Search Results for: blog lets talk about who to include at your homebirth

Who Should Deliver Your Baby?

When I was searching for a health care provider at the beginning of my pregnancy, I chose a obstetrician without a second thought. The list of covered providers for my insurance did not include any midwives and I assumed that using one would require giving birth at home. My impression of what home birth might look like did not seem appealing at all. The decision at the time was easy. Since then I have learned more about certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives. They are trained to respond to complications in labor and delivery, and consult with physicians when appropriate. They … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About Who’s Catching the Baby

Did you catch, or would you catch, your own baby if you could? This question was posed to me recently, and gave me pause for thought. I distinctly remember, while pushing my second daughter out, being encouraged to “just reach down and grab her”. It sounds a little bit easier than it is. I was very much in the middle of something – namely, pushing another human being out of myself – so I had little concentration to devote to the task. Ultimately, it wasn’t something I was intensely interested in, and so I don’t regret replying to the suggestion … Continue reading →

The Let’s Talk Blog Mid-Month Review

We’re halfway through the first month of the year, and already have touched on some interesting topics! I’ve really enjoyed reading everyones comments and hope that we can continue discussing pregnancy-related issues so openly. We opened the month by talking about pregnant bellies in Let’s Talk About Handling Unwanted Belly Touching. Let’s Talk About Handling Unwanted Belly Comments got several comments, and I’m not surprised – it’s a serious issue for many pregnant women. If you’re looking for help in choosing a baby name, Let’s Talk About Naming Your Baby offers plenty of suggestions – some well-known, and some not … Continue reading →

The Let’s Talk Blog Top Ten – Ways to Achieve a Normal Birth

TEN: Allow labor to begin on its own. Getting induced with Pitocin tends to lead to further complications and more painful contractions. Inductions should be reserved for medical indications only. NINE: Allow yourself movement. You’ll be more comfortable if you are able to move freely during labor. Your labor will most likely progress quickly if you are able to keep active and respond to your labor pains by changing positions. EIGHT: Say no to routine interventions. Ask for intermittent, instead of constant, fetal monitoring. Having belts, cords or wires on your person can tie you down and won’t allow you … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About Who to Include at Your Homebirth

Giving birth is no doubt a personal and intimate time for a woman. Perhaps you already have an idea of whom you would like present at the birth of your child. Even more important is to decide whom you do not want present, for your comfort is the most important factor to consider. Sometimes there are people that are very eager to be present, but you aren’t comfortable with them being there. You will have to determine the best way to explain this to them, and remember that it is ultimately your decision who is there. If there are certain … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About Interviewing a Homebirth Midwife

Apart from fees and insurance inquiries, there are many questions to consider when seeking midwifery care. Consider asking the following questions when interviewing a homebirth midwife: 1) How many births have you attended, and how many were successful homebirths? What is your rate of transfer? Do you transfer if the mom desires pain relief, or only in emergencies? 2) Do you have references that I can contact? (It is always a good idea to call a few of the references provided.) 3) What are your expectations of clients during pregnancy? (This will probably be included in the provided reading material. … Continue reading →

The Let’s Talk Blog Top Ten – Reasons for a Homebirth

In my opinion, there are way too many reasons to count. However, they can all more or less be included in these TEN reasons to have a homebirth: TEN: Feel safe – Being without fear is the #1 key to having a successful, drug-free delivery. I personally would be scared to death of a hospital birth, while some women may be scared to be without the medical umbrella of a hospital. NINE: Have it your way – When giving birth at a hospital, it’s hard not to let our doctors or midwives run the show. After all, you may be … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About Choosing a Healthcare Provider

So you’ve gotten a positive test result. What’s the first thing you think of? For many women, one of their first thoughts is about getting in to see a doctor. So, you run to the phone and try to make an appointment with an obstetrician. The interesting thing is, although you are eager to get some care, most doctor offices will probably hold off on seeing you until 10 weeks or so. At that time, your hormone levels will be consistent enough to get certain blood readings, and the baby’s heartbeat is more likely to be heard via doppler or … Continue reading →