The whole thing seemed kind of fishy to me until I saw all the equipment the “doula” had, I then came to the conclusion it must have been a planned homebirth. Looks like to me the “doula” was really a midwife. I can’t for the life of me at the moment remember where they live but perhaps is one of those states where it’s illegal or tricky for midwives to practice (I’m only really familiar with the rules in Texas) or maybe the surprise “doula” assisted homebirth is how TLC thought it would best come across to a mainstream audience.
From all the interviews with the two of them, I just can’t see them having an unassisted homebirth on the fly. They, Josh especially, seem very organized, focused and prepared. Seems to me TLC spun the comment by Josh about the couple hours of discussion they had about homebirth to look like it took place during Anna’s labor. I’d venture to say those discussion happened well before. I also wonder if their doctor was really out of town. Of course anyone who’s never had, or even contemplated, a homebirth probably wouldn’t even know the difference regarding the timing of the conversation. I think TLC managed to pull it off really well. Props to Josh and Anna for shining a very positive light on homebirth.
I loved how truthful and honest it was. I am sure they planned to homebirth... they probably swirled it in there heads since they found out their doc would be out of town.
