Where we live there are 3 major hospitals, a small amount of mid-wives, and the nearest birthing center is about 1 hour away. Currently I am about half way through my 3rd pregnancy and it has got me posing this question to myself more out of personal experience then debate.
My Birthing experiences so far for the last 2 pregnancies have been routine hospital deliveries. However I have always been intrigued and drawn towards a home birth. With my first pregnancy I was positive that would be the route I would go. Then the first time mom jitters hit, a case of first trimester Placenta Previa, and a small early labor scare, the hospital seemed like the best route to go at the time. Que second pregnancy with twins, it seemed my dream of a home birth was off the table entirely due to all the excess monitoring for something called Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome and just the general anxiety of delivering 2 babies at once. I actually recently learned it is illegal in our state to have a home birth of twins.
I do want to share I have nothing against hospital deliveries or hospitals for that matter. I met some amazing professionals through my deliveries and NICU experiences. What turns me off about starting your prenatal care here through our Women’s Clinics or Hospitals you are seeing a team of Drs, and or Mid-wives they employ. It is a roulette of who you will see at each appointment, and when problems a rise your guess is as good as mine on who best to contact besides an answering service. There is never a true personal connection formed. When you go about hiring a mid-wife for home delivery it is a very personal, bonding thing. It is based off of connection, and the time you are able to spend together prior to the delivery far exceeds any amount of time you spend seeing your doctor in the hospital, unless you count waiting room times of course.
I want this delivery so badly to feel a little less clinical then my past experiences….. CLICK HERE to read the rest of this article over at Moms Beyond online magazine. Connect, share, and reach a tribe of other real Mommas just like you!