The Business of Being Born Message Board

Baby’s Birth Date: July 2002 & Sept 2006

My kids’ birth stories are kind of similar to Ricki’s. Our first was born in hospital, but luckily we had a doula with us for support. I knew I didn’t want to take drugs and in the past experience of friends and family, nurses PUSH pain medication while you are in labor. We were so lucky to have our doula during the whole labor and delivery. Even though my birth plan indicated I didn’t want any pain medication, I can personally remember at least 3 times when the nurses came in and told me it was available - even epidural. HELLO!!!! But my doula informed them we would get though this contraction and then let them know if we wanted pain medication. As we know, once the strong contraction is over, labor is once again manageable. So our first was born vibrant and healthy!!

During our second pregnancy we moved to a new state, meaning I had to find a new doctor - this state doesn’t have any midwives that deliver babies. So we decided we needed to find a doula to support us in the hospital like our wonderful doula did for our first baby. We were lucky enough to meet a doula who was also in training for midwifery and home birth. Long story short, I went into labor one evening about a week before my due date. Not realizing it was labor and not just gas pain I decided to take a hot bath. About 3 times I drained the tub and added hot water again as that was really helping the pain. My husband checked on me once and I told him to go onto bed, I was just going to relax in the tub a bit. After a couple of hours and still oblivious to the fact I was having contractions, I realized I had lost my plug. I went and woke up hubby and told him to call the doula to meet us at the hospital. Then from there it all went pretty quickly. I got back into the bath as contractions were strong and more frequent now and all I wanted to do was to lay down in hot water! My husband decided to call the doula back and have her come to our house after I told him I couldn’t get up and walk because it was time! Thank God she only lived about 20 minutes away…. So she got there, came into the bathroom and said we were getting up and going to the hospital. I said, “no - the baby’s head is out!” She checked and realized we were having a baby NOW. Again, thank God, she had a home birth kit in her car. The baby was born in about 3 big pushes. Between her and my husband they gathered all the supplies needed, like sterilized scissors and warm towels. Again, I ended up with a vibrant, calm, healthy child. Our son!!

Really, the home birth is surreal to me. I can’t believe that was me, but it was so much more calm to be at home. After the placenta came, I was able to stand up, take a shower. My hubby cleaned and wiped everything down while the baby and I lay in my own bed (on lots of towels) and he nursed while she did all his vitals. He was born at 1:50am. We called the pediatrician around 9am and were told to go to the emergency room, who sent us to Labor and Delivery, who “wheeled” us to Pediatrics - which that is a whole other DRAMA story. I also recommend if you plan a home birth you plan the birth certificate in advance.

So that’s it - 2 births, no drugs and LOTS of $ saved from having the home birth.
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