However, there is no lincensure in NC for CPMs (certified professional midwives) and traditional/lay midwives and they are prohibited from practicing in the state. CNMs can (legally) practice in NC. Those who attend homebirths must have a physician to back them up.

Here's a link with information regarding the status of midwives and homebirth in NC.

http://www.nchomebirth.com/LegalStatusMidwives.html

The site contains a lot of information (I find the state's definition of who delivers a baby particularly interesting) and would be good to bookmark if you are considering a homebirth there.

[sntm]

i just read in the local alternative paper today about it being illegal here in virginia -- they tried to reverse it but the bill died in committee. too bad.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
shannon
not-even-pregnant-yet-overachiever
trying-to-conceive :)
PREGNANT! EDD 6/9/03
mama to Jack 6/6/03

[lmintzer]

I didn't (and wouldn't) have a home birth but did have a successful VBAC. My doctors were fully in support, even though they determined Joshua needed to come out early (low amniotic fluid and inadequate heart rate accelerations). So we actually succeeded as an induced VBAC.

Personally, I would never attempt a home birth. I know a personal horror story (won't share it here since I'm not trying to be unsupportive).

I think the sentiment behind a home birth is wonderful--I just fear what happens if there are complications and there isn't enough time to get to a hospital.

[barbarhow]

You don't sound preachy at all-you sound inspired and inspiring. I am glad you shared. My husband is shuddering as I tell him I want to think about a HB...
Barbara-mom to Jack 3/27/03

[Rachels]

Wow. Interesting. That who-delivered-the-baby thing is bizarre. Also, just as an aside, the semantics of that always get to me. I delivered my baby. I did the work. Credit for the delivery goes to me. My midwife caught her, but she did not deliver her. Anytime I hear somebody other than the laboring woman say they're delivering a baby, I silently beg to differ. It's a small thing, but important, I think. :)

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[NEVE and TRISTAN]

I suspect I'll be heading back to the birth center if this pregnacy stays on course, for it is like home to me...
But I have thought (and not researched) this a lot. I have an OB-GYN down the street who has delivered both of his children at my birth center and his wife is a nurse, doula and now going back to get her practioners license...I wonder if they would ever consider such a thing to participate in...

Thank you...
Neve
http://home.nc.rr.com/ourbabytristan
AKA "mama2be"-forgot password
and Baby Boy Tristan born @UNC
Feb 25, 2003
Brother to 3 pups "gees" and 2 kitties

[NEVE and TRISTAN]

He's my OB...interesting...
Neve
http://home.nc.rr.com/ourbabytristan
AKA "mama2be"-forgot password
and Baby Boy Tristan born @UNC
Feb 25, 2003
Brother to 3 pups "gees" and 2 kitties

[stillplayswithbarbies]

at one of my first ob appointments, I mentioned that my first was 12 years old and asked what had changed in 12 years about having babies, and my OB said "nothing much, you push 'em out and we catch 'em".

:)

...Karen
Jacob Nathaniel Feb 91
Logan Elizabeth Mar 03

[ismommy]

Barbara,
I think my DH thought I was a bit nuts but he did a 100 perecnt turna around after meeting our midwives.One of the hardest things when we thought about # 2 was that it didn't seem like homebirth was an option now that it is we are both thrilled. Where are you located? If you need any help conving your DH I am glad to help and I know Rachel can provide tons of good reading material.

Helene
mommy to Isabella

[Rachels]

Yep. The reading just lays to rest any safety concerns. The data is just so strong.

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02

[Melanie]

Me, too. Actually, it's funny, the OB I had said the phrase "I delivered *you*" I thought that was funny.

The best part about my surprise hospital birth was that the OB had ME literally catch/delivery Ds, once the head and arms were out.

[nola]

Ditto. My husband was dead set against it. So I tossed the idea of HB initially. But then he read information on it (on his own accord) and we ended up re-evaluating. It was a difficult decision for us since we are modern medicine types, but the facts seem to speak for themselves. I am convinced that I would have been another ceasarian statistic if I hadn't been a HB.

[Rachels]

Modern medicine definitely has it's place. Choosing HB is not rejecting modern medicine. It's rejecting an inappropriate overuse of medical intervention. Normal birth does not require all the stuff that obstetricians are trained to do. They're high-risk specialists. Midwives are low-risk specialists. I think it's great that your DH was willing to reevaluate and to let the research educate him. Hooray!

-Rachel
Mom to Abigail Rose
5/18/02