That went better than expected!

[mintyeyes]

I have been SO nervous to talk to my Mom and sister about homebirth.  I don't really know why except that I want their support and I was afraid they'd be completely against the idea and try to persuade me to switch back to the hospital. 

I told my sister (who knew I had considered it in the past) and she said she would probably worry for my safety, but she knows a few people who have had successful homebirths and respects my choice.  My Mom said that it wasn't something she would have considered because she worries too much (can you tell my Mom & sister are related...haha) but said it was my decision and she was definitely support me in it. 

I just feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest.  I'm so glad they reacted well to it and will be supportive rather than trying to scare me with dead baby stories.  The only other person I'm nervous about telling is my cousin that I'm really close with.  We hang out all the time so it would be hard to keep it from her.  She's a PICU nurse and thinks that anyone who does a homebirth is irresponsible.  I know she won't approve, but I'm hoping she'll at least keep her negative comments to herself.  We'll see!  I'll probably wait a bit to tell her, but I feel so much better going forward with our planning now. 

[sleepingbeauty]

That's great!  I hope you get the birth you want.

[thebeljur]

That's wonderful news!  I'm sure you feel relieved.  I was so grateful for my parent's support.  My mom was fine with my decision, but my dad needed some research and information, then he was "OK" with it....still better than the disapproval and reaction they could have given me, ya know?  I actually took a moment later and thanked them for the support they could give me.  I wanted to make sure they understood that it meant a lot to me.  (Especially when we all know that the reactions we receive can be so destructive.)

And I can also relate to your cousin dilemma.  My sister is a NICU nurse, so the majority of her daily experience with birth and babies is overwhelmingly sad and unhealthy.  I understood what lens she was seeing through, though, and respected where she was coming from.  Really, I appreciated that it must be hard for her to see beyond what she knew.  So, try to remember that when you talk with your cousin.  And if you guys need to decide to just have it not be a topic of discussion so you both feel comfortable, then so be it.   You'll be fine either way, mama.   

[Lady Lilya]

A friend of the family attempted a homebirth 10 months before mine.  She transferred due to a looooooong pushing phase that wasn't getting anywhere, got some drugs to rest and let vaginal swelling go down, and then pushed out her DS.

I think that my family was more comfortable with my homebirth choice because of her story.  The main thing they were concerned about was a backup plan.  

I often thank her.  Because of her homebirth attempt, my parents and grandma were saved from worrying.