Beatrice's Birth Story

Many folks know that our beautiful little Beatrice was born at home 3 and a half years ago.  I've been meaning to share her birth story here as we prepare for our second homebirth.  You don't hear much about women giving birth at home anymore, but a few of us still do it. ( I suppose you don't hear much about people growing their own food anymore either.... but that is another topic.) I really need to share our story because I feel like the power of birth is like a secret that isn't shared, but should be every woman's birth right. Birthing is so intrinsic to our deepest nature and is one of the most powerful physical, emotional, mental, spiritual events in our lives. My birthing of Bea at home was a wholistic process. I felt safe, comfortable, supported, strong and loved throughout the entire labor.

Here is our story.  My labor began around 12:30 at night.  Dan and I had gone to bed around 10 or so.  My water breaking woke me up and I went to the bathroom to see if there was any more to come.  When I came back to bed I told Dan what had happened and we called our doula, Isa.  Her calm at  being called at 1 in the morning was amazing and she assured us she was on her way.  We tried to go back to sleep, but I don't think we slept very much at all.  The contractions came right away.  Honestly, I don't even remember what they felt like.  I did spend a lot of time on the toilet.  I later told my brother that giving birth was like trying to poop out a bowling ball, because it does feel like the baby is coming out your bottom. Hence, the toilet seemed like the most comfortable place to be.  By morning I had dilated almost all the way and we called the midwife, Joanne, and we all thought the baby would be coming soon.  We had the birth tub (a 150 gallon stock tank from Agway) set up, but didn't think we'd need it.  Joanne arrived and when the baby didn't come right away, I decided I would get into the tub. Meanwhile it had turned into a beautiful July Sunday. Once I was in the tub I couldn't imagine getting out again. The tub was amazing - the water was comforting and I found I could press off the sides of the tub with my legs, arms, back. I was pushing with every part of my body.  I started pushing when I got into the tub and ended up staying there for about 5 hours!  At one point the midwife asked if I wanted to get out and walk around, but I couldn't imagine leaving the comfort of the tub. Everyone was cool as a cucumber and I really had no idea that my situation was a little unusual. I was pretty much pushing continuously  and thought, wow I could really use a break and also that it was "hard work". (At the time George W. was using that phrase a lot and I couldn't believe I was thinking about our president during my labor)  Bea was crowning for what seemed to be a long time, but no matter how hard I pushed, she wouldn't budge. There were no signs of fetal distress, so I just kept plugging away.  Finally she started moving down more and it was a tremendous relief to push her all the way out.  Joanne put her right onto my chest and I fell in love with my daughter immediately.  

I got out of the tub to deliver the placenta while Dan sat beside me holding Bea. Soon we were all snuggled up in bed. I ate a good meal and Bea started nursing. I should have been exhausted but I was on such a high, my body coursing with hormones.  I was elated and in love and overwhelmed with being a new mother. 

Only in hindsight did I realize just how lucky I was to have been home.  If I had been at the hospital, chances are good that there would have been some kind of intervention - because my waters had been broken for over 12 hours or because I pushing for so long (5 hours). I thank God for the wisdom of my midwife and doula, for their experience, strength and belief in my ability to birth my baby.  Not to mention the chance for Dan, Bea and I to bond undisturbed in our own home. 

So that is my personal story. While yes I am a little atypical, some might say a crunchy organic farmer or whatever, but I am not flaky.  Nor am I naive. My own miscarriage and the loss of a good friend's full term baby have made me painfully aware  that things don't always go according to our expectations.  Nevertheless, the facts are plain and simple about the safety of midwifery care.  For more info please check out this recent piece from the LA Times by Jennifer Block, author of Pushed: The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care.