Getting Right Down to It

We've decided on a home birth for our new little babe. E's birth was completely natural with no medical intervention at a small hospital, and I have nothing but wonderful memories of that experience. But as this pregnancy has progressed I really began searching out our options. I've done quite a bit of soul searching about this. There of course with any big decision (and let's face it this is the biggie; human life) are a lot of 'what if's' and I've really had to take time and digest them. I've been seeing the same set of midwives for this pregnancy (versus 2 OB's for E's, one in Poulsbo and one in Seattle), and we are totally convinced that it's the right choice for our family. There is such a difference in the type of care I've received this time around, I would recommend the experience to anyone. Midwifery is, I feel so much less invasive, but so much more whole person (and even family) centered. I was plagued with a severe case of postpartum depression 3 months following E's arrival, and had some real hurdles in breastfeeding her. I was quick to bring these concerns up at my first appointment, and was treated with such dignity and a "that's not going to happen this time, we'll be with you" attitude that I've felt nothing but taken care of and empowerment this entire pregnancy. I've had several friends that have also chosen to do home births, and after watching the riveting, The Business of Being Born I was without a doubt, this is what I want to do. I'm completely dedicated to going through the motions at home, I can clearly see it.



This is a really big deal; welcoming a new member of the family and we've been so proud of E's very thoughtful analysis of how much she'd like to participate. We have daily conversations about how my body is changing, how "Buddy" is growing, and some of the ways in which the dynamic at home is really going to change. She's attended (and helped at) every one of my appointments, we've enrolled her in a Sibling Prep Class taught by Penny Simkin later next month, she's really aware of what this process could be like.

Now that I'm 7 weeks out until my due date, things big and small are starting to happen around here. Today I received the box I ordered of medical supplies that we'll need here for the birth. Last week I sent in our reservation fee for our labor tub, and tonight I finished up painting the dresser drawers for the nursery. D's still 11 days away from returning home from his month and a half of touring, I've started swimming s...l...o...w laps again (to relieve my aching back), and recently was able to enroll E in a co-op preschool for the fall. Whew! All this and we still don't have a name for our little guy.

*Thanks to Tania for recommending The Business of Being Born

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