MOMania

By ebaby

November 14, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

My first birthing experience was a disaster but luckily in the hospital. I am very wide hipped and early on in the pregnancy, I asked my MD if I was at any risk of not being able to do a vaginal birth because of my excess weight. She laughed and said, “Have you looked in the mirror lately? You were born to birth.” After aproximately 20 hours, I was given a c-section. In the end, my little girl was wearing her umbilical chord around her neck several times. The doctor told me that she never could have come out on her own.”

So, with only 4 months left on my second pregnancy, I will be gladly going to a hospital. What if I had opted for a home birth the first time? NO WAY!

By motherjanegoose

November 14, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

First child 10 pounds 8 ounces ( a week early) C section…Texas Second child 8 pounds 13 ounces born with erb’s palsy because she got stuck in my pelvis and the doctor in Gwinnett did not think I needed a C-section, she pushed fir a VBAC, so instead we had a BIG complication. She is 95% fine now but many are not and have this the rest of their lives…. NO WAY!

By momof2

November 14, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

With my first daughter, I had a book-perfect pregnancy, and my labor was literally painless until the 20 minute pushing session. No meds, no stitches. Sounds like the ideal situation for a home birth, until you know the “rest of the story.” She was born with a severe birth defect, which we were not previously aware of, that required immediate medical intervention (intubation). If she hadn’t been born in a hospital, she would have died before help could arrive. I realize this is far from the norm, but would you really want to risk it if you could avoid it?

By Mr. Nice Guy

November 14, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

No - only wacko loonies would give birth at home, probably under a pyramid with holistic crystals placed around them.

By Ben

November 14, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

All three of my children were delivered at home by my wife and a midwife. They are 13, 11 and 5. No problems and they all attend Saint Thomas More Catholic School in Decatur.

A lot of you people have fallen for the AMAs con about only delivering in a hospital. Child birth is a simple and inevitable process that’s going to happen regardless. Why not do it on your own terms?

By CP

November 14, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

Ben & Mr. Nice Guy sound like 2 opposite sides of this discussion. I think it’s interesting since they have absolutely no personal experience with pushing a child out of their bodies.

Myself, I’ve done it 4 times. All in the hospital but all with a midwife. My children & I had no complications, except with my 3rd when I was loosing too much blood & had to get pitocin after giving birth. I never had an epidural (heard way too many horror stories with that so I guess I could have given birth at home.

But I just wouldn’t want the mess to clean up afterwards if I had given birth at home either. My childrens’ health has always come before my own or even my comfort and I felt that a hospital provides extra “insurance” if anything should have (God forbid) gone wrong. Thankfully it didn’t but life is unpredictable.

By Becky

November 14, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

I think Mr.Nice Guy is probably right..

By momtoAlex&Max

November 14, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Child birth is a simple and inevitable process..

Yeah, until something goes wrong. There are countless things that can happen. A child could be born with some medical need that everyone was unaware of until birth. There could be complications due to wrapped cords, separated placentas, low birth weight, jaundice, loss of too much blood, labor not progressing, lack if oxygen..I could go on and on. Those are just the ones that I know about and I am not a medical professional. How could you POSSIBLY know what will happen. Also, a midwife cannot check the baby as thoroughly as a pediatrician can.

To me, it is too much of a risk.

PS: I don’t mean to scare anyone that is expecting..please forgive my scare tactics, I was just trying to explain to Ben that birth can be a simple process…OR an extremelly complicated one. And often you DON’T KNOW until you are there.

By j_mom

November 14, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

I am not a wacko loonie, have a professional degree and I gave birth at home 3 times. I discussed all issues raised above with my CNM’s and Dr.’s. I used different CNM’s each time and not one had lost a baby due to the cord being wrapped around the neck or other birth defects because they are trained to deal with that, have necessary medical equipment and are willing to take the time to deliver the baby properly. BTW - virtually all of the medical malpractice suits relative to childbirth are from hospital births. Makes a thinking person think.
Home birth is not for everyone - but it is a wonderful and meaningful experience for those who thoughtfully choose it and qualify healthwise. And don’t we all want to be able to choose?

By lakerat

November 14, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Don’t get me started on this one - especially with the seemingly whacko OB MJGoose describes who was pushing her (pardon the pun) for a VBAC - hope you do not go that doc for continued care! There is nothing wrong with mid-wifery, in the proper setting - it reduces costs, but the key is havong proper personnel available for the proverbial “if something goes wrong” scenario.

I could also get all the “pro-lifers” to capitulate on their stance, too, but that is a totally different topic.

By Jane

November 14, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Childbirth can be a simple process but can also have complications. A lot of people say that back in the day women used to give birth at home, but they did so because they had no choice. Sadly a lot of women and their babies died in childbirth due to complications.

Why take the risk if it can be avoided? I had a normal pregnancy up until labor when the baby started showing signs of distress. It turns out he moved around and flipped so much in the womb that a knot was formed in the umbilical cord and he was unable to descend. Thank God for the doctors and the emergency C-section. Personal preferences are okay but when you are dealing with someone else’s life it is your responsiblitiy to ensure their safety.

By Meghan

November 14, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Wait I’m not a wacko or a loony.. I had my third child at home by choice.. it was by far the safest I ever felt while birthing, and the most amazing birth ever.

I choose to birth at home because I wanted to have a natural birth and I knew to do that I would need to not be confined to bed, I also knew that Hospitals have to get you in and out in a certain amount of time.. that leads to un needed interventions which leads to c sections.

I would never have a hospital birth again.. home is the best place to have a baby if you are low risk.

Obviously I had excellent midwives, and had two previous vaginal births.. not so great ones, the kind where you lay on your back to push while they yell “PUSH” at you.. with pitocen ect..

My homebirth was perfect, I pushed when I felt it was time and I was upright in a tub of water, he came out much faster because my pelvis was much more open.. he was my biggest baby, a lb bigger than my first baby and 2 lbs bigger than my second.

What people don’t understand is that midwives show up with plenty of equipment to handle any emergency that should arise.. pitocen if a woman bleeds, oxegen, ect ect.

people always ignorantly say.. “I could never forgive myself if I had a home birth and something happened” But things happen and go wrong in hospitals a lot more than at home.. I could never forgive myself if I had a hospital birth and something went wrong.. because I am aware of the risks of delivering in the hospital.

Anyone who says “oh the baby would have died if he was born at home” knows very little about home birth and the midwives that do homebirths.. the baby would have been treated just as quickly as they would in the hospital. the midwives carry the same equipment they use in hospitals for that.

I just don’t think its fair to call someone who chooses home birth, a loon

By anne

November 14, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

I gave birth at home, in another state, as Georgia makes it nearly impossible to give birth at home. It was truly the most incredible experience of my life and we were very well taken care of by the midwife. In a good homebirth situation, if there are complications, you transfer to the hospital. A compitent midwife does not deliver a baby that has had issues in pregnancy and there are ways to know if you are headed into a situation that truly needs intervention. The U.S. has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world and the most hospital births. I feel it is the safest option for most births as hospitals get way over involved in what is a natural experience and turn a normal birth into an emergency and problem very quickly. Our bodies are designed to give birth naturally. I do thank God for medical intervention when necessary.

By Kathy

November 14, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

Ben…you and your wife are extremely lucky that you had such a good experience all 3 times.

I am with everyone else. You have carried the baby for 9 months and everything goes well….why take the chance of something happening? I had my daughter at Dekalb Medical and everything was great. If I somehow miraculously get pregnant again, we will go back there. However, we are SO done. 1 is enough. Although I absolutely love my daughter, the toddler years are killing me…..3 is definitely worse than 2!!!! newmom….if you are out there, get ready!

By Ben

November 14, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Yes, you are right, it can be simple or complicated but the choice is the parents and specifically the mother’s who may choose not to go to a hospital.

My word to you women who want to follow the doctor’s orders and get sliced open because he’s afraid of a malpractice charge is that’s your business but don’t presume to try to scare other women into following your paranoid “what if” design.

What happened to you or may happen to you during your childbirth is only a consideration for others to think about for themselves not a mandatory fascist policy to be forced on all women because of what could happen.

So if you’re afraid and fearful, be afraid but don’t try to dissuade others who may not be. This is a “choice” question that can only be answered ultimately by the expectant mother, not the AMA.

By motherjanegoose

November 14, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Lakerat…no I did not want to see that group of Doctor’s EVER again.

I spoke with a respected neurologist at a conference last fall and shared my story with him. He said that Doctor was DEAD WRONG to make the VBAC decision for me but that in the early nineties, they were trying to turn the tide against C sections. Our insurance said it was our choice either way. My daughter could have been paralyzed for life…as it is no swim meets, cheerleading or upper body sports for her.

While we are at it… I want to stand and say that you will love a child just as much if you have them C section as Vaginal. I have read columns about this and want to THROW UP. They say that their is limited bonding if you do not deliver vaginally and you cannot connect with your baby…now, those folks are the real nutcases. I love both of mine the same!

A question…if you would need an emergency C-section…what do the midwives do if you are at home?

I am with Kathy…I would take no chances after being watchful my entire pregnancy. To each his own…

By momof2

November 14, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Meghan - I’m glad to hear that your birth was perfect. However, don’t say I don’t know very little about home births and therefore am wrong about my conclusion regarding my child’s outcome just because I didn’t actually go through a home birth. Did your midwife come to your house with a ventilator? Does your midwife know how to intubate a newborn? If not, and if you had a child born with the same problems as mine, she could not have saved her. Again, I know that my experience was far outside the norm. However, unless you know the specific circumstances surrounding my situation, you cannot say that a midwife could have dealt with them with the same result.

By momof2

November 14, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Meghan - I’m glad to hear that your birth was perfect. However, don’t say I don’t know very little about home births and therefore am wrong about my conclusion regarding my child’s outcome just because I didn’t actually go through a home birth. Did your midwife come to your house with a ventilator? Does your midwife know how to intubate a newborn? If not, and if you had a child born with the same problems as mine, she could not have saved her. Again, I know that my experience was far outside the norm. However, unless you know the specific circumstances surrounding my situation, you cannot say that a midwife could have dealt with them with the same result.

By kimmer

November 14, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Here is the deal for me. Women gave birth at home when my parents came along because they had no choice. Consequently, the mortality rates for women and newborns were quite high. Sure an uncomplicated delivery can take place virtually anywhere but complications will occur. To not want the proper medical care at your fingertips when you can choose to do so seems to be a huge step backward to me much like the raw milk and no vaccine crowd who want to return public health back to the turn of the century when infectious diseases killed or crippled many thousands of children and young people.

Plus, many hospitals today have made a concerted effort to make the birthing experience a little less ‘clinical’ with bedroom like birthing rooms, babies rooming with mother, etc.

By CP

November 14, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Just want to make a point about midwives. They are not equal and there are different types from lay midwifes (no formal training, maybe apprenticing) to CNM’s (certified, degreed nurse midwives.) As with any other time you need a professional’s care, you should research them & know you’re in competent hands.

And to lakerat: “I could also get all the “pro-lifers” to capitulate on their stance, too, but that is a totally different topic.” I’m assuming since you brought it up that you wanted to discuss it, but what in the world are you talking about?

By Avatara

November 14, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

I gave birth to ten children , three in traditional hospital settings and seven at home. The home birth experiences were wonderful thanks to the assistance of the midwives who came prepared for all types of emergencies and who were prepared for emergency transport to a hospital if necessary. But I never had any problems. My children that were born at home are now 12, 16, 19, 21,25, 28,& 30. They have never received vaccinations and never suffered from the childhood diseases. I would recommend home birth for anyone interested in assuring themselves of a hygenic and relaxed delivery which is impossible in a hospital setting.

By Debi

November 14, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Speaking as a mom & grandmother: I had my last child at home with the full support of my OB, with a midwife in attendance. It was a wonderful experience and far safer than “rushing” across town to a hospital when I have a history of rapid labors.

Speaking as a nurse in a hospital labor and delivery unitl: I have seen many more bad things happen at hospitals due to un-necessary medical intervention than I ever have seen complications at home births attended by qualified midwives.(I have also worked as a homebirth midwife’s assistant in another state) Many doctors seem to have the attitude “if I mess it up, I can always fix it” whereas I have rarely seen midwives take un-necessary chances. In the last 3 weeks I have seen 4 babies born prematurely due to inducing or elective C/S too early for no MEDICAL reason. Hospitals aren’t as safe as many believe.

By Melinda

November 14, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

I had a client several years ago that was very into home birth and doing things “different” (NATURAL)than all of us average people. She schedulesd her first birth with a Dula (sp?). The Dula insists that nothing bad happens during homebirths and that the OB-GYNs just try to scare eveyone into having birth at a hospital…so on and so on. Well needless to say, she gave birth at home. The precious baby required emergency care that took 16 minutes for the paramedics to arrive. The baby was declared a vegetable and died 7 months later after his ventilator malfunctioned. You can bet she had the next child in a hospital….. Too many things can go wrong at home. You need the emergency equipment and staff that a hospital can provide. Why would anyone put their child at risk????

By lakerat

November 14, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

CP -

Sorry for getting off topic and even mentioning the “pro-life” aspect. I was strictly referring to those who insist on “no abortions for any reason”. But, that is another topic that is not likely to ever be discussed here so I apologize for even mentioning it - I was caught up in the moment by MJGoose’s VBAC situation and my thought processes went from having multiple reasons for trying to convince women NOT to even consider “natural childbirth” at the first hint of a problem - you would not believe how many women want to do this “no matter what” (often with very difficult outcomes that could have been avoided if only they had had the recommended c-section and not tried to be so macho).

Speaking of that, and the suggestions that mid-wives are prepared for “all emergencies” and that they send the patients to the hospital if “problems” arise; y’all do know that ACOG guidelines REQUIRE that an emergent c-section be done within 30 minutes of the determination that one is necessary, right? That means, 30 minutes from the time the section is called, to the time the fetus is delivered (taking into account getting the MD there, the anesthesia team assembled, the incision made, and the delivery). As such, my question to those who absolutely advocate the home birth process, how long do you think it takes for the ambulance to arrive, the trip to the hospital, and then the MD to get the anesthesia done and the incision done, after the nurse mid-wife, in your home, determines that there are problems? There are many nureses who participate on this blog, so they can answer the question.

But, the point is, my contention is not that the mid-wives are not prepared, but that emergent situations are just that, emergencies, and why risk a problem for which “you could possibly never forgive yourself”?

By Lisa

November 14, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

I am not pregnant with my first and since I’m not really clear on what to expect, I wouldn’t do a home birth but I would prefer a birthing center over a hospital. What I found is that my insurance company only covers doctors/midwives that operate in a hospital. I wish that I had the choice as to where I give birth but insurance really dictates it. I am using a mid-wife and intend to have a drug-free delivery. Ultimately, I think each woman needs to do what is right for her and everyone else shouldn’t judge people who made different decisions. I think women should be able to have a home birth if they want and a medicated hospital birth if they want…it is their body and their choice

By Melinda

November 14, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Meghan,

You are in DENIAL. A midwife does NOT have all the life saving equipment a hospital has. Who are you kidding? That does not even make any sense. Explain to me why when there is an emergency during a homebirth, the baby is then transferred to a Hospital for critical care? DUH… The difference is that I can live with myself if there is a problem and I am at a hospital. At least I then know that I gave my baby every chance available to make it. I could not live with myself if I had a homebirth and something went wrong that could have been avoided in a hospital setting. Again, it is all about the safety of the baby. There is no way I would ever even run the risk that things “Might turn out OK” during a homebirth. And yes you are looney. You are just lucky….

By Kathleen

November 14, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

19 years ago this coming January 1, my son was delivered by midwife at home. EMS in my neighborhood were notified of the birth once birthing process began. No way would I have wanted it any other way. A hot shower afterwards followed by a tea party. What a fabulous way to start the new year.

By Debi

November 14, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Melinda,

It is a DOULA (not dula) and that is a labor support assistant. Doulas do not deliver babies. They work in hospitals, birth centers and home helping mothers cope with labor, birth and early parenting. If you google doulas, you can find several well respected studies that show a decrease in complication rates. when they are used. I don’t know who your client used, but a qualified doula would never offer to deliver a baby anywhere. No one should ever say birth anywhere (hospital, birth center or home) is without risk. It is up to the mother and father to research the qualifications of their birth attendant (check for their doctors history of malpractice & board certification, midwife’s certification and edcuation.) Bottom line - we are responible for making choices to make our births as safe as possible no matter with whom or where.

By DB

November 14, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Hell, NO, I would not want to give birth at home!! I’ll defend your right to do whatever you like, but as for me, I wanted natural childbirth — surrounded by millions of dollars of medical equipment :-) As it turns out, both of my pregnancies needed last minute interventions, so I wouldn’t have been a candidate, even if I had wanted to. I had a VBAC with my second child, and it turned out fine, but of course the staff was watching me like a hawk the entire time. Even up to the time I was pushing, the anesthesiologist poked his head in and asked the doctor, “So, do you need me or not?” “Who is HE?!” I demanded. It was nice to know that there was stand-by!

By indignant at ignornace

November 14, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Home birth is not for wacko loonies, or hippies or irresponsible weirdos. Like everything else it’s a choice that should be made with all the facts involved. Proper prenatal care and planning can make it a safe alternative to hospital birth. The statistics show that the risk is not greater nor that hospital birth is without added risk itself. Infection rates are much higher in hospitals, and interventions lead to more interventions each one introducing risk into the equation.
Birth is a natural biological process, not a medical emergency.
Properly cared for with professionals at your side home birth can be a great way to birth.

By Marja

November 14, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

First child born at home, no needles, nothing. Midwife wore a silkshirt & leather skirt. Awesome experience! A specially trained nurse stayed 40 hrs spread over the next 8 days. Cooked/cleaned and took care of mom and baby. This was in the Netherlands where a great number of homebirths are still the norm.

By new mom

November 14, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Kathy—thanks for the warning! ;) I think 1 is the new 2, etc. Our sweetness can turn on a temper tantrum faster than….well, really fast.

And to the topic: There is no way I would ever take a chance of giving birth at home. If you want to go that route, great.

I had what my dr called a perfect pregnancy, but still was in labor 26 hrs, baby had cord wrapped around her neck, etc. Came close to needing a c-section, but thankfully did not. But I was very happy that I was in a place prepared for anything, and that there were smart doctors and modern technology there for me in case.

My cousin gave birth at her home a few years ago, everything was all planned out, etc. and her baby died. I do not know the exact reason, it’s not exactly something people want to talk about, but at that time a doctor said ‘if only they had been in a hospital’. They still grieve that little baby girl…I couldn’t live with that myself. Now, if you choose to take that risk, then that’s your decision. But I would encourage parents to do their own research and not believe what some person says on a blog….

By fer

November 14, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

After 2 textbook perfect pregnancies, labors, and deliveries, both my children were born w/ problems so having them in a hospital saved their lives.

By Ann

November 14, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Having had friends who had home births, I liken in to taking risks with a life that is not your own. If you choose to have your appendectomy on the kitchen table that is your choice and you are risking your own life. Choosing to have a home birth is risking the life of another.

While many turn out well, a significant number do not. The statistics comparing the safety of home births to hospital births are skewed. Only healthy low risk pregnancies typically choose a home birth. Hospitals have all levels of risk and associated complications for women and babies who are not candidates for a home birth. Comparing results is a definite apples and oranges scenario.

By Aubrey

November 14, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Melinda, I am sorry for your friends loss but it does not sound like she was very educated in home birth if she had it with only the attendance of a doula. A doula is considered a support person and IMO a very essential part of your birth team but a successful home birth requires that an experienced and prepared midwife be in attendance to see you through it.

By Debi

November 14, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Ann wrote: “While many turn out well, a “significant” number do not. The statistics comparing the safety of home births to hospital births are skewed. Only healthy low risk pregnancies typically choose a home birth. Hospitals have all levels of risk and associated complications for women and babies who are not candidates for a home birth. Comparing results is a definite apples and oranges scenario.”

Have you read the studies. That is accounted for.

You do need to be aware that the studies that ACOG quotes takes ALL homebirths to include unitentional, unattended births (oops my baby came out in the toilet), miscarriages, stillborns….. and compares it to planned fullterm hospital births. Talk about comparing apples and oranges.

Look at the countries that have homebirth and midwives as the norm for healthy, low risk mothers and compare their infant mortality to ours in the US where we spend the most amount of money and have the most number of births in the hospital attended by obstetrical surgeons.

Again, there is no place that is risk free for birth. I see that every day I go to work. Many complications are caused by interfering with a normal process by inducing with powerful drugs, keep women flat in bed attached to machines that haven’t been proven to help outcomes and giving them drugs to numb their bodies for their own comfort. For those of you who keep saying how you had babies in the hospital for their safety, were you induced? did you have epidurals? Those increase the risk for your baby! In those cases, you do need a hospital to save your babies from what is done to them.

By Honesty

November 14, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

dull….dull….snooze

By TheirMom

November 14, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

If I had chosen to have my daughter at home, we would have both died from an unforseen complication. As it was, we nearly did in the hospital anyway. It was never even a thought to me to have her, or later my son, at home.

By Do it at home

November 14, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

I definitely am a big believer of child birth at home. With help or without help. I mean, what is more important? Safety and the well being of your and the baby, or having the home setting? I vote for the home setting. Let’s face it, if you need emergency care, dial 911 and maybe they will be there quickly or maybe not. Roll of the dice.

And, if you have other kids, all the better. Make it a family affair. Little Johnny can boil some water while little Sally gets fresh towels. And if you are lucky enough to have say a dozen kids? Well, then you have as many number of people as a medical team would have. So go for it. Nobody ever needs a C-section because there IS no such thing as a breach or tangled umbilical cord. That is just stuff made up by the hospitals and doctors to scare us into giving them our birthing dollars.

Just say no. No to drugs at childbirth, no to hospitals and while you are at it, say no to paramedics if they come to the door, because you didn’t need them anyway.

By va. laday

November 14, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

My Mom had me at home in December 1948. I have two older brothers - one was born in the hospital while the second one was born in the car en route to the hospital. The second birth was relatively easy; the doctor said that if Mom gave birth so easily that she should have considered a home birth. So, when pregnant with me, Mom opted for a home birth. Princess Elizabeth (the current queen) was expecting her first child and Mom enjoyed reading about the preparations at Buckingham Palace. To make a long story short, Mom had a quick labor and a much too fast delivery. She nearly died from the bleeding. My Dad had to hold the IV; the doctor had not anticipated any problems. Mother was confined to the bed for about a month. She tried to get out of the bed for Christmas (3 weeks after my birth) and began to hemorrhage again. I delivered both my children in the hospital. I was past 40 when I had them. Since I was not a “spring chicken,” I decided that their and my health/well-being was paramount. Home births are fine as long as you plan for worst-case scenarios.

By Miss Independent

November 14, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Birthing at home has become a very popular thing. I have some friends who tried. It was an unplanned pregnancy and they had no medical insurance. So they opted for an in home delivery. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out well and they had to go the the hospital anyway.

I have a question though. What if you do decide for an at home birth. And what if the people chosen for the birthing process don’t have proper or enough equipment. And what if something does go wrong and the baby dies. Who is responsible? I would say the parents. And I would say they should be charged with negligence since they made the choice to not have a birth in a medical facility with available operating rooms/ICU’s etc.

By fer

November 14, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

To Doitathome: What in the world do you mean, “there is no such thing as breech or a tangled umbilical cord”?

By Denkpaard

November 14, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

I fervently wanted as natural a birth as possible. At 42 weeks I was induced. I labored for 30 hours and pushed for two. The doctor tried forceps. I developed preeclampsia. When the doctor reached for the suction tool, I asked if he could guarantee a vaginal birth. When he said “no” I asked for a C-section. My daughter weighed 10 pounds. I probably could never have delivered her due to my body structure. I could never be comfortable risking a home birth.

Debi, Comparisons to countries with high homebirth rates are not meaningful because they have totally different healthcare and support systems. Avatara, The only reason your unimmunized kids did not contract childhood diseases is because everyone else immunized their kids. Did you live in the Philippines or India or the Congo where people routinely die because of low immunization rates?

By Miss Independent

November 14, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

I think “fer” is a troller…if you had actually “read” that part of the blog you would have understood it…duh

By lakerat

November 14, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

I am full of suck and FAIL!!!!

BTW I am so much better than all of you.

You should have elected me president

By My3Kids

November 14, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

I have friends that have given birth at home. Only one had a complication that I knew of and as soon as the labor progresed far enough ahead, the EMTs were on alert. Actually all had EMTs on alert and in the area for any emergencies that could happen. I am sure having birth at home is an excellent experience…but not for me.

I hate pain, give me an epidural. And not all doctors force C-sections. I had one refuse. I begged for it because I was having several complications pushing. Luckily my daughter was born healthy. That was my last baby.
My last 2 babies should have been c-sections but were not.

By Susie

November 14, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

I think it’s funny that so many people are mentioning not wanting to clean up the mess as a reason not to birth at home. I’ve never met a midwife who didn’t either clean everything up herself or call in a post-partum doula to clean. And most of them will cook even cook for you before they leave!!

Everyone should also remember that Certified Nurse Midwives are trained medical professionals, not loony hippies who only bring crystals and incense with them to your home. They monitor the baby’s vitals, they know when to transfer to the hospital, they know how to handle PP hemorrhage and a plethora of complications. Also, they only take low-risk pregnancies!

It’s my opinion that hospitals and doctors create many of the problems that they treat. The deck is often from the very beginning stacked against the odds of having an uncomplicated delivery, with pitocin, epidurals, laboring on the back, admitting too early, and basically not knowing when to leave well enough alone.

One more thing: the AVERAGE labor lasts for 24 hours, and even that number has gone down since we’ve been using labor augmenting drugs. I just don’t think a 20-hour labor is reason enough for intervention unless there are real complications involved.

By Miss Independent

November 14, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

fer? Where are you? Didn’t you want to enlighten us on something? Or ask a question?

By Susie

November 14, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

I think it’s funny that so many people are mentioning not wanting to clean up the mess as a reason not to birth at home. I’ve never met a midwife who didn’t either clean everything up herself or call in a post-partum doula to clean. And most of them will cook even cook for you before they leave!!

Everyone should also remember that Certified Nurse Midwives are trained medical professionals, not loony hippies who only bring crystals and incense with them to your home. They monitor the baby’s vitals, they know when to transfer to the hospital, they know how to handle PP hemorrhage and a plethora of complications. Also, they only take low-risk pregnancies!

It’s my opinion that hospitals and doctors create many of the problems that they treat. The deck is often from the very beginning stacked against the odds of having an uncomplicated delivery, with pitocin, epidurals, laboring on the back, admitting too early, and basically not knowing when to leave well enough alone.

One more thing: the AVERAGE labor lasts for 24 hours, and even that number has gone down since we’ve been using labor augmenting drugs. I just don’t think a 20-hour labor is reason enough for intervention unless there are real complications involved.

By lakerat

November 14, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Hey, lakerat nemesis - long time no hear. Or have you been trolling under your other alias’ this week (fer, honesty, etc) since I have not had anything to say until today?

Have a good weekend!

By arh

November 14, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Isn’t the goal of getting pregnant a healthy baby not a birth? Women put too much pressure on themselves with expectations-no drugs, no c-section, etc. Get the baby here-healthy! Pregnancy and birth are the first of many lessons that motherhood uses to teach you that you are not and cannot always be in control of everything!

By tonya c.

November 14, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

I plan on having my last (3rd child) at home in 2010. My 1st was born in a hospital and the experience was a horrible one. My second was was born in an independent birth center with a direct-entry midwife and doula. I still watch her birth video and cry.

Since the birth center option is not available in GA, I will home birth. I do not like hospitals, and hate IVs even more. I do no knock those who go the hospital route; it is just not a place I’m comfortable with unless their is an apparent medical need.

BTW, my daughter was born with a short and tangled umbilical cord; the midwife was able to take care of everything without a problem

By Becky

November 14, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

I think it’s very sad that so many think that midwives are backwoods old ladies who have never had any training. Midwives for home births come with YEARS of training, apprentice for MANY births, and are trained to recognize complications well before they become an emergency. They are trained in resuscitation, bring oxygen, pitocin, and other things that are helpful if things don’t stay on the normal course. A person is watching you constantly, not a machine. If you do have an emergency, you are transferred to a hospital, and usually seen faster than you would have been if you were AT the hospital, because it is actually an emergency. The number 1 reason for a homebirth transfer is maternal fatigue - NOT an emergency. Midwives do not use big machines and knives, but the rate of deaths at home vs. the hospital is actually lower!! Do research - the US ranks 42 in infant mortality - other countries where home birth is the norm have better outcomes for moms and babies. Hmmmm…

By Mr. Nice Guy

November 14, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Women who give birth at home are the same coo-coo’s who give birth underwater or in an ocean surrounded by friends wearing white gowns, holding candles performing a Tibetan love chant. They freeze the placenta and save the cord blood and film themselves, close up crowning on video for all their family to see in High Def on the big TV. These women (and thier fruit cake husbands who still drive a VW rapist bus) are simply nuts.

By HB

November 14, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

“Do research - the US ranks 42 in infant mortality - other countries where home birth is the norm have better outcomes for moms and babies. Hmmmm…”

People please stop using this nonsense as an argument — you just sound silly. “Infant mortality” is NOT defined as “dies at time of birth.” This figure would reflect older babies who die from SIDS, illness, genetic disorders, and possibly even accidents. You can’t draw a correlation just because we’re 42 and Europe is more accepting of home birth! And even it 42 did just refer to at the time of birth, it wouldn’t be that simple. You would need to know, how many more home births in those countries, how many were planned that way, etc. Then figure in other factors — availability of healthcare(either midwife or dr), health of mother, poverty rates, etc. Numbers are complicated! You can’t just pick the ones you think sound good and go with them. END RANT

By Becky

November 14, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

HB, if that were true, then we have availability of the “best” healthcare in the world… shouldn’t we be higher than places like Cuba? Infant mortality is babies who die before the first year of birth…many die because they are taken early by induction or unnecessary cesarean. WHO recommends a rate of no higher than 15% - the US is 32%! if 98% of women in the US give birth in a hospital, why is the MATERNAL death rate just as bad as the infant one?

By Lisa

November 14, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

I would not choose to birth @ home, for various reasons and think the decision to birth at home or in a hospital is completely personal. And I saved my cord blood and if that makes me “coo-coo” so be it…oh, and I nurse my babies well past their first year. “Coo-coo’s” unite!!! On the other hand, since the dude who first used “coo-coo’s” in an earlier post made these women out to be just less than hooka smokin’ granolas….I have kick a* hair, expensive jeans and shoes. Guess that makes me a “coo-coo” with style!

By Mary

November 14, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

I would never give birth at home both myself and my daughter would have died if we hadn’t been in a hospital. Its too risky to give birth at home imo.

By Sally

November 14, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

No way, no how. Yes being judgemental but you have to crazy. Its selfish.

By catlady

November 14, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Good for those who want to. Many have very positive experiences. My daughter in law wants to do it that way which is grand for her as well. I will let you know in mid-May.

By Debi

November 14, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Denkpaard said: “Debi, Comparisons to countries with high homebirth rates are not meaningful because they have totally different healthcare and support systems.”

Then don’t you think our system needs changing? If other countries can get better outcomes, why are we staying with an obvious flawed, expensive system???

Mr Nice Guy wrote: “Women who give birth at home are the same coo-coo’s who give birth underwater or in an ocean surrounded by friends wearing white gowns, holding candles performing a Tibetan love chant.”

Our hospital in south west Georgia offers water birth!!! And if a patient wants her placenta, it is hers!

Actually maternal death rate does relate to our maternity care and lack of preventative medicine in this country and our maternal death rate is rising, not falling! Our system is failing women and children from conception onward.

By nurse&mother

November 14, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Debi-I am surprised that you work in L&D. It sounds like you feel pretty strong against hospital births. I’m not sure why you would set yourself up for a lawsuit.

For the poster that said the midwife comes prepared with all emergency equipment, does she bring a respiratory therapist, a special care nursery nurse, L&D nurse, an OB etc.? Have you never heard of an accreda, amntiotic fluid embolism? Those are not linked to unnecessary interventions like you mention. Those are some conditions that could prove to be fatal without a medical team to act instantly. Oh BTW, a post partum hemorrhage can occur in anyone. I’ve seen patients rushed off to surgery with a doctor or nurse’s hand up in a uterus as the patient prayed she wouldn’t die.

While I will agree that there are some things that clearly increase a woman’s risk, there is still a risk tragedies happening at a home birth. What about a diaphragmatic hernia? Usually those things are not diagnosed during a pregnancy. I doubt that a midwife can handle that one by herself.

I think the idea sounds great, but I am not willing to take such a risk. And there are some risks.

By GA_gal

November 17, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

Forget home birth—I won’t even have a second child unless the dr. agrees to do a scheduled c-section. My son got stuck and barely made it out after use of a vacuum. I’m not going through that again.

By MrsMom

November 17, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

I’m pregnant and would love to have my 2nd child at home. Several of you are showing your ignorance and cultural bias…especially since ALL of your ancestors were born at home (and obviously survived).

By MrsMom

November 17, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

I’m pregnant and would love to have my 2nd child at home. Several of you are showing your ignorance and cultural bias…especially since ALL of your ancestors were born at home (and obviously survived).

By NoWayJose

November 17, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

A good friend of mine gave birth at home. During delivery, her daughter’s umbilical cord became compressed, resulting in oxygen deprivation. She was stillborn, but was resuscitated by EMTs and taken to Grady. She was on life support for 2 days before she passed.

My friend couldn’t have known this would happen, and this kind of umbilical cord accident is rare. But it illustrates the risks of giving birth at home, and it’s something that anyone giving birth at home needs to seriously consider.

By motherjanegoose

November 17, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

So sorry for a tragedy. I was thinking of this very thing while I was out of town…have we read of any home birth stories that had a medical dilemma and worked out just fine even though the mother and baby were not in the hospital? It is all wonderful for some to say that a home birth is the way to go when no complications are there…BUT if there is trouble…who would risk it? Let’s hear from some of you who had a home birth with complications and would still go that route…maybe we need some of these stories to help balance things out.

By momto4boys

November 18, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Anecdotes aside, the meta-analysis studies have shown that homebirth is at least as safe— if not SAFER— than hospital birth. No one should plan a homebirth without full prenatal care, personalized care which analyzes that mother and baby’s risk of problems, etc. It is not only likely but probable that NoWayJose’s friend’s child would have also passed away in a hospital birth, too. Because compression of the cord is so immediate and traumatic that there is not time to save a child. Setup for an emergency C-section requires a “golden” period of time (referred to by OBs and hospitals) which is usually 20-30 minutes.

IF a family is comfortable that the midwife is certified in infant rescusitation, IF they are close enough to a hospital for transport and IF they are prepared, then homebirth is a great alternative.

Homebirth advocates do not hope that all with follow their path. They do, in fact, prefer that those who have medical conditions (such as gestational diabetes) or history of c-sections or are squeamish about blood stay in the hospital.

You all do realize that several European countries normalize homebirth and have more or an equal amount of those as hospital birth? And that this is fully endorsed by their medical community? Part of what goes on here is related to $— there are a lot of specialized OBs who won’t have enough work if women choose them for their real purpose, which is high-risk births. And so, they try to terrify women into delivering at hospitals, where they also risk medical error and infections for them and their baby.

All that being said: if you deliver at home, please be sure to insist that your family doctor complete the newborn screening for all serious diseases and hearing loss. This can be overlooked since it is administered in the hospital. There are very good reasons for them.

By sandy

November 18, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Anne: You wrote:The U.S. has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world and the most hospital births.

WHAT? That is a LIE.

By mystery poster

December 2, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

I had my first one by Cesarean. I did some research when I got pregnant again and saw that at the time (1989) the VBAC rate was 18%.

I contacted a midwife with a 100% VBAC rate. To me, it was a nobrainer.

My son was born at home, it was the best decision I ever made. I would recommend it for anyone who isn’t faint of heart.

At the hospital, I felt like someone’s science experiment. At home, if I wanted to get up and walk, I did. I ate toast and honey and my husband put hot compresses on my back.