From UC to Attended Birth?

[L J]

My first was a planned UP/UC. It went great. No surprises, labor was as quick and normal as I had expected it to be. It was a wonderful experience and I wouldn't change a thing.

Its been 3 years since my first was born and I am now with a different partner. We are ttc our first together.

I love this man with my entire being and I have an enormous amount of respect for him. However, he is very squeamish about all things birth related.

He respects my decision to never birth in a hospital, but gets really scared when I talk about it just being the two of us.

I am considering hiring a midwife for his peace of mind. As much as I want to be alone to let nature do its thing, I want him to be able to relax and enjoy the birth of his child.

Has anyone here gone from a complication free UC to an attended birth? I would love to hear the experiences of anyone that has. Anything of the experience that you deem relevant - at this point in my thoughts I don't even know what questions to ask.

I know that if I insist on UC he will support that and do his best to prepare for it, but I worry that it won't be in anyones best interest if he is scared during the birth.

[zoebird]

if he prepares for it, then it is unlikely that he will be scared. if he is willing to prepare for it, then i would take him up on that!

but, i don't see that it would be a problem to have an attended birth if you feel that is what is best for your family. i'm sure you'll be able to find a midwife who is hands off enough to support all of your needs.

[MamaRabbit]

I had a planned twin UC. If I were to have another baby , I'd most likely have it attended. For me, I want to enjoy the birth and not have to be so in charge and on top of things.

[rlmueller]

Can you meet in the middle

With a doula w/med background and a good just in case plan. My birth assistant just happens to be an EMT and Bradley instructor. (I know--I troll this site in hopes that I don't call anyone for my birth)

Have faith he can turn to the dark side of the force with the rest of us.

[lovestolearn]

Check out Rixa's Blog. She did exactly what you are describing...
http://rixarixa.blogspot.com/

[zoebird]

rixa rules.

i think you bring up an interesting point, mama rabbit. although i didn't feel that way or experience my birth in that way (i felt that i totally enjoyed it and never felt like i had to be on top of anything), i can see how that might lead someone to decide to have a midwife there.

there are so many reasons. and UC isn't anti-midwife or anti-attendance in nature. i've long felt that its' about making personal, informed choices. you know what is right for you. maybe that is UC, maybe it isn't. as long as a decision isn't made in fear, i think it is definitely the right decision.

it's really the blessing of free, informed choice!