Midwifery Resources

I've put together a short list of resources for those of you interested in doing some reading about this whole home birth process. I know some people are concerned about our choice to have a home birth, and I'd like to provide more information around this topic in the hopes that it will relieve some of that anxiety. I've known for the last few years that when the time came I would want to give birth at home, and nothing during my pregnancy has changed that feeling. I'm actually feeling more and more empowered because of this choice as my pregnancy progresses. I'm really excited about the birth - feeling great about being able to be in an environment that I'm comfortable in and where I can let my body do the work it needs to to bring this new little life into the world. And I'm looking forward to being able to move around as I like, eat and drink if I'm hungry, holding my baby immediately after the birth, and knowing that I'll have the full support of my midwives in my choices.

So far we are planning to just go with the flow and see what my body tells me at the time, but we are looking into having a birthing tub available; mostly for relaxation, but I'm also open to the birth happening there if it feels right. We watched a video of some water births last night, and while the movie itself was a bit too mystical-feeling for us, I have to say that seeing those little babies born was very cool! I've read numerous water-birth stories, but seeing it made it much more real. I had pictured the baby coming out and being mostly still / eyes shut, but in the video we saw these little newborns, fresh out of the womb, kicking and swimming under the water, eyes wide open - really, really amazing.


Websites:
Midwifery Today
Minnesota Families for Midwifery

Books:
Adventures in Natural Childbirth
I first read this a few years ago, and really liked that it gave a lot of good information about birth choices without being biased (there is a focus on women who were looking for unmedicated births of course, but since it says it right in the title I don't think that one's a shocker). The book is segmented by type of care provider (doula, midwife, physician, unattended) and within each section you learn about different birth options (home, water, hospital, birthing center) through the accompanying birth stories. A really nice overview of the options available today, and each section is pretty concise and very readable.

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
Working through this one right now. The first half is birth stories, some of which were great, and others a little too out there. The second half of the book has the "technical" info. It discusses lots of aspects related to labor and birth, as well as the connection between body and mind and really preparing yourself for birth. Taking the second section kind of slow as I read each chapter and then do some thinking before moving on to the next.


I plan to have a more complete list of resources related to pregnancy and birth available on my blog, but these are some good places to start if you're interested in finding out more about home birth or gaining a better understanding of our choices.


On a slightly different note I would also like to add some thoughts here to make sure people do not misunderstand my intentions in expressing my enthusiasm for home birth:

I'd like to be clear that I do not think every woman needs to give birth at home, and that I do not condemn other women's choices that differ from mine. Each woman has to decide what is best for her, her family, and her situation. Women should birth in the way and place that is most comfortable for them. I also believe that hospitals can and do save lives, and that there are times where medical intervention is necessary. However I also believe that in the majority of cases, a home birth is just as safe, if not safer, than a hospital birth. I do not believe that birth in general is a medical procedure, but instead a natural process that women's bodies are specially designed for and very capable of handling.

Very cool view

A couple of Sundays ago we looked out a back window of our house and saw a large brown ball at the top of one of our cottonwood trees. After a few seconds I realized what I was seeing and we ran for the camera. Chris captured some great shots:

I'm back!

Sorry for the long absence. Definitely not due to a lack of things to talk about! I'll be trying to catch up over the next several days, so keep checking in to see what's new.

Most of my delay has been due to my new computer NOT being here. I ordered a new laptop from Dell over a month ago; shipping has been delayed 3 times due to an apparent shortage of parts, and last night we finally canceled the order. I have been really disappointed by this, as Dell is no longer offering the computer I wanted with the Ubuntu (Linux) operating system; so my options are to get the same computer, but pay for Windows, which I don't want (and wait another 2 months for it to be delivered?), or if I stick with Ubuntu I can get a different style with a smaller screen for the same price, or spend a lot more money for a different style of laptop with the same size screen. All very frustrating; giving my money to Apple is sounding more and more appealing...