The Business of Being Born Message Board

Q: I am planning on trying to get pregnant in the next 6 months and I expressed
a fear of labor to a close friend of mine. She recommended that I watch this
film and it has completely changed my perspective of the experience. I feel
a calmness inside now when I think of the birth and I actually can’t wait.
I know it will be unbelievably painful, but now that I know what the
experience could be, I actually want to go through. You have changed me for
the better, you have created awareness and beauty around the birthing
experience and I am so thankful.

The only concern for me having a home birth is that we are a 45-minute drive
from the hospital, is that a big concern?Thank you so much.

A: Well, I would have to say, that is a long way from a hospital if you would need one. I feel so lucky to be here in San Francisco where we have good collaborating hospitals in all parts of the city. We are basically only 10 to 15 minutes away from the hospital from any part of the city. That being said, I know many midwives in rural areas that serve women who live far away from a hospital. That distance could be the reason WHY you choose a home birth, or it could be your reason to forego a homebirth. I think this is really going to be a decision about your comfort level. Of course I would recommend having a Certified Professional Midwife or a Certified Nurse-Midwife with you for the birth. If you start talking to your local midwives, I am sure they will be able to tell you how they deal with women in your situation. Sometimes midwives have women find a friend’s home in town where they can give birth. During your birth, the midwife would always consider your distance from a hospital in her management decisions.

I would also love to address your concern about birth being “unbelievably” painful. That sounds so scary! I think it is important to reframe the idea of pain in labor. It is very powerful to consider labor as work as opposed to pain. My own labor was painful, I will admit that, but it was just hard work that I had to continue doing until my baby was born. I just kept working and working and before long my baby was born. It certainly could be the most intense sensation that you have ever felt. You can do it!! Here are some things that can help: water, a doula, hypnobirthing, a supportive partner, a heating pad or hot water bottle, encouraging words from your birth team, a gymnastic ball to sit on, courage, love. Good luck with your birth!

Maria Iorillo, Certified Professional Midwife
www.wisewomanchildbirth.com
wisewomanchildbirth.blogspot.com