A year or so before we started trying to get pregnant I began reading tons of books on midwifery and birthing at home. Being in the blog world, I soon discovered many mothers that had, had thier babies at home and even found a few videos that completely inspired me. I didn't say too much to my husband at the time, I just continued reading and doing my research. Once we started trying I told him how much I would love to do a home birth. I don't know how soon he took to the idea, but I remember him showing me a video from Tosh.0 of a woman who had her baby in her bathtub all by herself as if it was just another day...I explained to him, while that was supposed to be funny, that's not what I was envisioning. I showed him the video below made by Ryan Marshall of Pacing the Panic Room which was one of the ones that totally and completely inspired me and had me in tears the first time I saw it over a year ago.
In January we went to a charity event for a sweet little boy that passed away at the young age of 3. There, I met two midvives and said that if I got pregnant, they are who I would take my journey with! Sure enough, on March 4th we found out that we were expecting and I asked my husband, "so, what do you think about a home birth?" he said, "it seems great, do you think you can do it?" I said "yes, but I need your support." He was on board and thought it was a good decision for us, so I immediately contacted the midwives to see if they were available and to set up a time to formally meet with them. A few weeks later, we went and met with them, kids in tow and they explained to us what they do and what takes place during a home birth. They gave us tons of information to soak in, but we knew immediately that they were perfect for us and we were very excited.
Since that first meeting with them, I had a prenatal appointment at 8 weeks and it went great. With my last two children I had prenatal care with a doctor and had an ultrasound at 6 weeks and then got to hear the heartbeat at about 10 weeks. This time, I have had no ultrasounds and won't get to hear the baby's heartbeat until 12 weeks...which I can't wait for and my kids are so excited too! I know there is a little baby in there, but to hear the heartbeat will connect all of us with that sweet soul growing inside my belly.
While I am so excited about having this baby at home, I don't want to discount both of the wonderful experiences I had in the hospital and all of the care I received. Both births were different, but great. It is funny though, I always thought my case was rare that I was given pitocin and then an epidural and with that, both of my children's heart rates had dropped during labor...it scared me to death, but I knew I was ok as I was in the hands of the hospital. I soon learned after watching the documentary The Business of Being Born that I was not the only one that had that experience.
So...this time, I am feeling a little more empowered, a little more informed and looking forward to being able to have my sweet baby in the comfort of my own home, ready to embrace this experience!