Q: I would like to have my fourth baby at home with a midwife, supported by
close family. My only hesitation is that my third birth was precipitous. I
had the urge to push at 1:25 and was holding a 10 lb. baby in my arms by
1:45.
I disagree with induction, but am determined to have a wonderful birth
experience where I am surrounded by people who will support me. There is
the chance that my midwife (not to mention my husband and doula) could get
stuck in traffic. What would you recommend for a mom in my position?
-M.W.
Just make sure your midwife is called at the first signs of labor or
impending labor (backache, bloody show, etc.). Even two hours is plenty of
time if the midwife is not a hundred miles away. Also, have a kit for
delivery ready at home and have your midwife review how to assist in the
birth, support the perineum and stimulate the baby if necessary. Your
partner will feel more comfortable if these basics are reviewed in the
event the midwife does not arrive in time.
-Anon.
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I had planned my fifth birth to happen at home with my family and midwives.
Everyone involved knew I had a prior birth that lasted 53 minutes from
start to finish. As it happened, my baby came in 34 minutes, emerging
beautifully and born into the hands of his daddy and grandma (the birth
happened at two in the morning.)
Our bodies are made to do this and if it happens that your midwife, husband
or doula don't make it (very unlikely) it would still be better for you to
be at home with all necessary supplies and education rather that YOU being
the one stuck in traffic! Induction is not necessary. Just rely on
planning. If your water breaks, call everyone immediately. You can even
plan to have a family member stay with you for a few days before your due
date.
I learned that unnecessary worry does nothing. I know I could have
delivered my baby by myself if needed. On the other hand, you may have all
the time in the world. Our sixth baby took over 6 hours!
-Deana Sodders
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I have five children, and my longest labor was five hours (my second). I
average around two hours. My last two were born at home. With the first
homebirth the midwife skidded in just in time to catch the baby. Number
five was a beautiful waterbirth, 50 minutes start to finish. My husband and
a friend were there and my midwife was stuck in midnight construction
traffic. She got there in time to see the placenta delivered. However, by
my estimates, had we opted for the hospital, the baby would have been born
on the side of the road in a car.
If I had to make the decision over again, I'd still have the homebirth. I
did make sure both times that I had a (doula) friend who is familiar with
"emergency childbirth" with me.
-Chava Weiman
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 2 Issue 10 March 10, 2000)
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