Here is my story, which just goes to show that you can plan plan plan and try to cover all the bases with your birth but your body may just not have gotten the itinerary!
I had Gabe(9) and Connor(22 mo.) in the hospital. Gabe's birth was not natural - epidural and suction- and I knew I didnt like that. With Connor, I went natural although had to lie on my back and the birth was a world of difference. We decided to have a homebirth because I really liked the intimate aspect, I wanted to do things my way, I dont like hospitals nor trust "the establishment". DH was a bit apprehensive but we found a wonderful midwife that we both felt comfortable and confident in. Many people thought we were crazy- but once we explained the facts, etc and once taking into account that we are intelligent people who wouldnt endanger our child, people were excited for us.
From 36 weeks on, I had been anxiously awaiting this birth- it was hot and uncomfortable in TN. There is also a law here that midwives are only permitted to assist in homebirths between 37-42 weeks. So I knew I had a "deadline". At 41.5 weeks, I was starting to get really anxious. We started considering self induction. My other 2 labors had begun at night, so I was assuming the same with this guy. So I was quite surprised on the morning of Sept 22 when I felt an explosive contraction while nursing ds2. DH was in shower, so I called ds1 and asked him to take ds2. Then I went into the bathroom and timed a few contractions. They were 6 min apart so I told DH was in labor and he got out of shower and started filling pool, calling around for babysitters etc. I called the midwife and told her I would call back when they were a little closer. 15 minutes later, they were 2 min apart and she was on her way. I had my first really strong contraction and then with the 2nd, felt the need to poop, which I did. But I realized there was still something there. I was standing in my bathroom, and realized there was a head. I called DH and he came in- I told him the baby was coming and it took a moment but he quickly snapped out of the shock, washed his hands and just in time for the contraction, was down on his knees to catch babies head. We both stood there silently and when my body was ready, I let the next contraction push our son out. With that, DH lifted baby up to me and he started crying to our relief. DH guided me to the bed and called the midwife to say "I just delivered my baby!". This was exactly 1 hour after the first contraction. I laid in the bed with our son, yes bloody and a bit shocked, but it was wonderful to have my older DS come in and see the look of pure amazement on his face. The midwife arrived about 15 minutes later and took care of me and my 9 lb 15 oz.baby for the next few hours.
My homebirth experience was beautiful. The moments in the bathroom with just DH and I were surreal. I did not have to grunt and groan to push this baby out. I remembered to just let my body do the work and he came out beautifully. I had little tearing and for the 1st time didnt need stitches. I had my family with me. Nothing went to plan (except for being at home)but I cant imagine a better birth.
I had Gabe(9) and Connor(22 mo.) in the hospital. Gabe's birth was not natural - epidural and suction- and I knew I didnt like that. With Connor, I went natural although had to lie on my back and the birth was a world of difference. We decided to have a homebirth because I really liked the intimate aspect, I wanted to do things my way, I dont like hospitals nor trust "the establishment". DH was a bit apprehensive but we found a wonderful midwife that we both felt comfortable and confident in. Many people thought we were crazy- but once we explained the facts, etc and once taking into account that we are intelligent people who wouldnt endanger our child, people were excited for us.
From 36 weeks on, I had been anxiously awaiting this birth- it was hot and uncomfortable in TN. There is also a law here that midwives are only permitted to assist in homebirths between 37-42 weeks. So I knew I had a "deadline". At 41.5 weeks, I was starting to get really anxious. We started considering self induction. My other 2 labors had begun at night, so I was assuming the same with this guy. So I was quite surprised on the morning of Sept 22 when I felt an explosive contraction while nursing ds2. DH was in shower, so I called ds1 and asked him to take ds2. Then I went into the bathroom and timed a few contractions. They were 6 min apart so I told DH was in labor and he got out of shower and started filling pool, calling around for babysitters etc. I called the midwife and told her I would call back when they were a little closer. 15 minutes later, they were 2 min apart and she was on her way. I had my first really strong contraction and then with the 2nd, felt the need to poop, which I did. But I realized there was still something there. I was standing in my bathroom, and realized there was a head. I called DH and he came in- I told him the baby was coming and it took a moment but he quickly snapped out of the shock, washed his hands and just in time for the contraction, was down on his knees to catch babies head. We both stood there silently and when my body was ready, I let the next contraction push our son out. With that, DH lifted baby up to me and he started crying to our relief. DH guided me to the bed and called the midwife to say "I just delivered my baby!". This was exactly 1 hour after the first contraction. I laid in the bed with our son, yes bloody and a bit shocked, but it was wonderful to have my older DS come in and see the look of pure amazement on his face. The midwife arrived about 15 minutes later and took care of me and my 9 lb 15 oz.baby for the next few hours.
My homebirth experience was beautiful. The moments in the bathroom with just DH and I were surreal. I did not have to grunt and groan to push this baby out. I remembered to just let my body do the work and he came out beautifully. I had little tearing and for the 1st time didnt need stitches. I had my family with me. Nothing went to plan (except for being at home)but I cant imagine a better birth.
.
What a wonderful story!!!!!!! Congrats on a healthy boy!
: My birth was very similar except it was 2.5 hours from the first contraction and the midwife arrived about 10 min after she was born.
