“All of my care providers told me that the reason
for staying at home as long as possible is that when you are comfortable, labor can proceed at a natural pace,” says Heather. “When you switch the setting (to a hos- pital, for example) that can slow down labor because it is a new environment, it is uncomfortable, and there is a feeling of being vulnerable.” While the unexpected can happen, Heather and
Rachel urge all parents-to-be to draw up a clear birth plan, which outlines their wishes for important items such as medication use, movement in and around the room, and when to use force or surgery to get the baby, if necessary. If someone is looking for a midwife, or dou- la, or just has questions, the one thing that they stress the most is to research, research, research. And of course, it’s not just the expectant parents
who share concern over the delivery process. Friends and family, in their care for all invovled, can sometimes pose questions and may not understand why someone
Both mothers caution that at home births are not for everyone, but they do advocate strongly against the use of labor inducing and pain medication.
would chose to go natural. For the most part, however, both Rachel and Heather felt that those they choose to share their birth plans with were understanding. “When I was telling people we
may have a home birth, the reaction was usually, ‘Good luck, get ready for pain,’ and you could tell they didn’t all-the- way agree with it,” Rachel says.”My dad, though, was all for it.” For Rachel, her recent experi-
ence with natural birth has even given rise to new life goals. “By my mid-40s, I’d love to be a
midwife,” she says. “I just attended the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) conference. I know it’s a long road to get there, but I am ex- cited. I also just started doing some belly
Septemeber October 2010 | Healthy Hippie Magazine 19
castings, which are plaster castings of the tummy before the baby is born.” Heather sums up her birth experience by going
back to the basics. “I think that a women’s birth experience has the
ability to leave an impression on her the rest of her life. Mine was life changing, the most incredible experience I have ever had. It was empowering, and it transformed me.” Both Rachel and Heather relied on extensive research to get the information they needed for their birth plans. Below are some of their top picks for books and DVDs:
Books: ”Birth Stories: Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” ”The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Satisfying Birth,” by William and Marth Sears. ”HynoBirthing: The Mongan Method: A Natural Approach to a Safe, Easier, More Comfortable Birthing,” by Marie F. Mongan For dads especially: “The Birth Partner Companion Book”
DVDS: “The Business of Being Born” (Available through Netf- lix) ”Pregnant in America” (May only be available via a mid- wife practice)
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