Three:

Homebirth Video & Interview with Samantha, a Homebirth Mother.

Interview

I had my first 2 babies in a hospital and although they were good, easy, drug-free births I did not like the setting. I decided to have a home birth with my third baby and the difference was unbelievable! I used the only home birth midwife in my area but she had over 20 years experience and she is a truly lovely woman. We were very comfortable with her. That birth happened to be a meconium delivery but all went smoothly and no complications occurred. After that birth we could no longer picture a perfect birth anywhere else and continued having them at home with the same wonderful midwife. We just had our 7th baby 4 months ago and it was a perfect home birth.

After my 2nd baby was born in the hospital we didn’t like the environment, the constant interruptions by nurses and intrusions with breastfeeding. We knew a couple of people who had babies at home and just agreed to try a home birth the next time. We are so glad we did! Also, children see what a “normal birth” is like. My five oldest are all daughters and they have only seen home births and have only seen breastfeeding so to them this is the “norm.” This is how we can help bring births back home is by simply allowing our children to witness the experience – the same with breastfeeding.

We were never scared but we were also very informed and read many books about home births and birthing alternatives. I always followed a healthy Brewers diet and always felt healthy and in shape. I would say that maintaining a healthy pregnancy and a positive attitude will greatly reduce complications during labor. Also read, read, read everything you can about pregnancy, labor and birth!

The books that I thought were really the most helpful were:

• – Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by the Hathaways.
• – Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin.
• – The Brewer Pregnancy Diet by Dr. Brewer.
• – Safe Alternatives in Childbirth by David Stewart.
• – Gentle Birth Choices (video & book) by Barbara Harper gives a wonderful glimpse into homebirth.
• – Children at Birth by the Hathaways.

If anyone was scared who attended my births I was not aware of their fears. Again, I think if you as the mother are healthy and have a positive attitude, then that will help keep everyone feeling better about your choice to birth at home. I also would not want anyone to attend my birth who was “afraid.” If someone cannot work through their fear, then they need to stay away because attitudes are contagious.

1. Be a healthy mom! Eat a great diet and exercise.

2. READ!!! Knowledge is key and the more you know the better your birth will be.

3. Involve dad! He will be a huge part in your birth so make sure he is ready! Practice relaxation techniques and communicate any wishes, fears, plans ahead of time.

4. Carefully plan your birth team and this includes friends and family. Do not invite nay-sayers to this wonderful moment! Use a midwife you are comfortable with and can trust.

5. Trust your body and your instincts. Know that many, many women before you have taken this journey and have succeeded. Believe that you are capable of wonderful and awesome things and that this is only the first step into motherhood. Know that if you can do this, birth your new baby, then you can in fact do ANYTHING!

Video

This video shows Samantha giving birth to her baby at home. Please note that Samantha has graciously opened her heart and voice to share with you in order to create understanding and awareness of homebirth. You may leave a comment below that honors Samantha and her family as well as the gift she has given to all of us to witness her beautiful experience.

Would you like to help normalize homebirth?

The Normalizing Homebirth Project Inc has been formed in order to meet the needs of women who are choosing to birth at home and/or would like to birth at home. Our mission is to support families with one-to-one mentoring, homebirth circles for social and emotional support as well as need-based financial assistance for families who need it. Join today! It is only together, uniting our voice and hearts, that positive change can be made so that all choices in childbirth are honored and supported.