Have you ever heard anyone speak positively about labor and birth? I sincerely hope you have. Too often women share horrific stories concerning labor and birth with each other. The birth stories here on this web page were written by women who were active participants in giving birth and they were empowered by their home birth experiences. While reading their stories, you will hear the voices of women who know that women's bodies and the process of childbirth still work. It's about Birthing Well.
JOHN ROBERT June 21st, 9:03 am, 7 lbs. 2 oz, 21 1/2 inches long
Over the course of my pregnancy I became a homebirth "junkie." I just loved reading homebirth stories during my pregnancy and because I was expecting my fourth birth, I had great hopes it would be similar to some of the birth stories that I read words like, "oh it was nothing at all three hours and I was ready to push". Well this was my first home birth and I had no idea what my body was going to do. I woke up at 1:30am or so early Wednesday morning. I had been having series of contractions for four weeks and I was a little concerned I would not know the difference between false labor and real labor. My midwife just told me, "You’ll know".
When it began I knew it was beginning. The contractions were not very painful but they would startle me awake. I got up at around 2:00 because I could no longer sleep through them. I went to the bathroom twice; I could tell my system was cleaning itself out. At 3:00 I was tired of being alone and excited to tell my husband labor was beginning. I woke him up and said, "I'm not joking and I'm sure, this is it". We lay together in bed before we called Jane, my midwife. We knew she would ask us the pattern of contractions so my husband timed them for me as I just laid there. They were stronger than the hour before and growing in length; about four to five minutes apart and one minute long.
We called Jane at 3:45. Jane talked to me for about three contractions. She was very calm and relaxed. After my third contraction she asked me to give the phone back to my husband, she said "OK, I'm on my way." My husband and I went into the living room. I sat in my comfy chair and the contractions were surprisingly becoming stronger. I began to make noises through each one. I had read about vocalization, but the noises I made just seemed to come out instinctively. While waiting for Jane to arrive, I thought I could get some relief in my Jacuzzi bathtub. I started running the water and didn't hear the doorbell ring. At 4:40am, my five year old son got out of bed and answered the door, thank God. I didn't hear anything, but I saw my husband put the oxygen tank down in the bedroom. I was so relieved, that meant Jane was here. When I saw her I began to cry just out of relief. I'm not sure why, but I did feel better. Before getting in my bath Jane examined me. I was 5 cm. Yea! I had been making progress. I went through the next series of contractions in the water with the jets right on my back. That felt great, I was really riding the contractions and not losing it. Then one hit me and I felt like I was going to jump out of the tub. "Turn off the jets", I called out, instantly the water jets went from relief to pain. Jane checked me again. It was around 6:00am or so, and I was at an 8 cm. Great I thought the last two centimeters are going to be the fastest and in no time at all I would be pushing. And that's where I was wrong.
The next phase of my labor is where it all gets sort of blurry for me I can't remember order or time as well. But it took the next three hours to begin pushing. My contractions were now coming one on top of another. They were hard and close together. I changed my position often, sitting in my rocking chair, on the toilet, lying in bed, leaning over the bed. My cervix seemed stuck, so I began pelvic rocks. My wonderful husband continued to support me the entire time, and from the beginning of hard labor he did counter pressure on my lower back with each contraction. I got the strength to go a little farther, I asked to get in the shower, my husband stood outside the door and we just left it open, we put the warm water on my back and after about twenty minutes of this I felt the head move down, I yelped "he's coming, he's coming". I then went to my bed to lie down. Jane checked me and she asked me to push with the next contraction while she was still checking me. I did and the head moved down and my cervix was opened to a perfect 10 cm. She told me I was complete and encouraged me to push. She asked me what position was comfortable for me and I really was comfortable lying sideways on the bed with my husband lying sort of behind and beside me supporting my back in that traditional laid back knees apart birthing style. It's what my body wanted to do. At this point it was all very surreal. It was like an out of body experience. I let go this really loud yell that came from the caveman days with each push, and then I heard my name being called, "Lisa... Lisa". Jane said it twice before I became fully aware of her voice, "Lisa, pick up your baby". I was so in another place. I reached between my legs, picked up my baby and pulled him the rest of the way out of my body. I put him to my chest. He was so warm and incredible; he was calm and then just began crying on his own. The cord pulsed the last few times and then my husband cut it. The next twenty minutes we just laid there together and didn't move. John Robert nursed right away and hasn't stopped since. It was over! I was so elated.
It was seven hours from beginning to end, a little longer than I had hoped, especially since the long part was at the height of the pain and intensity. But if I were to be pregnant again ever, I would choose to birth at home again. It was an incredible experience and what I gained from it as a woman and a mother were incredible benefits that I cannot even describe. I made it. I will never hide how proud I am of this accomplishment. There is nothing that compares to the strength that it brought me. The midwife said to me when it was all over "You're a strong woman". I will never forget those words, because for the first time ever when she said that to me, I believed her words.
A LETTER TO CHARLES AARON - a birth story on 7/10/10, 8:15 am, 8 lb. 0 oz,
Dear Charlie,
Your birth story began before you were even conceived. We knew that we wanted you, that we wanted to bring you into this world as peacefully as possible, and that we wanted to do that in our home. As we found out your life had begun inside of me, we started planning your homebirth. My pregnancy was near perfect, and you were so good to me. I hung on every move, hiccup, and punch...smiled at every 'wave' you gave us on the ultrasound...and looked forward to the day we would meet your sweet, sweet face.
The day before you were born, I visited with Janey, our midwife. She checked on you, checked on me, and we both knew it would be soon. I went about my day...going to lunch, making a trip to the grocery store, and finally going to a wedding that night. After the wedding was over, I went home and played three games of Scrabble with your Grandma, and I could tell something was different. Janey called to check on us later that night. I easily went to sleep around midnight, and dreamt of you and how you would look when you decided to arrive.
At exactly 2:00am my eyes fluttered open, and I realized I was in the middle of an intense contraction. I instantly knew that I would be meeting you very, very soon. The house was so quiet and dark...everyone asleep except you and me. There was work to be done, and I wanted some time for just us to be a team. I put on Enya, sat on the birth ball, and you and I bounced and breathed through every contraction. They were coming quickly, every one to four minutes, and with each contraction I knew that it brought me closer to you. They got stronger and closer together, and after almost two hours of solitude, I decided to let your Dad and Grandma in on our secret...that we would be meeting you that day.
I woke your Dad, and we made the bed in case that is where you decided to come. I went upstairs and woke up your Grandma; she was so excited that you were on your way. I called Janey, and she arrived shortly thereafter. She checked your heartbeat (which was perfect) and checked me...finding me at six centimeters.
You and I worked so well together, and your Dad was supportive of us in every way. I sat in the bathtub, and your Dad poured warm water over us. We breathed through each contraction together, and after a while I felt a slight urge to push. Your Dad called Janey into the room to check on us. I told her I knew it wasn't quite time yet, but that the time to push would be soon. She checked me, and I was eight centimeters. While she was checking me, I had a contraction and couldn't help but to bare down, and your clear water broke. Your head wasn't positioned exactly right, so I got up and moved around to help you move. We sat on the toilet, and that helped you a lot. I moved back to the bedroom and tried different positions for pushing. Janey suggested I squat and then try hands and knees on the floor, and this worked so well. Time became a blur, and you and I worked really hard to bring you down and out. As I bared down, I found my face almost touching my belly...and I softly whispered sweet words to you, encouraging you to make your way into this world. As you came down and closer to being born, we worked even harder. I drew physical strength from every part of my body, and you gave me the courage and desire to keep going...I wanted so badly to meet you.
I reached down during a powerful contraction, and was able to feel the top of your head. Janey told me to curl around you when I pushed, and this changed everything. You and I found a rhythm, and it worked. Just when I didn't think I could push any harder, I did, and your arrival was imminent. I remember Janey telling your Dad to get ready to catch you. I pushed with all of my might, and felt the biggest relief as your head slipped out of my body. I pushed again, and your shoulders easily followed. Your Dad and Janey gently guided you my arms, and you were here. Instantly, I was more in love than I thought possible. We sat together, you with wide eyes, and waited for your cord to stop pulsing. Your Grandma got to feel your pulse in the cord, and shortly thereafter your Dad cut the cord. You were here.
Your birth was absolutely amazing, and I wouldn't change a thing. Your arrival was so peaceful, and you were and are just perfect in every way. Your warm, pink body fit perfectly in my arms.
I'm writing you this letter and you are now eight days old. You are sitting in the other room with your Dad and Grandpa...snuggled into your Grandpa's chest and making sweet baby noises. I can't believe how fast it goes by. If I was able to push 'pause', I would. Your umbilical cord fell off at day five, you nurse like a champ, and you change every single day. Slow down, Charlie! I am so thankful for such a sweet, beautiful, healthy baby boy...and yes, I can wait to see what the future holds for you, for us, and for our family. There is no rush to grow up, Charlie. You, me, and your Dad will enjoy every second of every day...and take one day at a time. There is no doubt that you will grow to be a healthy, kind, strong young man.
My first exposure to home birth was over seven years ago when my sister, gave birth to my nephew. I thought she was crazy! Two years ater she did it again, this time resulting in my niece. By this time I had warmed a bit to the idea of home birth.
When I became pregnant with my first child, my husband Joe's second, we were overflowing with happiness. Even before the pregnancy we discussed home birth and Joe was totally against it. I was unsure of what kind of birth experience I wanted, home birth was one option. I began my prenatal care with a doctor. Because of Joe's fears I had resigned myself to a traditional hospital birth.
My feelings were that I would need Joe's support and if he would be very upset at home then I would not be able to be comfortable. I was doing what was right for him not me. I continued seeing Dr. X. In my fifth month I had a stomach virus with terrible cramps. I called Dr. X to ask about some medication. I was told to come to the office so he could check and be certain the cramps were cramps and not contractions. It was a little unnerving but I went. At the office Dr. X checked my cervix and everything was fine. He then said "to be on the safe side" he wanted me to go to the hospital and be monitored. I agreed "to be on the safe side".
Once I was settled in the hospital bed, strapped to a fetal monitor, my anxiety and fears hit me. After approximately 30 scary minutes of wondering if my baby was O.K., the nurse tending to me called the doctor to report that I was having some contractions. It was decided that I was dehydrated and needed re-hydration therapy. So an I.V. was ordered. I tried to call Joe at work but he was out. This scary situation was mine alone. After the IV I was allowed to go home. It did not dawn on me at that time that I could have combated dehydration by drinking fluids. When Joe arrived home from work I told him about my day. I again mentioned home birth and still he disapproved.
After six hours in the hospital having my healthy pregnancy treated like a sickness, I knew it was time to think of me and the baby. Operation Educate Joe began. I called Jane Hitch and enrolled in childbirth classes. Jane was aware of my problem and was very willing to help. Joe and I started classes. He was not thrilled that the classes were so midwife and home birth oriented.
I later learned he knew I was trying to sway him. But he knew he would not be swayed. We continued the class and I could tell Joe was enjoying them. I prayed every day he would change his mind. I knew a home birth was right for us and the thought of giving birth in a hospital was upsetting to me. To Joe's credit I must say that I never came right out and told him I definitely wanted a home birth. After our fifth class and much added knowledge I noticed a shift in Joe. He was able to see that home birth was safe and his fears dwindled.
On December 19th, at 2:58 pm, Jacob Ernest was born in the same bed in which our love created him.
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The Birth of Avery MadisonJanuary 31, 2009 1:11 AM 6 lb. 5 oz.
Avery's birth was different. I wanted it that way. I knew from the second I found out I was pregnant that I didn’t want another typical hospital birth. By typical I mean one filled with convenience and intervention. I started seeing the OB that delivered our last baby. I started talking to John about hiring a midwife to be a personal labor assistant. I had to ease him into the idea of a homebirth. John would be difficult to win over since he is a medical doctor and midwifery is not something he knows much about.
I choose a midwife as a labor assistant over a doula with hopes that I could talk John into a home birth. I thought if I couldn’t get him to agree on home birth I could then stay at home as long as possible and avoid as many interventions at the hospital as possible. I talked to several midwives, most would not even get past a few minutes on the phone with me because I had never carried my other children past 37 weeks. I came across Jane’s website and gave her a call. She listened and expressed her concerns the same as the others. There was a difference when I talked to her. She calmed me. She listened. She talked. She was up front and honest about her concerns. She was reluctant but gave into being my labor assistant at the hospital without realizing that she would end up being the one to deliver our baby. Although, I think she may have known what I was secretly hoping to achieve. I was willing to listen to her advice to try to get this pregnancy as far as I could. The last obstacle was getting my husband to agree with a home birth; which I wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to do. But on the other hand if I could not get him to agree, then at least this hospital birth would be different.
The course of my pregnancy continued and I went to one of my routine OB exams with a list of many questions. Questions about pitocin, induction, early discharge, ambulatory orders and many other things I was determined to have in my birth plan at the hospital. I wanted to hold my baby right away, not after she was clean and wrapped, I wanted to keep her with me from birth not sent to the nursery for observation. I asked the OB if my preferences could honored as long as both the baby and I were fine. I was surprised to find out there was no room for negations on any my wishes. I was told I would receive pitocin unless I dilated a centimeter an hour, which I never have done with my other birth experiences. I was told that hospital policies would not allow the baby to stay with me for more than an hour immediately after birth and the soonest I could go home would be after 24 hours. I was so disappointed to realize no matter what I needed or wanted they would do things the way that best suited them, not me or my baby. I felt more like a prisoner to their way of thinking rather than a patient whose needs were important.
I talked to John again. I ask him to give home birth a chance as long as my pregnancy went full term. He finally agreed! That was a turning point for me. I knew I had a chance to birth at home and I all I had to do was to not have my baby before 36 weeks. Jane kept telling me I would make it and I had faith in what she was saying.
I had my three other children in the hospital. My three other children were another strong reason I wanted to have a home birth. I wanted them to know that birth is natural. I also wanted them to be as much a part of it as they wanted. It was important to me to bond as a family right after birth not two days later. Mia, my youngest daughter, being 20 months old had only been away from me for one night since she was born and I did not want to be separated from her while I birthed in the hospital. I wanted to care for her too. I didn’t want to start her transition to big sisterhood with a disruption. We are a family and having a baby should bring us closer not separate us for days.
I had no idea how much closer a home birth would bring John and I as a couple. The fact that he trusted in my ability to birth our baby at home meant a lot. I was 37 weeks and still hanging in there. I woke up the morning of the 30th at 4 am with contractions. I was able to sleep in between them. At 5:30 am John woke me and asked me if I was ok. He said I was making noise in my sleep and I sounded like I was in pain. I told him I was having contractions but they were not too bad. He asked me to call Jane and have her come check me. My contractions seemed to space apart and be milder but still there. I finally phoned her around 11 am to let her know what was going on. She came by my home and decided that we were going to have a baby that day but it may not be for some time because my contractions were spaced apart and irregular.
John and I spent a lot of time bonding with each other. We went for two walks and talked. He held my hand through the contractions and rubbed my back. The world seemed so quite to me. I just focused much of my energy on bringing this baby into our lives. I got in and out of warm baths several times, enjoyed a small glass of wine and waited for Avery to decide it was her time. Around 10pm, Jane suggested I go to bed to rested some. I was surprised to find I was able to sleep off and on and felt very relaxed despite the contractions getting stronger. John lit a fire in the fireplace and burned candles, lowered the lights and left me to rest in total silence. I could smell the lilies that John had bought for me in the air. Time started to blend. It was the most wonderful feeling, knowing Avery would soon be in our arms.
A little before midnight things were moving along. Jane and Allison (RN) were busy getting things ready in my bedroom. I could barely tell they were in the room. They moved about so quietly. I started pushing soon after. I was on my side with John facing me. Avery was not moving down much. Jane suggested I move to a squatting position.
In one contraction I felt Averys head pushing down. I reached down and touched her head; it was amazing to feel her. I remember climbing back onto my bed on my hands and knees, then kneeling and pushing. Averys head appeared. The most heartwarming feeling was looking down, for the first time ever, and seeing my baby being born. When I saw her head emerge, I spoke to her. It felt very surreal. The rest of her seemed to just come right out and Jane handed her to me. I was so thrilled to hold my baby right away without her being whisked away from me for blankets. This was the first time I had ever been able to touch my baby as it emerged from my body, see her being born, move around, have my voice heard, and feel my baby up against my bare chest.
It took four babies being born for that to happen. I wish they all were that way. I walked. I rested. I ate. I laughed. I enjoyed my family. I bathed. Yes, I dilated slowly. I labored long. I pushed for over an hour. I birthed my way. John was next to my side the whole time in a much more active role than he would have if we had been in the hospital.
This was my fourth baby and it didn’t go by the book. I believe if I were in a hospital they would have reacted like the birth was a problem. Jane reacted like it was a normal birth. I was given a wonderful gift. Jane will always have a special place in my family and in our hearts.
Avery is four months old next week and I remember her birth so clear. It comes back to me every time I smell lilies or look down at my sweet baby nursing. Our older girls choose not to be in the room when Avery was born; in fact they sleep through it all. Mia woke seven hours after Avery was born to meet her new sister. She fell in love at first sight. She looked her over like a proud new mommy, kissed her head and announced “Averys born!”
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TRAVIS A Grandmother's Thoughts
March 22nd was not the first time for me to be with my daughter for the birth of a grandchild. The first time was when my daughter gave birth to my granddaughter at Clear Lake Hospital. This second birth was to be different. During the long drive to my daughter's home I had time to contemplate that she had chosen to have a home birth. I tried to prepare myself by imagining what it would be like. When I gave birth to my daughter in the 60's such a thing was unheard of. Women weren't supposed to "suffer" and if you were unconscious and unaware so much the better! I didn't want to know or feel the pain, just like a million other women who gave birth that year. I realize now that I missed something that was really important. Some of you already know what I mean. I hope others of you will figure it out. Tina had told me she would have a midwife at the birth, and I knew her husband Robert would be with her. The long drive gave me the chance to calm myself down. I began to realize that maybe the old ways were not so bad.
When I arrived I went straight to the bedroom. The bedroom appeared to be well equipped for the delivery. Robert and Jane, the midwife, were with Tina and she was in the middle of a pretty good contraction. She looked like she was in good hands so I went into the living room and sat down. I went to see what was going on several times, but there was really nothing I could do for her, so I did what any mom would do. I went into the kitchen and started washing dishes to keep my mind off what was happening in the bedroom. Tina was allowed to sit up and move around in the bed. Tina called for me to come and take pictures. At first I was being very careful to frame the pictures thinking of light, balance, and the position of Robert and the midwife. Then I saw his hair. Yes, hair. After that I don't think I thought much about anything. Tina was really working hard. She was on her knees, her husband at her side encouraging her with words and touches. The midwife was also encouraging her and preparing to receive the baby. I was taking pictures with the flash (and several times without the flash). Then there was his head.
Unbelievable! He was almost full grown! He was the biggest baby I had ever seen. He had a head full of dark hair. His face turned towards me with his eyes closed. Tina had given birth to a beautiful 11 lb. 8 oz. baby boy. Tina's face showed joy, excitement, and relief that really is impossible to describe. Robert was really excited and started calling everyone to announce the birth of his son before the midwife even had a chance to weigh him. As Travis and his Mom were being cleaned up, the news was spreading fast, and before Tina had finished her shower more family arrived to welcome our newest member.
I remember looking out the window once that morning, and watching one of the neighbors come out to pick up his morning paper. He was probably thinking that this was just another day, while at the same time my grandson was being born in the next room. How very, very lucky I am to have witnessed my heritage be born. To know that someday Travis will be able to drive down third street and point to the little house where he was born.
At around four o'clock Sunday morning, I started to get intense contractions. They were different feeling than the ones I had been getting all week long. Jane, my midwife, checked me and confirmed that I was in active labor. She also found ketones in my urine. My husband made me a protein shake with yogurt and fresh strawberries to drink. It made the ketones disappear and I also felt a lot better. Then my husband and I went to the pool so I could float in his arms. The pool really helped me relax more.
The contractions were coming stronger. However, my baby’s head was not fully engaged in my pelvis. I tried squatting during contractions hoping to open my pelvis more to help her move down. I did pelvic rocks to encourage her to turn over from being posterior. I soon started to feel more pressure from her head. I was progressing during every contraction.
At seven centimeters, the contractions seemed endless with constant pain in my back. My breathing was hard to control and my husband was doing what he could to help me. The pain started to get pretty bad. I screamed for Jane. "I can’t do this anymore", I said. My body became very good to me. With every strong contraction and help from my midwife I was nine centimeters. Soon to be followed by, "I wanna !".
During my Bradley childbirth classes I was an excellent practice pusher. I truly used the techniques I learned in class during my birth. I pushed for a little over an hour when I heard my midwife say something I had been wanting to hear for nine months, "The baby’s head is out....She has some hair....Her eyes are wide open". At my bedside my mother cried with joy. As my husband held my hand tight, I pushed again. My daughter was born. She was laid on my chest, crying, and she was looking at me. I fell in love. I was now a mother.
The placenta quickly unattached itself. I barely felt it come out. Then my husband cut the umbilical cord. I stared at our little miracle. She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. When her Daddy spoke to her she turned her eyes towards his voice. I was intensely happy. The overwhelming feelings are so hard to explain to someone who has not been through this experience. I would assume it is different for every woman. I was overjoyed to hold my child in my arms.
During my pregnancy someone spoke of a rush of motherhood feeling and a sense of accomplishment that comes from birth. Those feelings have not struck me. I do not feel like mother of the year, but just myself with the most beautiful baby in the world. I am now busy changing diapers, feeding her, rocking her, watching her sleep, sleeping when I can, and thanking God for what I have. I will always remember why I had a home birth. My child was born drug free and alert. She was in excellent care and so was I. All in all, my natural, home birth decision was the best decision I ever made.
God bless you, Laurie B.
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MEREDITH : A Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section
From the very beginning everything about Meredith was unplanned, but that is about par for Jeff and me. Our son had also been unplanned and his birth was anything but what was expected. After the terror of his Cesarean birth, I was very reluctant to become pregnant again. The thought of another birth experience like his was mortifying. So when I began suffering from persistent nausea, I denied the possibility of pregnancy. After about four weeks of queasiness, I felt a lump about the size of an orange just above my pubic bone. I then admitted to myself and Jeff that I was pregnant. I read Silent Knife and realized that I did not have to have cesarean birth. Then as fate would have it, my husband talked to a man whose wife had a homebirth. I was afraid that because of my previous Cesarean a homebirth would not be possible, but I began a search anyway. I soon discovered that my conclusions were wrong. I finally decided upon Jane Hitch as my midwife.
The remaining months of my pregnancy seemed to go remarkably well. I began prenatal care at 19 weeks gestation and had nine prenatal home visits and one doctor’s visit. I saw the doctor as my back-up physician. The only thing that occurred during my pregnancy was anemia which I corrected by making changes in my diet and taking herbs like yellow dock. At 35 weeks gestation all supplies for the birth were ready. I had nothing to do but wait. Waiting is the hardest part.
On November 3rd I began latent phase labor with diarrhea. The contractions were intermittent for the next two days. I felt very anxious during this time. Jane came over to check on me. I also got to hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, since I had requested that Jane not use a doppler and use her fetoscope up until this time. We talked about some of my expectations that might be holding me back. After she left I tried to get some rest without much luck. I decided to go on with my life as usual. When I laid down to sleep that night, the contractions were coming heavier. The pain got so bad that at 1:00 am I called Jane. We talked for awhile on the phone, because I did not want to cry at my birth, but she assured me that it was all right to cry if I needed to. Jane arrived at my house at 3:30am. She felt I was doing well. She worked with me on dealing with my contractions and relaxing. When she checked me I was 4 centimeters. I then got in a tub of warm water to relax. I would cope well for five or six contractions then yell, "Jane help me", and she would talk me through the contractions. I tried sitting on the toilet. I tried deep breathing and relaxation. I tried visualization. I tried anything and everything to relieve the pain. Not until transition did I realize labor was suppose to hurt.
When transition stage came, my body just seemed to take over and do the work without giving my mind time to worry about the pain. After releasing a primal scream my bag of waters broke with a gush. I was completely dilated in a few more contractions.
Although my second stage lasted only 32 minutes, I never felt that overwhelming urge to push. I tried pushing in the kneeling position at first. I was uncertain when to push. I would waste 15 seconds of each contraction making certain it was really a contraction. I switched to hands and knees. All during second stage I yelled and grunted. Jane did perineal support with hot compresses. Jane caught the baby. I reached down and touched her face and said, "Mommy has a baby girl."
I picked her up and tried to nurse her, but she was not yet interested. Jeff cut the cord then took her from me, rocked her in the rocking chair and talked to her while the placenta was being delivered. Then he handed her back to me and I again put her to my breast.
I did not realize how wonderful my birth had been until I started to write this. It has been fantastic remembering one of the best moments of my life and sharing it with you. I look forward to one day having another beautiful homebirth.
Have you ever heard anyone speak positively about labor and birth? I sincerely hope you have. Too often women share horrific stories concerning labor and birth with each other. The birth stories here on this web page were written by women who were active participants in giving birth and they were empowered by their home birth experiences. While reading their stories, you will hear the voices of women who know that women's bodies and the process of childbirth still work. It's about Birthing Well. 
JOHN ROBERT
Dear Charlie,
At exactly 2:00am my eyes fluttered open, and I realized I was in the middle of an intense contraction. I instantly knew that I would be meeting you very, very soon. The house was so quiet and dark...everyone asleep except you and me. There was work to be done, and I wanted some time for just us to be a team. I put on Enya, sat on the birth ball, and you and I bounced and breathed through every contraction. They were coming quickly, every one to four minutes, and with each contraction I knew that it brought me closer to you. They got stronger and closer together, and after almost two hours of solitude, I decided to let your Dad and Grandma in on our secret...that we would be meeting you that day.
You and I worked so well together, and your Dad was supportive of us in every way. I sat in the bathtub, and your Dad poured warm water over us. We breathed through each contraction together, and after a while I felt a slight urge to push. Your Dad called Janey into the room to check on us. I told her I knew it wasn't quite time yet, but that the time to push would be soon. She checked me, and I was eight centimeters. While she was checking me, I had a contraction and couldn't help but to bare down, and your clear water broke. Your head wasn't positioned exactly right, so I got up and moved around to help you move. We sat on the toilet, and that helped you a lot. I moved back to the bedroom and tried different positions for pushing. Janey suggested I squat and then try hands and knees on the floor, and this worked so well. Time became a blur, and you and I worked really hard to bring you down and out. As I bared down, I found my face almost touching my belly...and I softly whispered sweet words to you, encouraging you to make your way into this world. As you came down and closer to being born, we worked even harder. I drew physical strength from every part of my body, and you gave me the courage and desire to keep going...I wanted so badly to meet you.
Your birth was absolutely amazing, and I wouldn't change a thing. Your arrival was so peaceful, and you were and are just perfect in every way. Your warm, pink body fit perfectly in my arms.
OPERATION EDUCATE JOE
Avery's birth was different. I wanted it that way. I knew from the second I found out I was pregnant that I didn’t want another typical hospital birth. By typical I mean one filled with convenience and intervention. I started seeing the OB that delivered our last baby. I started talking to John about hiring a midwife to be a personal labor assistant. I had to ease him into the idea of a homebirth. John would be difficult to win over since he is a medical doctor and midwifery is not something he knows much about. 
The course of my pregnancy continued and I went to one of my routine OB exams with a list of many questions. Questions about pitocin, induction, early discharge, ambulatory orders and many other things I was determined to have in my birth plan at the hospital. I wanted to hold my baby right away, not after she was clean and wrapped, I wanted to keep her with me from birth not sent to the nursery for observation. I asked the OB if my preferences could honored as long as both the baby and I were fine. I was surprised to find out there was no room for negations on any my wishes. I was told I would receive pitocin unless I dilated a centimeter an hour, which I never have done with my other birth experiences. I was told that hospital policies would not allow the baby to stay with me for more than an hour immediately after birth and the soonest I could go home would be after 24 hours. I was so disappointed to realize no matter what I needed or wanted they would do things the way that best suited them, not me or my baby. I felt more like a prisoner to their way of thinking rather than a patient whose needs were important. 
I had my three other children in the hospital. My three other children were another strong reason I wanted to have a home birth. I wanted them to know that birth is natural. I also wanted them to be as much a part of it as they wanted. It was important to me to bond as a family right after birth not two days later. Mia, my youngest daughter, being 20 months old had only been away from me for one night since she was born and I did not want to be separated from her while I birthed in the hospital. I wanted to care for her too. I didn’t want to start her transition to big sisterhood with a disruption. We are a family and having a baby should bring us closer not separate us for days. 
A little before midnight things were moving along. Jane and Allison (RN) were busy getting things ready in my bedroom. I could barely tell they were in the room. They moved about so quietly. I started pushing soon after. I was on my side with John facing me. Avery was not moving down much. Jane suggested I move to a squatting position. 
This was my fourth baby and it didn’t go by the book. I believe if I were in a hospital they would have reacted like the birth was a problem. Jane reacted like it was a normal birth. I was given a wonderful gift. Jane will always have a special place in my family and in our hearts. 
TRAVIS
DEVYN NICOLE
At seven centimeters, the contractions seemed endless with constant pain in my back. My breathing was hard to control and my husband was doing what he could to help me. The pain started to get pretty bad. I screamed for Jane. "I can’t do this anymore", I said. My body became very good to me. With every strong contraction and help from my midwife I was nine centimeters. Soon to be followed by, "I wanna !". 
From the very beginning everything about Meredith was unplanned, but that is about par for Jeff and me. Our son had also been unplanned and his birth was anything but what was expected. After the terror of his Cesarean birth, I was very reluctant to become pregnant again. The thought of another birth experience like his was mortifying. So when I began suffering from persistent nausea, I denied the possibility of pregnancy. After about four weeks of queasiness, I felt a lump about the size of an orange just above my pubic bone. I then admitted to myself and Jeff that I was pregnant. I read Silent Knife and realized that I did not have to have cesarean birth. Then as fate would have it, my husband talked to a man whose wife had a homebirth. I was afraid that because of my previous Cesarean a homebirth would not be possible, but I began a search anyway. I soon discovered that my conclusions were wrong. I finally decided upon Jane Hitch as my midwife. 
On November 3rd I began latent phase labor with diarrhea. The contractions were intermittent for the next two days. I felt very anxious during this time. Jane came over to check on me. I also got to hear the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, since I had requested that Jane not use a doppler and use her fetoscope up until this time. We talked about some of my expectations that might be holding me back. After she left I tried to get some rest without much luck. I decided to go on with my life as usual. When I laid down to sleep that night, the contractions were coming heavier. The pain got so bad that at 1:00 am I called Jane. We talked for awhile on the phone, because I did not want to cry at my birth, but she assured me that it was all right to cry if I needed to. Jane arrived at my house at 3:30am. She felt I was doing well. She worked with me on dealing with my contractions and relaxing. When she checked me I was 4 centimeters. I then got in a tub of warm water to relax. I would cope well for five or six contractions then yell, "Jane help me", and she would talk me through the contractions. I tried sitting on the toilet. I tried deep breathing and relaxation. I tried visualization. I tried anything and everything to relieve the pain. Not until transition did I realize labor was suppose to hurt.
When transition stage came, my body just seemed to take over and do the work without giving my mind time to worry about the pain. After releasing a primal scream my bag of waters broke with a gush. I was completely dilated in a few more contractions. 