So I was about 90% sure I wanted to have a homebirth prior to meeting Jenna. Brian and I knew that we wanted as little intervention as possible and because of my previous deliveries I felt confident that I would be ok without drugs. Jenna was exactly what I'd hoped she'd be. For the initial visit she came to our home where she gave us a thorough overview of the whole process. She outlined the safety of a homebirth, and what unforseen complications that could lead to a hospital transfer. For anyone considering a homebirth, it has been determined that they can as safe, if not safer, then a traditional hospital delivery. From a study done in 2005 by the British Medical Journal of 5148 women who planned at home births with certified mid-wife it was determined that:
1) only 12% resulted in a hospital transfer
2) of 1000 births 1.7 resulted in infant mortality
3) No mothers died
4) "Planned home birth for low risk women in North America using certified professional midwives was associated with lower rates of medical intervention but similar intrapartum and neonatal mortality to that of low risk hospital births in the United States"
Jenna asked all the standard medical history questions, in addition to getting to know our boys and about our extended family and support. What was most important was her philosophical alignment surrounding vaccines. As a Certified Nurse Midwife with over 30 years of delivery experience, she feels that the state should not mandate what vaccines parents should give their children. It should be up to US to make informed decisions about our children's health.
Now I'm not going to jump up on my soap box and tell any parent that they should not vaccinate their child. All I will say is that if you are going to have various foreign concoctions injected into your child, do your research to find out just how safe these drugs are. I have learned that each state is different, but you DO and SHOULD have a choice when it comes to your kid’s health. Here some great resources for parents:
The National Vaccine Information Center
Informed Choice- List of all ingredients in vaccines
CDC Childhood Vaccine Schedule- List of "recommended vaccines"
OK back to the homebirth...so Jenna explained that she would be the "lifeguard" overseeing my birth. Her job was to be there as a medical professional, but would only be involved as much or as little as I wanted her to be. Basically, this was MY show! I've decided I really want to do a water birth. There is just something so natural and serene about bringing our baby into the world through water. I remember when I was in labor with Bryson I took a bath at home and it really soothed the contractions. You can either buy tub or rent one with a liner, we'll probably go with the latter option. The tub will go right in my bedroom where I can have music playing, dim lighting, or any other mood that I want. One of the best benefits of doing this at home is not having to worry about getting to the hospital. I can be comfortable in my own space, with my own things, whatever food I want and no annoying nurses disrupting my sleep. And when all is said and done I will be in my own bed with my family and loves ones around us. What could be better!
Finding Serenity from Boyland,
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, (a shower gift) courtesy of my lovely friend Kim, where I silently sat for a 1/2 an hour in peaceful tranquility. To top it all off he rubbed my aching back with the delicious body cream that came with it. I was satisfied, relaxed and well lubricated (again don't go there). My husband's pampering really did remind me that no matter what batshit craziness this pregnancy throws our way, he is always there by my side, letting me know that my swollen body and stretch marks are not in vain.
and a special one-hour 
. This baby is seriously kicking my ass. Luckily at almost 31 weeks I can nearly see the finish line. My biggest challenges at this point are dealing my teeny tiny bladder and lower back pain that can stop me in my tracks. This baby will double in size in the next 8 weeks, let's just hope my pregnancy weight doesn't follow suit. I think this little guy has slipped into birthing position due to the excruciating pain I was in last week. It felt like I was being repeatedly kicked in what Bryson calls "the good spot". So glad that's over.
