This is written by one of my clients who wished to share her experience around decision making for place of birth and ultimately choosing and having a home birth. Thanks for sharing. To learn more about birthing at home, please visit my website: www.vancouverhomebirthdoula.com
"I was 40 when I gave birth. The "system" seems to be designed to scare pregnant ladies over 35. Because of my age, I didn't even think a home birth was possible until my midwife told me it was. I had been subject to a lot of anxiety during my pregnancy. Hospitals are not happy places for me, and the idea of giving birth at home seemed so much easier logistically, physically, culinarily (that's not a word), mentally and emotionally.
So that's what I aspired for and that's what I did. Although I still had a bag packed and had to be mentally prepared for a change of plans, it happened at home as I had envisioned. I'm so happy for this decision and this outcome. Transition to postpartum care was so smooth.
My midwives and Debra supported me throughout and I had full confidence in the medical care I was receiving. We are fortunate in that our midwives are well connected to the hospital system, so I knew that if we needed to go, the midwife would arrange this well enough in advance that it wouldn't be an emergency.
It is a personal choice, based on one's comfort level and idea of safe space, but we can make that choice ourselves (unless the Universe decides otherwise), regardless of the "system" or random opinions and commentaries that pregnant women tend to be subjected to.
My mother told me her friends were surprised that we did this at home, so I guess it's not as common as it used to be back in their native India. My mother didn't seem too shocked, as most of her siblings were also born at home. We are blessed to have options, and home birth is an important one."
"I was 40 when I gave birth. The "system" seems to be designed to scare pregnant ladies over 35. Because of my age, I didn't even think a home birth was possible until my midwife told me it was. I had been subject to a lot of anxiety during my pregnancy. Hospitals are not happy places for me, and the idea of giving birth at home seemed so much easier logistically, physically, culinarily (that's not a word), mentally and emotionally.
So that's what I aspired for and that's what I did. Although I still had a bag packed and had to be mentally prepared for a change of plans, it happened at home as I had envisioned. I'm so happy for this decision and this outcome. Transition to postpartum care was so smooth.
My midwives and Debra supported me throughout and I had full confidence in the medical care I was receiving. We are fortunate in that our midwives are well connected to the hospital system, so I knew that if we needed to go, the midwife would arrange this well enough in advance that it wouldn't be an emergency.
It is a personal choice, based on one's comfort level and idea of safe space, but we can make that choice ourselves (unless the Universe decides otherwise), regardless of the "system" or random opinions and commentaries that pregnant women tend to be subjected to.
My mother told me her friends were surprised that we did this at home, so I guess it's not as common as it used to be back in their native India. My mother didn't seem too shocked, as most of her siblings were also born at home. We are blessed to have options, and home birth is an important one."
RSS Feed
