Birth Story – Duncan’s* birth
I am a 29 year mother of a beautiful, baby boy born July 8, 2009. My husband and I had never considered midwives and home births until a friend of ours introduced us to the idea with her first pregnancy almost 5 years ago. She had a home birth with a midwife and doula and had nothing but praise for the experience and care providers.
When it came time for my husband and I to consider our birth plan, I knew I wanted a midwife, but I assumed I would deliver in the hospital. After doing lots of research and hearing about other home births through my midwife, my husband and I realized that it was the right choice for us. I worked for 7 years in research in a hospital setting, and I came to my own personal conclusion; hospitals are where you go when you are sick. I trusted in the hospital’s ability to heal and treat patients, but I couldn’t see myself being admitted into hospital with a low risk labour. When we told our family about our decision, they were rightfully concerned; eventually they came around once they learned the facts. I even convinced my mom to be my doula. When the big day arrived, starting at 2:20am, everything just seemed to progress as it should have. My mom was the first to arrive at 5:00am, followed by my midwife at 7:00am. My husband never left my side for more than 3 minutes(longest 3 minutes I can remember) because my mom was able run and get anything I or my midwife needed. I was free to move and rest in any position I felt comfortable; and when my contractions started to stall, the midwife had me climb the stairs a few times to start them back up again… it worked! At 3:27pm, my son was born; and the best part was that all I had to do was climb into my OWN bed and rest with baby. For the next week my midwife came to me to check on myself and baby; I didn’t have to go anywhere!In the end I would have to say that my home birth was a very positive experience. Although far from pain-free, I felt safe and comfortable in my own space. I have many friends that all had different birth experiences, some better than others; but it all comes down to making the right choice for yourself. Don’t let other people’s thoughts or opinions cloud your judgement on what it best for you and your baby.
* name changed for privacy