Thursday, March 10, 2011
6am - I woke up from a dead sleep to a contraction that hurt so bad I had to breathe through it. After the next one happened (13 min. later) I called Neil into the room and told him what happened. Luckily, he hadn't left for work yet.
The contractions were separated like this: 13 min., 8 min, 7.5 min, 7 min, 6 min, 5 min - one right after the other. And I was stopping to breathe through all of them. At this point, Neil checked me, and said I was dilated to a 5 without stretching at all.
7am - I called Melody and told her "I think I'm going to be having a baby today." Everything just felt different about these contractions, and with them getting significantly closer together with each contraction, I just knew. She said to keep monitoring them and call back in 30 min, unless something changed.
About 10 min. later, the contractions started going about 2.5 min. apart, and more painful. I called Melody back and she and the team were on their way.
In the meantime, I got into the bathtub, but it was helping so well with the pain that I was having trouble timing the contractions. So I got out, and they started right back up where they left off - 2.5 min. apart.
8 am? - My friend Tricia came by to pick up the kids and take them to her house. As she was leaving with the kids, Melody showed up.
As I was having contractions, I was showing Melody where everything was as far as the birth supplies, and just talking to her about random stuff. The rest of the team showed up at about 8:15 or 8:30, and started to get everything set out and ready for the delivery. Melody guided me through rocking my hips during contractions to help the baby descend.
At this point, all of the midwives (Melody - midwife, Rosetta, Rosemary, and Sarah - apprentices) gathered around me and prayed over me, the baby, the labor, and delivery.
Not too long after this, I was starting to hurt pretty bad, so I decided to get back into the tub for some pain relief. I was in there for a while, in different positions, still rocking my hips during contractions. And all during labor, people kept reminding me to drink water, to empty my bladder, and even fed me bites of a cliff bar. With how painful the contractions were, and with them still being 2.5 min. apart, we figured we'd have a baby within an hour or so...but then after a while, I was still at the same place - painful contractions 2.5 min. apart. Melody and the others were so good about speaking encouraging words, and giving gentle touches when needed. They were my encouragers. Neil was my comforter and teammate.
At some point while I was in the tub my Dad and my friend Maryann showed up. Maryann just happened to be on vacation and had gotten into town the day before...They hung out in the living room while I labored.
Melody started to get concerned about not continuing to progress. She told me to get out of the tub and walk around or whatever I wanted to do, but that we needed to use gravity to our advantage. So I got out...and gravity was definitely working (or maybe I should say that the tub was working...) The contractions immediately got stronger.
During contractions, I continued to rock my hips, and Neil pushed my hips together or massaged my lower back - both for pain relief and trying to help the baby descend.
After a while, Melody said that she wanted to check the baby's position.
She said I was dilated to an 8, and about 90% effaced. She was having trouble finding the baby's position. She finally realized that the baby's head was kinked to the side a bit, which is why I wasn't continuing to progress as she expected.
Rosemary (one of the apprentices) used pressure/massage both in my lower back and hip/pelvic area to try to get the baby to move. He definitely moved some, and I started having much harder contractions. I decided that I didn't want to move, so I stayed on the bed...
Not too long after this, I started feeling the urge to push during my contractions. This went on for a while, and my water still hadn't broken. I'm thinking "seriously? why hasn't my water broken yet? Why is this baby not here yet?" It was just so different than the other two. Instead of hitting transition, getting no break between contractions, but having a kid in no time - I hit transition, the contractions were really painful, but they were still far enough apart that I was able to get breaks in between them. The pain was seriously bad though...I felt like at any moment my water would break...I kept pushing and pushing...but nothing. Just pain...feeling the baby descending, and lots of screaming :) During the pushing, the midwives were applying warm compresses to the perineum.
Neil got into position to deliver the baby.
After pushing for close to 20 min., my water finally broke with a gush - All over Neil! ha.
A couple minutes later, Isaiah's head popped out, and was turning as he was coming out. The cord was wrapped behind his neck, over his shoulders, and under his arms. Melody and Neil got him unwrapped, and guided him out the rest of the way. Total pushing time: 22minutes.
Total labor time: just shy of 7 hours.
Neil announced the birth of a baby Boy - a surprise to all of us. Even the midwives were all convinced that it was going to be a girl - because they said that boys typically have a harder time during labor, but Isaiah's heart rate never dropped at all - and he did wonderfully the entire delivery.
For the first time ever - No tearing during delivery. Not one - probably because it took him so long to come out.
They immediately put him skin to skin with me, and (this is a bit different) once the placenta was delivered, Neil cut the cord.
We were all laughing and celebrating for a while, as the midwives were all checking vitals, etc. while Isaiah was still on my tummy. He wasn't quite ready to nurse yet. Once vitals were done, Isaiah and I got into the bathtub for an herbal bath, to promote healing for me and the umbilical cord for him. While we were in there, Isaiah nursed, and Neil sat by us, next to the tub, so we could both get to know our new baby boy. He also fed me a turkey sandwich. love him.
After the bath, I got cleaned up and dressed, and went back to the bed, where the linens had already been removed and put into the wash, to check vitals again. Then, my Dad and Maryann were able to come in and meet Isaiah as well - and share the story from their point of view.
Isaiah Ethan Jones was born at 12:47 pm, weighing 6 lbs. 8 oz. and 20 inches long.
Welcome to the world, Isaiah!!
Would I have a home birth again? Most definitely. If I had been in a hospital, they may have broken my water, but that could have caused more complications. I could have even ended up in a c-section because of his position. The difference is how proactive everyone was. Melody and the team knew what to do to help me through the pain, and the awkward positioning so that Isaiah could come. And I was so much more comfortable than I would have been in a hospital. And really, you can't beat knowing that every single person surrounding you is a believer - praying for you - encouraging you - serving you - loving you - and wanting the absolute best for you. Neil sums it up like this: In a hospital, it's about what the doctors and nurses do (they break the water, they give medicine, they do this or that...), but this labor was all about me and what I was doing. The others were simply there to support, encourage, and direct the course of labor...letting me do what my body needed to do to deliver Isaiah.
What do I think about the birth? It was definitely longer and definitely harder than my other two. The length didn't bother me - It actually helped me out to not have a labor so fast and furious. Because of the length, I not only didn't tear, but my body also didn't go into shock right after delivering like it usually does. No shaking at all this time.
The hardest part was the pain. There was definitely reason for it, and it was definitely less than it could have been if his position hadn't been changed at all during the course of labor. I'm just thankful that God gave me breaks during the course of the pain to be able to take a breather and get through it.
No, I still wouldn't get an epidural or any other drugs, even with the pain. Having anything could have hindered the whole process as well - and by golly, I loved not being strapped down or having an IV. It was fabulous!
Highly recommend a home birth and midwifery care to anyone and everyone (that isn't super high-risk) that is expecting a baby. SO worth everything!
Showing posts with label Home birth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home birth. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
38 weeks
Well, we made it to 38 weeks. I wasn't sure that was going to happen.
I know that not only are WE getting antsy, but I know everyone else is as well.
It was funny to see people at church yesterday and all of them were like "umm...that baby still isn't out yet?" Especially because a lot of them saw me on Friday night - when I was having regular contractions at about 6.5 minutes apart - standing, sitting, whatever. Too bad they fizzled out when we got home.
And that is the story of my life right now.
Cramps start. contractions go into gear. They'll be consistently apart for a while. They may even increase in strength and get closer together after a bit. I feel them in the front AND back...and really low too. Random sharp pains in the pelvis happen. Then, after about an hour or two of this consistency...instead of continuing to increase in strength or getting closer together they just fizzle out.
Apparently God has a very specific day he wants this baby to be born...and it obviously hasn't happened yet.
The funny thing is that I was perfectly content to have this baby inside of me until the full 40 weeks... I was even expecting it to go longer...
...that is, until I started progressing so much.
There's just something about being 5cm, or there-about, and having the baby continuing to descend into the pelvic bone...and effacing happening...and having off and on contractions...that just makes you say "ok, seriously, what's the deal? Why isn't this baby coming out?"
I had a dream Saturday night that really got to me too. It wasn't a bad dream by any means. But in my dream, I had been having contractions, so I called my midwife. Then the whole midwife staff, and tons of other people were at my house, and once they got there, my contractions fizzled out. When that happend, everyone just got up and left. I appologized to my midwife for calling her to the house, and explained that I was just so scared that I was going to be delivering the baby by myself!
I woke up sobbing, and even after waking up fully, I couldn't stop sobbing for a while.
I didn't think that I was fearful. But I think God gave me that dream to show me that I, in fact, was! It brought everything out to the open. I just sat there praying for a while, confessing my fears, and repenting for being fearful. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of a passage that we went over in BSF only a couple weeks ago from Isaiah 43:1-2 :
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze."
The Lord was encouraging me, saying "You know, it doesn't really matter what happens - how this baby is born - or even if you have to do it by yourself. You will NOT be alone. I will be with you. I will guide and direct you. And even if this doesn't go as YOU plan, my plans are for your GOOD. It will produce character that I otherwise would not be able to cultivate in you. You will depend fully on me and my strength and my power, rather than your own. So FEAR NOT. This baby will come in my time, in my will. I will give you what you need, when you need it - if you will just rely on me."
That pretty much sums it up.
No matter how much I'm dilated or effaced. No matter what symptoms of labor I've already had. No matter how many times I have contractions, or how much the baby continues to descend...
God is totally in control of this whole thing. His timing is the best.
When we were considering homebirth in the first place, I remember struggling with the thought a bit. Then the Lord just said "Don't fear. Trust me." It's like he's really wanting to teach me something through all of this. Perhaps it's simply to trust. Perhaps it's how to wait on him for his perfect timing. Perhaps he wants to teach me to rely on His strength. Or perhaps it's all of the above, and more.
Whatever the case, He's wanting to teach me something, and I have to be willing and open to his instruction and direction.
I know that not only are WE getting antsy, but I know everyone else is as well.
It was funny to see people at church yesterday and all of them were like "umm...that baby still isn't out yet?" Especially because a lot of them saw me on Friday night - when I was having regular contractions at about 6.5 minutes apart - standing, sitting, whatever. Too bad they fizzled out when we got home.
And that is the story of my life right now.
Cramps start. contractions go into gear. They'll be consistently apart for a while. They may even increase in strength and get closer together after a bit. I feel them in the front AND back...and really low too. Random sharp pains in the pelvis happen. Then, after about an hour or two of this consistency...instead of continuing to increase in strength or getting closer together they just fizzle out.
Apparently God has a very specific day he wants this baby to be born...and it obviously hasn't happened yet.
The funny thing is that I was perfectly content to have this baby inside of me until the full 40 weeks... I was even expecting it to go longer...
...that is, until I started progressing so much.
There's just something about being 5cm, or there-about, and having the baby continuing to descend into the pelvic bone...and effacing happening...and having off and on contractions...that just makes you say "ok, seriously, what's the deal? Why isn't this baby coming out?"
I had a dream Saturday night that really got to me too. It wasn't a bad dream by any means. But in my dream, I had been having contractions, so I called my midwife. Then the whole midwife staff, and tons of other people were at my house, and once they got there, my contractions fizzled out. When that happend, everyone just got up and left. I appologized to my midwife for calling her to the house, and explained that I was just so scared that I was going to be delivering the baby by myself!
I woke up sobbing, and even after waking up fully, I couldn't stop sobbing for a while.
I didn't think that I was fearful. But I think God gave me that dream to show me that I, in fact, was! It brought everything out to the open. I just sat there praying for a while, confessing my fears, and repenting for being fearful. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of a passage that we went over in BSF only a couple weeks ago from Isaiah 43:1-2 :
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze."
The Lord was encouraging me, saying "You know, it doesn't really matter what happens - how this baby is born - or even if you have to do it by yourself. You will NOT be alone. I will be with you. I will guide and direct you. And even if this doesn't go as YOU plan, my plans are for your GOOD. It will produce character that I otherwise would not be able to cultivate in you. You will depend fully on me and my strength and my power, rather than your own. So FEAR NOT. This baby will come in my time, in my will. I will give you what you need, when you need it - if you will just rely on me."
That pretty much sums it up.
No matter how much I'm dilated or effaced. No matter what symptoms of labor I've already had. No matter how many times I have contractions, or how much the baby continues to descend...
God is totally in control of this whole thing. His timing is the best.
When we were considering homebirth in the first place, I remember struggling with the thought a bit. Then the Lord just said "Don't fear. Trust me." It's like he's really wanting to teach me something through all of this. Perhaps it's simply to trust. Perhaps it's how to wait on him for his perfect timing. Perhaps he wants to teach me to rely on His strength. Or perhaps it's all of the above, and more.
Whatever the case, He's wanting to teach me something, and I have to be willing and open to his instruction and direction.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
36 weeks
I'll be 36 weeks TOMORROW!! So crazy to think about.
We had our home-visit yesterday with our 2 midwives, Melody and Joni, and one of the new apprintices/assistant midwives, Sarah. Pretty much they just did a walk-through of the house to get used to the layout, and see what resources we had available for the birth.
* They confirmed that our bathtub would definitely be good enough to use for a waterbirth, if we so desired - just to make sure the bath and jets are cleaned out well with bleach-water, and to turn up the water heater when labor starts :)
* They instructed us on how to make our bed (when labor starts). Good sheets on the bottom, a fitted vinyl sheet on top of that, then a set of sheets on top that we don't mind getting soiled.
* They saw that I had all my birthing supplies together in a Rubbermaid container - so we're good to go.
Then, we just spent some time talking about what our thoughts are about how we want the birth to go - our "birth plan" so to speak. Of course, Neil and I are just so excited to be having this baby born at home, knowing how much more comfortable we'll be, that we don't really have a birth plan. It's not like going to the hospital, and wanting to do things as natural as possible, and having to be a big-time advocate for that. I don't have to have this long list of things I don't want (like not wanting an IV, not wanting monitors or asking for occassional monitoring, not wanting them to break my water, and no drugs - and Don't ask me!) or the things I do want (like holding the baby and feeding ASAP). All of these things are just a given with a homebirth...so really, we're totally ok with just going with the flow...
ahhh....laboring in a nice warm bathtub (and birthing in there, if I so desire)....not being attatched to monitors or IVs...being able to move around and do whatever I want, in any position I want...being able to (and encouraged to) eat snacks and drink water throughout labor so I have some good energy for that workload...having contact with the baby right after birth, and feeding...having an herbal bath with my baby to help healing along, while the midwives and assistants gather up the soiled linens and put them in the wash for me...a home-cooked meal (either pre-made, frozen, and heated or made fresh by mom) ready to eat to replenish all that energy I used...I'm definitely looking forward to this one.
Then, I had my regular appointment, here, at the house.
* Somehow I lost about 2 lbs. Not really sure how that happened. I feel like I've been eating more the past week or so, and I've been getting the water and protein I need. I would think my muscle mass should be long gone by now... So, as of now, I've gained a total of 20 lbs.
* Everything else looked good. Urine was good, baby is measuring right on, and the heartbeat is going strong. When Melody was checking the baby's positioning, her words were "Wow, that baby's low!" ha. The head isn't engaged into the pelvic bone yet, but it's about as low as it can be without being engaged. She also said that the baby seemed to be as far back as it could be (toward my spine). I suppose that may be one of the reasons I've been having a lot of back pain lately. Melody also gave a rough estimate (based on feeling the baby's size) that she thinks the baby is right at about 5 lbs. right now. I know it's a very rough estimate, but still neat.
* I did the GBS test. I've been taking a pretty kickin' probiotic formula everyday for the past couple of weeks...I guess I'll find out this week what the results are, and if the probiotics helped at all. I've tested positive while pregnant with both of the other kiddos. But don't worry! There is a non-IV way of treating GBS during labor. So if I test positive, that doesn't mean I can't have a homebirth. Actually, if I test positive, they may up my probiotics, and test me again in about 2 weeks to see if it's cleared up.
ok, so now the fun part - If you want to, now is your time to guess when this baby will be here!
Date, weight, length...and...boy or girl?
Due date is March 20.
We had our home-visit yesterday with our 2 midwives, Melody and Joni, and one of the new apprintices/assistant midwives, Sarah. Pretty much they just did a walk-through of the house to get used to the layout, and see what resources we had available for the birth.
* They confirmed that our bathtub would definitely be good enough to use for a waterbirth, if we so desired - just to make sure the bath and jets are cleaned out well with bleach-water, and to turn up the water heater when labor starts :)
* They instructed us on how to make our bed (when labor starts). Good sheets on the bottom, a fitted vinyl sheet on top of that, then a set of sheets on top that we don't mind getting soiled.
* They saw that I had all my birthing supplies together in a Rubbermaid container - so we're good to go.
Then, we just spent some time talking about what our thoughts are about how we want the birth to go - our "birth plan" so to speak. Of course, Neil and I are just so excited to be having this baby born at home, knowing how much more comfortable we'll be, that we don't really have a birth plan. It's not like going to the hospital, and wanting to do things as natural as possible, and having to be a big-time advocate for that. I don't have to have this long list of things I don't want (like not wanting an IV, not wanting monitors or asking for occassional monitoring, not wanting them to break my water, and no drugs - and Don't ask me!) or the things I do want (like holding the baby and feeding ASAP). All of these things are just a given with a homebirth...so really, we're totally ok with just going with the flow...
ahhh....laboring in a nice warm bathtub (and birthing in there, if I so desire)....not being attatched to monitors or IVs...being able to move around and do whatever I want, in any position I want...being able to (and encouraged to) eat snacks and drink water throughout labor so I have some good energy for that workload...having contact with the baby right after birth, and feeding...having an herbal bath with my baby to help healing along, while the midwives and assistants gather up the soiled linens and put them in the wash for me...a home-cooked meal (either pre-made, frozen, and heated or made fresh by mom) ready to eat to replenish all that energy I used...I'm definitely looking forward to this one.
Then, I had my regular appointment, here, at the house.
* Somehow I lost about 2 lbs. Not really sure how that happened. I feel like I've been eating more the past week or so, and I've been getting the water and protein I need. I would think my muscle mass should be long gone by now... So, as of now, I've gained a total of 20 lbs.
* Everything else looked good. Urine was good, baby is measuring right on, and the heartbeat is going strong. When Melody was checking the baby's positioning, her words were "Wow, that baby's low!" ha. The head isn't engaged into the pelvic bone yet, but it's about as low as it can be without being engaged. She also said that the baby seemed to be as far back as it could be (toward my spine). I suppose that may be one of the reasons I've been having a lot of back pain lately. Melody also gave a rough estimate (based on feeling the baby's size) that she thinks the baby is right at about 5 lbs. right now. I know it's a very rough estimate, but still neat.
* I did the GBS test. I've been taking a pretty kickin' probiotic formula everyday for the past couple of weeks...I guess I'll find out this week what the results are, and if the probiotics helped at all. I've tested positive while pregnant with both of the other kiddos. But don't worry! There is a non-IV way of treating GBS during labor. So if I test positive, that doesn't mean I can't have a homebirth. Actually, if I test positive, they may up my probiotics, and test me again in about 2 weeks to see if it's cleared up.
ok, so now the fun part - If you want to, now is your time to guess when this baby will be here!
Date, weight, length...and...boy or girl?
Due date is March 20.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Midwife update
So we decided on a midwife to use. It pretty much came down to distance... when considering not just the birth, but every prenatal and postpartum appointment as well...it was a pretty important factor. We've decided to go with the Cleburne Birthing Center and our midwife will be Melody Morrow.
I had my first appointment yesterday morning. Most of the appointment was just like going to an OB - the urine testing, checking the baby's heartbeat, measuring the uterus, asking lots of questions (about past pregnancies, family history, etc.). Some things were very different though.
1. I learned to test my own urine sample. I did the normal thing, but instead of giving it to a nurse to test, I got a strip of litmus paper squares, dipped it in the sample, waited, and compared the colors on the squares to what they were supposed to look like...so I could see if my protein, glucose, and the like were the way they were supposed to be, then reported the results to the midwife.
2. While going over all the paperwork with the midwife, the kids read books, played with toys, played with the assistant midwives, hung out with the other people there, and just had a grand 'ol time. Nobody minded them roaming around and playing. Nobody minded helping me out with them when needed. One of the midwives even let Balian climb the stairs, and stayed right there behind him the whole time while I was finishing up some paperwork and payment stuff.
3. They have free water and snacks for anybody who comes...nutrigrain bars, crackers, etc., and animal crackers for the kids.
4. There's a toy box in every room that appointments happen in. The lobby, the exam room, the sitting area upstairs...the kids always had something to play with to keep them occupied while I took care of my thing. so wonderful!
5. I didn't feel rushed at all. I felt like I every question I had got completely answered, and more. All-over, I felt so incredibly encouraged.
6. I was educated about nutrition like I never have before. Did you know that a pregnant woman needs 90-100g of protein and 3-4 Liters of water (that's 12-16 glasses...or 96-128 OUNCES) EVERY DAY? I was given information sheets about foods that contain protein and iron, and how much they have. I was also given a Food Diary to keep for the next 2 weeks...so that they can see if I'm getting enough water and protein...and an estimation of my caloric intake.
7. I wasn't hounded about doing the down syndrome and cystic fibrosis tests when filling out the consent forms. They referred to them as "not really necessary". And when talking about STD testing (minus the first HIV test required by law), it isn't an automatic thing that they do...they asked if I thought I needed it. I said "nope. that's the beauty of saving sex for marriage." and they just said "sure is!"
8. I was greeted with hugs, as well as got hugs on my way out.
Can you tell I'm excited about using a midwife?
One big thing we have to decide: Home birth or Birthing Center? The reason it's even up for debate (we were already set for doing home birth) is that we found out that our insurance will cover midwife care, if I deliver at the birthing center...but they won't cover a home birth. We didn't think they covered anything, and thought we'd be paying for it all (which really isn't much at all compared to what out-of-pocket expenses are for a hospital birth, even if you're only paying 20%). Apparently that's not the case, and they'll cover the birthing centers...for some reason insurance companies think there's a big difference between a birthing center and home (which there's really not as far as standard of care and resources).
Anyway, still a big decision. But we don't have to decide for sure until 36 weeks...so we have some time to really think it over.
I had my first appointment yesterday morning. Most of the appointment was just like going to an OB - the urine testing, checking the baby's heartbeat, measuring the uterus, asking lots of questions (about past pregnancies, family history, etc.). Some things were very different though.
1. I learned to test my own urine sample. I did the normal thing, but instead of giving it to a nurse to test, I got a strip of litmus paper squares, dipped it in the sample, waited, and compared the colors on the squares to what they were supposed to look like...so I could see if my protein, glucose, and the like were the way they were supposed to be, then reported the results to the midwife.
2. While going over all the paperwork with the midwife, the kids read books, played with toys, played with the assistant midwives, hung out with the other people there, and just had a grand 'ol time. Nobody minded them roaming around and playing. Nobody minded helping me out with them when needed. One of the midwives even let Balian climb the stairs, and stayed right there behind him the whole time while I was finishing up some paperwork and payment stuff.
3. They have free water and snacks for anybody who comes...nutrigrain bars, crackers, etc., and animal crackers for the kids.
4. There's a toy box in every room that appointments happen in. The lobby, the exam room, the sitting area upstairs...the kids always had something to play with to keep them occupied while I took care of my thing. so wonderful!
5. I didn't feel rushed at all. I felt like I every question I had got completely answered, and more. All-over, I felt so incredibly encouraged.
6. I was educated about nutrition like I never have before. Did you know that a pregnant woman needs 90-100g of protein and 3-4 Liters of water (that's 12-16 glasses...or 96-128 OUNCES) EVERY DAY? I was given information sheets about foods that contain protein and iron, and how much they have. I was also given a Food Diary to keep for the next 2 weeks...so that they can see if I'm getting enough water and protein...and an estimation of my caloric intake.
7. I wasn't hounded about doing the down syndrome and cystic fibrosis tests when filling out the consent forms. They referred to them as "not really necessary". And when talking about STD testing (minus the first HIV test required by law), it isn't an automatic thing that they do...they asked if I thought I needed it. I said "nope. that's the beauty of saving sex for marriage." and they just said "sure is!"
8. I was greeted with hugs, as well as got hugs on my way out.
Can you tell I'm excited about using a midwife?
One big thing we have to decide: Home birth or Birthing Center? The reason it's even up for debate (we were already set for doing home birth) is that we found out that our insurance will cover midwife care, if I deliver at the birthing center...but they won't cover a home birth. We didn't think they covered anything, and thought we'd be paying for it all (which really isn't much at all compared to what out-of-pocket expenses are for a hospital birth, even if you're only paying 20%). Apparently that's not the case, and they'll cover the birthing centers...for some reason insurance companies think there's a big difference between a birthing center and home (which there's really not as far as standard of care and resources).
Anyway, still a big decision. But we don't have to decide for sure until 36 weeks...so we have some time to really think it over.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Midwives
Last time was home-schooling. Now we're on to home-birthing.... ha.
So I started going to an OB at the beginning of this pregnancy. Got a great recommendation from a friend. Did the lab work, had my first ultrasound...the whole bit. Neil went with me to the ultrasound/appointment, and after the appointment, he was like "She seems like a great doctor, but she just talks so fast, and I just don't think I got any questions answered that I expected to have answered today...I just felt really rushed."
Neil hasn't really been to a lot of OB appointments in the past...and I kinda got used to how they went, and didn't' really have super-high expectations. No biggy. He seemed kinda bothered by it though. He also was like "the hospital she delivers at is 45 minutes away? umm...Pam, I really don't want to deliver a baby on the side of the road. I would have no idea what to do."
so, I told Neil that I would try to get some recommendations for some doctors in town that delivered at the hospital that's only 15 minutes away.
I got some recommendations, and I was planning on calling and making some consultations.
Then, I was talking to a girl at church, who was due to birth baby #2 in just a couple of weeks. She mentioned in the course of that conversation that she was planning on having a home birth. This was only the second time I had met someone who had done a home birth (the last one being a week before having Balian), but for some reason this time it just kinda caught me off-guard and really made me think...
I have never even considered planning a home birth. I always said "oh, I could NEVER have a home birth...way too scary."
But somehow, I found myself waking up that night, thinking about the possibility of that very thing.
Neil was in Korea at the time for his reserves 2-week training/deployment and he called me the next night. I just mentioned to him the conversation I had with the lady at church, and at the word home birth, he immediately said "YES! I want to know everything there is to know about having a home birth." I was totally in shock. apparently Neil had been thinking about home birth for a while, but was just waiting until I warmed up to the idea. ha! never would have guessed that one!
So...I started my research. Being the research-loving person that I am...I did a LOT of research! And I'm still researching!
It's amazing how much information you can find on this stuff. There's been documentaries done "The Business of Being Born" and "Orgasmic Birth" (which they probably just titled that way to get people to watch it...) and there's all kinds of research that has been done about how our country compares to other developed nations as far as c-section rates, infant and maternal mortality rates, and how that all has to do with OBs and hospitals vs. midwives and non-hospital births (birthing centers and home births). The more I read about the model of midwifery care, the more comfortable I felt with the idea...and not only that, but I also started to really LIKE the idea...and started getting excited about it. what?
I called two different midwives to set up consultations. That in itself was amazing. The midwives themselves answered the phone, set up the consultations, asked me some questions, and asked if I had any questions. I was probably on the phone with each midwife for anywhere from 15-20 minutes...and all of my questions at that point (do I even qualify for a home birth? what about precipitous labor? what about GBS? do you do stitches? how do you handle the possibility of hemorrhaging?, etc.) were totally answered by the time I was off the phone. Not only that, but each midwife explained that they would take me on a tour of the birthing center, and afterward we would have question and answer time to get to know each other better...and that this would probably take about an hour or so.
seriously? you're going to take an hour to answer all of my questions and show me how you're going to take care of me? You mean I'm not going to be waiting for an hour, and then getting about 5 minutes with you where I feel rushed and unsure about if I have any questions?
well, after my two consultation appointments with two different midwives, Neil and I are SOLD with the amazing level of individual care - and of course, the more wholistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth in general.
What? I don't have to be strapped to a bed with IVs and monitors? I can move around as much as I want, get in the bathtub if I want, have a water-birth if I so desire, eat and drink during labor, and have a home-cooked meal and an herbal bath with my baby after it's all said and done? I can breastfeed ASAP and have breastfeeding support at my fingertips as well as more post-partum care that includes baby care as well? (2 days, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, more in there if needed...some even do up to 12 weeks).
Anyway, we're super-excited. Now, we just have to decide WHO to use. And considering how great both options are, it may be a pretty difficult decision. we'll see!
So I started going to an OB at the beginning of this pregnancy. Got a great recommendation from a friend. Did the lab work, had my first ultrasound...the whole bit. Neil went with me to the ultrasound/appointment, and after the appointment, he was like "She seems like a great doctor, but she just talks so fast, and I just don't think I got any questions answered that I expected to have answered today...I just felt really rushed."
Neil hasn't really been to a lot of OB appointments in the past...and I kinda got used to how they went, and didn't' really have super-high expectations. No biggy. He seemed kinda bothered by it though. He also was like "the hospital she delivers at is 45 minutes away? umm...Pam, I really don't want to deliver a baby on the side of the road. I would have no idea what to do."
so, I told Neil that I would try to get some recommendations for some doctors in town that delivered at the hospital that's only 15 minutes away.
I got some recommendations, and I was planning on calling and making some consultations.
Then, I was talking to a girl at church, who was due to birth baby #2 in just a couple of weeks. She mentioned in the course of that conversation that she was planning on having a home birth. This was only the second time I had met someone who had done a home birth (the last one being a week before having Balian), but for some reason this time it just kinda caught me off-guard and really made me think...
I have never even considered planning a home birth. I always said "oh, I could NEVER have a home birth...way too scary."
But somehow, I found myself waking up that night, thinking about the possibility of that very thing.
Neil was in Korea at the time for his reserves 2-week training/deployment and he called me the next night. I just mentioned to him the conversation I had with the lady at church, and at the word home birth, he immediately said "YES! I want to know everything there is to know about having a home birth." I was totally in shock. apparently Neil had been thinking about home birth for a while, but was just waiting until I warmed up to the idea. ha! never would have guessed that one!
So...I started my research. Being the research-loving person that I am...I did a LOT of research! And I'm still researching!
It's amazing how much information you can find on this stuff. There's been documentaries done "The Business of Being Born" and "Orgasmic Birth" (which they probably just titled that way to get people to watch it...) and there's all kinds of research that has been done about how our country compares to other developed nations as far as c-section rates, infant and maternal mortality rates, and how that all has to do with OBs and hospitals vs. midwives and non-hospital births (birthing centers and home births). The more I read about the model of midwifery care, the more comfortable I felt with the idea...and not only that, but I also started to really LIKE the idea...and started getting excited about it. what?
I called two different midwives to set up consultations. That in itself was amazing. The midwives themselves answered the phone, set up the consultations, asked me some questions, and asked if I had any questions. I was probably on the phone with each midwife for anywhere from 15-20 minutes...and all of my questions at that point (do I even qualify for a home birth? what about precipitous labor? what about GBS? do you do stitches? how do you handle the possibility of hemorrhaging?, etc.) were totally answered by the time I was off the phone. Not only that, but each midwife explained that they would take me on a tour of the birthing center, and afterward we would have question and answer time to get to know each other better...and that this would probably take about an hour or so.
seriously? you're going to take an hour to answer all of my questions and show me how you're going to take care of me? You mean I'm not going to be waiting for an hour, and then getting about 5 minutes with you where I feel rushed and unsure about if I have any questions?
well, after my two consultation appointments with two different midwives, Neil and I are SOLD with the amazing level of individual care - and of course, the more wholistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth in general.
What? I don't have to be strapped to a bed with IVs and monitors? I can move around as much as I want, get in the bathtub if I want, have a water-birth if I so desire, eat and drink during labor, and have a home-cooked meal and an herbal bath with my baby after it's all said and done? I can breastfeed ASAP and have breastfeeding support at my fingertips as well as more post-partum care that includes baby care as well? (2 days, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, more in there if needed...some even do up to 12 weeks).
Anyway, we're super-excited. Now, we just have to decide WHO to use. And considering how great both options are, it may be a pretty difficult decision. we'll see!
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