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tremendously conflicted

post #1 of 9
Thread Starter 
I don't know whether to cross-post this in the UC forum or what, and it'll probably come out all discombobulated, but here goes. After what I consider a traumatic hospital birth with CNMs with my ds, we decided on a UC for my dd. It went perfectly. Now I've got ds2 coming in the Spring and I had decided to go with a home birth CNM for this one for a couple reasons, mainly because I was thinking I'd like the support of another woman this time around, and because my dh will be busy with 2 kids instead of one. Part of me feels like it's the responsible thing to do this time; however there's a small yet substantial voice that's been getting louder the further along I get that has me somewhat anxious as far as 1.) having the mw there, who I'll only have seen less than a dozen times before the birth and thus won't really "know", and 2.) having one of her assistants there, who I won't have met more than once or twice. I having a huge problem getting comfortable with having what amounts to a sort-of-stranger and a for-certain-stranger in my home, during labor and birth. It's probably just a throw back to her being a CNM and my previous hospital experience with another one, i.e., I'm apprehensive that she's going to pull a switcheroo on me during labor and become very hands-on, but she assured me she's comfortable just hanging out and knitting unless we want her more involved. Thoughts? Opinions? Sometime someone on the outside can see these things more clearly. This is the third time around and I thought I'd be as rock-solid in my decisions as I was last time, but something's definitely keeping my brain in re-think mode.
post #2 of 9
Well, I think the first thing that comes to mind for me is that midwives spend SO much more time with you for homebirths, generally (at least mine does). Our appointments are at least an hour long, much of it is spent chatting over tea about things totally non-baby related, so I very much feel like we will "know" each other quite well by the birth, and I wouldn't feel like a stranger was in my house. You're right, though, I won't know her assistant much at all...
What about a doula? If your main reasons for having a midwife are for another women's support, and to help kid wrangle, maybe a doula would make you more comfortable?
post #3 of 9
I agree with what the PP said. You could try and meet the midwife assistant a couple times and see how that goes. Another option might be to arrange for childcare for the kids.

PS Jen- we knew each other on another forum, a couple years ago. Nice to "see" you again. Look for a PM from me :-)
post #4 of 9
Thread Starter 
Well, that's just it: she doesn't spend a whole lot of time with me, maybe 15 minutes tops consistently for the last 3 appointments. The first one lasted about 45 minutes, but she was getting all the pertinent medical history, etc. I like her well enough, but I'm just not feeling a connection, as it were. At least, not a connection where I'm feeling comfortable thinking about having my a** stuck in her face for any length of time. As far as which assistant ends up coming, it's been a different one each time so far. We have a Small Apartment -- I'm feeling like I'm going to be tiptoeing around someone who's there for the circus sideshow or something. Hmmmnnn... still thinking on it...

Thanks for replying, both of you. And Lisa, I'm so pregnant and hormonal, hearing from a gal from back in the day just made me tear up some.
post #5 of 9
I'd probably be honest with her. Tell her you are not feeling the type of "connection" you are looking for, and that you are very concerned about being able ot trust her and not having to worry about her "pulling a switcheroo".
IMO, a good midwife deals a LOT with emotional and psychological issues, as much as the medical/physical ones, during some pregnancies.
Midwives, even good ones, aren't psychic....if you have questions, fears, concerns, I think you need to bring them up. And frankly, the way she responds and handles it will probably tell you all you need to know.
post #6 of 9
Hi I'll be lurking as I'm kinda in the same place. We had a good birth last time around and DH was a wonderful partner, but I find myself wondering about logistics this time. I would like someone who can expertly take care of all the other 'things' that need to be done so DH, DD and I can just be together. (E.g. filling the pool is such a waste of time IMHO). And I want photography done too.

I don't know...maybe I need a doula...or a teen brother to help or something. But said teen brother might not like this idea.
post #7 of 9
I like bobandjess99's suggestion of bringing this up with the midwife and letting her know your concerns. I figure many mw's understand that birth is a very intimate affair and for some people, you really need to feel a strong, safe connection to have the birth you want. Bringing it up now gives you more chance to get to the point that you need before labor starts.

I also like the suggestion of having a doula as well if you can find one that you really click with. For my last birth, I found an awesome doula that I felt very comfortable with and my mw was there 'just the in case' because I didn't feel like I needed that same connection with her. We're birthing with my mw a second time now and at this point I am very comfortable with her, but didn't get to that point until after my birth.

You can also ask your mw to not bring an assistant. I did this last time and realize her agreeing was probably related to knowing my doula, but I think that if I didn't have a doula and pressed she would have still come alone if that was my preference.
post #8 of 9
Legally in BC you need to have two birth attendants that know neonatal resuscitation. That is why the midwives bring backup to a home birth, but can rely on hospital staff if you are having a midwife attended birth at the hospital. If your doula has been trained in neonatal resuscitation then she could fill in as the "assistant" in case of emergency.
post #9 of 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by skyblufig View Post
Well, that's just it: she doesn't spend a whole lot of time with me, maybe 15 minutes tops consistently for the last 3 appointments. The first one lasted about 45 minutes, but she was getting all the pertinent medical history, etc. I like her well enough, but I'm just not feeling a connection, as it were. At least, not a connection where I'm feeling comfortable thinking about having my a** stuck in her face for any length of time. As far as which assistant ends up coming, it's been a different one each time so far. We have a Small Apartment -- I'm feeling like I'm going to be tiptoeing around someone who's there for the circus sideshow or something. Hmmmnnn... still thinking on it...

Thanks for replying, both of you. And Lisa, I'm so pregnant and hormonal, hearing from a gal from back in the day just made me tear up some.
Ah, yeah...if she's not spending that much time with you I can see why you're not that comfortable. I'm not sure I would be feeling any sort of connection then either.
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