For this couple, a Home Birth Was Priority

Having a baby marks a major milestone for a mother and father. As a first time mom, you’re thinking about every little detail; planning your prenatal stages; preparing for labor and even establishing your child’s “life” plan soon after the pregnancy test reveals a plus sign. After going through the motions, you see a doctor and decide on what type of delivery you want to have, no meds, lots of meds, or even a home birth. That’s right! I said it, a home birth! This may not even be a consideration for many but surprisingly, there is a population of women out there that would not have it any other way!

I had the opportunity to meet a couple in the doctor’s office with the most precious little girl. I could tell that she was just a few days old, only about the size of a baby doll. I quickly reminisced about bringing my little ones home for the first time, so nerve-wrecking, but exciting at the same time. I asked if she’d given birth at the local hospital and to my surprise, they told me that they had a home delivery.  The first words out of my mouth, “What!, Really?” I wanted to hear all about it! So the family offered me an opportunity to have a sit down to discuss the birthing of Baby Arden at home.

On the fast track to kindle their love, Brandon and Natalie married in August of 2013. Not too long after the nuptials, Natalie was expecting their first child. Knowing that they wanted to have a large family, this baby would be the first of the tribe!

Moms with Tots (MWT):  Who’s idea was it to have a homebirth?

Natalie: It wasn’t really an idea; God put it on my heart from the beginning.

MWT: Brandon, what was your reaction to Natalie wanting to have a homebirth?

Brandon: This is what set her apart from any other young lady I’ve met.  She truly has a heart for the home and I knew that a natural-birth, coupled with being a stay at home mom [and other related matters] came with the package. It was no surprise to me at all.

MWT: After announcing the pregnancy to your families and telling them that you were planning to have a homebirth, what were their reactions?

Brandon and Natalie: We didn’t tell them for a long time [laughing]!! We didn’t think they would have a bad reaction, we just didn’t know what kind of reaction it would be.  [Natalie:] My family has always called me the “flower child” so they already knew that I was going to have my baby at home. However, Brandon’s family didn’t know that about me. We were reluctant to tell Brandon’s family right away because we didn’t really want the questions like “are you sure?” or “what are the benefits?”

MWT: Take us through the story of Arden’s Birth

Brandon & Natalie: It was getting closer to our due date and throughout the pregnancy I had issues with high blood pressure. Originally planning to have the baby at the birthing center, my midwife consulted with an OBGYN about the possibilities of me being high risk. After speaking with the midwife again, on a Thursday, I was told that if I didn’t have the baby by Monday then I would have to go to the hospital. So they gave me all this natural stuff to induce labor, such as, Caster Oil.

MWT: Did they? Older generations say that it works but I’ve read  time and time again that it’s not the best option.

Natalie: All it basically did was make me go to the bathroom. Once all your insides are emptied out, it gives you uterine contractions.

MWT: Wow, okay go on!

Natalie: So first I had to have a catheter placed into my cervix at the birthing center. That didn’t really work, although it matured my cervix and made it softer so I guess that was good. They then gave me the Caster Oil which kept me in the bathroom all day BUT I did have contractions!! Unfortunately, they stopped and I had to take more the next day when I woke up. Now on bottle two of Caster Oil [just a couple of disgusting tablespoons] still no contractions. I called the birthing center and told them that I could not take another sip of the oil, I did not want to dehydrate myself and I just couldn’t do it anymore. The midwife simply said “That’s fine. If your body is telling you no, then don’t do it. Just lay down, drink some fluids and we’ll talk later.” At this point I was saying, “I really don’t want to go to the hospital.”  About 10 minutes later I got up to use the bathroom and my water broke! I began yelling, “Praise Jesus!” We went out for a short walk so that I could get the contractions going.

MWT: You purchased the items needed for the home birth but you weren’t 100% sure you were going to do it (the couple had the option to deliver at the birthing center). When you told the midwife that you were going the have the baby at home, what was the process like of getting everything prepared that day?

Natalie: Within 30 minutes of me calling them about my close contractions, the midwife and the birthing assistant set up the birth site in our room. They even cleaned up and put in the laundry.

With the family awaiting baby Arden’s arrival downstairs, the parents were laughing and joking until the last few contractions. In the comfort of our own home, Brandon was able to set the mood for a peaceful delivery.

 Natalie: “I loved that the midwife team didn’t really interject much. They let us go through the birthing process the way we wanted to but did check my vitals about every 30 minutes. My Aunt arrived and coached me. Once the Midwife realized that I wanted my Aunt to help, she completely stepped back until we asked for help. This was great because I really needed her there. She gave me homeopathic pills to help me take off the edge. It was a really family affair.” (Natalie originally wanted her Aunt, a midwife to deliver her baby. Due to schedule conflicts, she wasn’t able to but did make it to their house for the delivery process.)

After spending hours in the shower on her birthing ball, Natalie used low tones and breathing to get through the pain. Finally it was time to push and off to her bed she went.  Crowning for quite some time, Natalie pushed out Baby Arden and began nursing her right away. Like hospital births, they cleaned off the baby, the cord and made sure both mom and baby were healthy. With the family now gathered around the couple’s bed, they witnessed the midwife team do everything from taking the baby’s measurements to stitching up mom all in the couple’s room! Once the excitement came to an end and the guests visits began to decline, the new family had the luxury of taking a well-deserved nap in their own bed.

What helped? Low lights, no noise, worship music, no talking or moving unless Natalie requested. Her Aunt even oiled the hinges of the door so they couldn’t hear who was coming in or out. The midwife’s advice of using low tones really helped when her contractions got stronger.

Food: Natalie was able to eat snacks and drink Gatorade during her delivery which is contrary for one that gives birth at a hospital (We all know that it’s only ice pops no matter how long it takes for baby to come.)

Benefits of Homebirth (from Natalie):

1. Having the birth you really want, no strings attached
2. A very peaceful environment
3. After the delivery, things go back to normal quickly
4. Allows the mom to really experience the natural birth of a baby

Natalie: We received home visits 3 times after the baby was born which was great because I didn’t really have to go anywhere for checkups.

Advice for Families Considering a Homebirth:

Natalie: You need your spouse when having a homebirth. “Without Brandon being there I would have been very afraid and not sure that I could have done it.”

Brandon: Homebirths are great but you have to PPPPrepare!! It takes the support of the spouse 100% when having a baby at home.

How could one sway her spouse for a homebirth?

Natalie: Do what’s comfortable for you. You don’t want to regret delivering your baby one way versus the other.

How to Find a Good Midwife (from Natalie):

1. Do your research!
2. Be aware that there are different types of midwives
3. Make sure the birthing center is reputable (We actually had a recommendation from someone I met. I fell in love with the staff after meeting everyone)

Delivering a baby at home is not an easy task but it is very rewarding to those who elect this option. I had a fun time visiting with this family and look forward to hearing about the at home births for the many babies to come.

 

Photo credits: Beach Birth Photography