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Birth is a normal and a natural process!
95% of the time – if allowed to unfold at its own pace and as nature had intended – it will result in an uncomplicated and natural delivery. Pregnancy and birth are personal, as well as spiritual experiences, through which the mother and family must be honored and respected. Pregnancy, birth and parenting are major steps in individual growth and responsibility. It is a time of empowerment for parents and especially for the mother who must trust in the process, harness her inner strength, and have faith in her body’s ability to give birth. It is an honor to support women, their partners and families through these stages of personal growth and change.
What is a home birth like?
Giving birth at home allows you to labor and deliver in familiar and comfortable surroundings. You’ll have more control over your birth experience than you would in a hospital: you are able to labor in your own clothes, eat and drink freely, you won’t have to endure routine or unnecessary medical interventions, and you can give birth wherever you are most comfortable, whether in a birthing pool, bed, or even on the floor.
At home, as many family members or friends as you want can attend the birth, and you get to share the experience with them without interruptions from hospital staff. Best of all, my attention will be focused 100% on you and your baby, unlike in a hospital setting where caregivers typically have multiple mother/baby pairs to care for.
Most potential complications can be determined in advance with diligent and thorough prenatal care, so I carefully look for any potential signs and take measures to correct them before they become a problem. If it becomes necessary, we seek appropriate medical advice. During labor, careful monitoring assures my clients that I am on the lookout for, and able to detect any possible complications before a crisis develops. If we are unable to correct a situation we transport and are grateful for the high level of care available at our local hospital. In addition, I, as well as my assistants, have been trained to deal with sudden or last minute complications that would be considered unexpected in any setting, such as (but not limited to) a tight nuchal cord, shoulder dystocia, maternal shock, or the need for neonatal resuscitation.
After the delivery, we remain with the new family for as long as is necessary to assure that all is well. During the following six weeks we return for regularly scheduled postpartum home visits.