I've given birth ten times and those experiences have varied widely. My first was a c-section, my next was in a hospital with epidural, the six after that were natural/birth center, and the last two were home birth with a midwife and assistant. Here's what I liked best about having a baby at home: Well...you're at home! When it comes to an intense and tiring experience like labor, I concur with Jane Austen: "Ah! There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." I didn't have to Continue Reading
A Headache, a Home Birth and Hypertension
For nine months you prepare, always looking ahead and anticipating the big delivery day, when you get to finally hold your child and look into her face. And after the monumental work of pregnancy and labor, you might assume that the physical challenges are mostly behind you. But the postpartum period can be rough. I've had a really eventful week to say the least, but let me say first that the best thing that happened all week was the arrival of our baby girl, one day late. On November 19th Continue Reading
My Home Birth Story: Full of Surprises
With 8 pregnancies behind me, you'd think maybe I would have this whole thing pretty much figured out. Not so! Granted, I was planning a home birth for the first time and so that was untried territory for me. Still, I didn't really expect any other surprises - but got a few at the end anyway! Not only was I overdue for the first time in my life (40 weeks and 2 days), but I had my shortest labor yet (3 hours) and our new baby girl weighed 9 pounds (that's big for a Sweden!). Here's how it Continue Reading
Preparing for My First Home Birth!
If all goes well, I'll be giving birth at home in January to our 9th baby! My official due date is January 24th, but I have always delivered early. When it comes to labor and delivery, I've experienced everything from a surprise c-section to a medicated/hospital VBAC to six natural deliveries at a midwife-run birth center. I decided to try at home this time because the birth center's policy changed and they could no longer take VBAC's. And after six natural deliveries with a midwife, my Continue Reading
What is it Like to Have a Home Birth?
Like me, you might be curious about giving birth at home. It's an option my husband and I have considered before. Our deliveries at the local birth center do offer a "home-like setting," but it's still not the same as bringing a baby into the world at your own house. I decided to interview my dear friend and neighbor who has lots of experience under her belt. You might wonder "who is a good candidate for home birth?" The general recommendations are: A mother with a healthy, low-risk Continue Reading