First I should say that my Dad and I are very close, and can really say almost anything to each other. So while I am calling this an argument, it was actually friendly enough and I have no hard feelings. I have told him off more than once... 
Anyway, he calls me last night to see how I am doing. At least he didn't have the nerve to ask if I gave birth yet. He also lives about 5000 miles away..
I haven't told anyone in my family about my homebirth plans because I know that they would not be supportive and no one has really asked yet.
But last night my dad says "So, you ARE giving birth in a hospital aren't you? You aren't going to do anything stupid like give birth at home?"
My response "You don't really expect me to answer such a close-minded, stupid question, do you? Besides why is it any of your business?"
Dad: "Well I am entitled to my opinion, and I think baby's should be born in hospitals. I don't want you risking my grandchild's life - or yours either."
Me: I think you know me well enough to know that I would never do anything that would hurt me or the baby. I think I proved that with DD (my 7yo had a congenital kidney abnormality that demanded a major change in our birth plans, which I made willingly). As for your opinion, of course you are entitled to one, however people will respect you a lot more if you have an educated one. Yours obviously isn't.
Dad: You still haven't answered my question. Are you giving birth at home then?
Me: I have no intention of answering you, since you have made it clear that you don't have an open mind on the subject. What I am asking you to consider is that I have worked in birth for 8 years, I teach couples about birth as well as train new doulas and CBEs. I have written numerous articles on this topic that have been published internationally and have spoken at numerous conferences, and generally am considered a bit of an expert in this field. Surely you can agree that I know more about birth than you do.
Dad: True, so that means you know hospitals are better and you are going to one then?
Me: That means that I know enough to make well educated and thought out decisions about my birth. And that is all I am going to say on the matter.
AAAARGGGGGGHHHHHH!!! This is why I have stopped answering the phone!
Anyone still think I should tell my family about my homebirth???
Anyway, he calls me last night to see how I am doing. At least he didn't have the nerve to ask if I gave birth yet. He also lives about 5000 miles away..
I haven't told anyone in my family about my homebirth plans because I know that they would not be supportive and no one has really asked yet.
But last night my dad says "So, you ARE giving birth in a hospital aren't you? You aren't going to do anything stupid like give birth at home?"
My response "You don't really expect me to answer such a close-minded, stupid question, do you? Besides why is it any of your business?"
Dad: "Well I am entitled to my opinion, and I think baby's should be born in hospitals. I don't want you risking my grandchild's life - or yours either."
Me: I think you know me well enough to know that I would never do anything that would hurt me or the baby. I think I proved that with DD (my 7yo had a congenital kidney abnormality that demanded a major change in our birth plans, which I made willingly). As for your opinion, of course you are entitled to one, however people will respect you a lot more if you have an educated one. Yours obviously isn't.
Dad: You still haven't answered my question. Are you giving birth at home then?
Me: I have no intention of answering you, since you have made it clear that you don't have an open mind on the subject. What I am asking you to consider is that I have worked in birth for 8 years, I teach couples about birth as well as train new doulas and CBEs. I have written numerous articles on this topic that have been published internationally and have spoken at numerous conferences, and generally am considered a bit of an expert in this field. Surely you can agree that I know more about birth than you do.
Dad: True, so that means you know hospitals are better and you are going to one then?
Me: That means that I know enough to make well educated and thought out decisions about my birth. And that is all I am going to say on the matter.
AAAARGGGGGGHHHHHH!!! This is why I have stopped answering the phone!
Anyone still think I should tell my family about my homebirth???
