Homebirthin'

I haven't really talked about our decision to homebirth on this blog.  I was lucky enough to get care through a midwife, so this is actually an option for us.

I'm passionate regarding the option to homebirth, but I don't want to get all preachy.  For us, it just seems like a better way to do things.  While I'm sure hospitals can be lovely places, and many babies are born there all the time (a hospital birth is of course the norm), it just seems amazing to be able to do it from the comfort of my own home.  I can wander around my home, yard or neighbourhood, I can rest in my bed, with my pillow and my husband.  I can cuddle with my pets if I want to!

We're keeping an open mind, because truly, anything can happen.  Our closest hospital is about 15 minutes away, and when I go into labour, emergency services is notified in case I need to be transferred to the hospital quickly. 

There will be two midwives, one to care for me, and one to care for the baby once she arrives.  They will be with me throughout the birthing process and for several hours afterwards.  When all is done, I will be able to rest at home without bustling nurses and hospital monitors.

We made a quick stop at our local hospital yesterday.  I had an appointment with a specialist doctor since my spine is curved and if we do end up at the hospital, I wanted to be sure I could get the pain management support I would be seeking.  The nurse checking us in was very unsupportive of homebirths.  She frowned and shook her head a lot.  She told us about homebirths gone wrong and moms and babies being rushed to the hospital.  I understood her concern (she sees the cases that haven't gone right, after all, she has no idea how many home births worked out just fine), but it still seemed a little inappropriate. 

Having a home birth is supported by our federal government and our provincial government. It is actually significantly cheaper for a mother to give birth at home, than in a hospital (surprise, surprise) and healthy mamas-to-be should know it's a valid option.

Of course, do your homework.  It's not the right thing for everyone.  But know that for a long time, it was the norm.