Did you know that the US has the highest obstetrical intervention rates of any country? Or that in studies comparing home vs. hospital births, home births, supervised by a “trained attendant”, indicate fewer deaths, injuries and infections? Did you know that respiratory distress in newborns was 17 times higher in hospitals than in the home? Did you know all that? I didn't... at least not until I actually took the time to do the research.
There were several reasons, including the ones I stated above, why I chose to have my baby at home this time around. Truth be told, first and foremost was my desire to have a water birth. I have always been interested in the idea of having a baby in what I felt would be the calmest, most peaceful and most comfortable environment (for my baby and myself) and a birthing tub was not something that could be provided for me at the hospital.
I also felt the need to completely take any unnecessary interventions and any pain meds out of the equation. I did not want to risk getting a nurse who pushed or encouraged epidurals and I didn't want to be told that I needed pitocin just because I "stalled" for a bit. I knew full well what my body was capable of, what it was meant to do, and I wasn't about to let anyone tell me anything different.
There were several reasons, including the ones I stated above, why I chose to have my baby at home this time around. Truth be told, first and foremost was my desire to have a water birth. I have always been interested in the idea of having a baby in what I felt would be the calmest, most peaceful and most comfortable environment (for my baby and myself) and a birthing tub was not something that could be provided for me at the hospital.
I also felt the need to completely take any unnecessary interventions and any pain meds out of the equation. I did not want to risk getting a nurse who pushed or encouraged epidurals and I didn't want to be told that I needed pitocin just because I "stalled" for a bit. I knew full well what my body was capable of, what it was meant to do, and I wasn't about to let anyone tell me anything different.
And after my 1st official appointment with my midwife I felt even more assured that I made the right decision. The absence of any "medical office scenario" was so promising and comforting. I found myself sitting on a cozy couch, discussing my pregnancy with my midwife in what was their "normal" casual manner and all I could do was smile with excitement and anticipation of what was to come. My future birthing journey... one that I can not wait to share with all of you.
