Home Birth vs. Hospital

I realize that my decision to have a home birth is not for everyone.  And as a first time mom-to-be, I am certainly not an expert.  I can only make decisions based on what feels right for me, my partner, and my family...including my golden retriever, Mazzy Star.  But I've done the research.  And I've been told that walking into the local hospital means that I have a one in four shot of having a C-section.  And that's before stepping inside.  Yikes.  I've also been told that a home birth is as safe, if not safer than a hospital birth.  After watching "The Business of Being Born", and "Orgasmic Birth" as well as partaking in a seminar by Dr. Carly Wendler, (a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a special interest and passion for perinatal health) called "Your Best Birth" I am convinced that home birth is the way for my family.

 I choose a home birth for many reasons.  We can light candles and listen to the spa channel (admittedly my favourite) and relax in our home.  Mazzy Star can be a part of the process.  Apparently dogs are quite sensitive around child birth and they, like children, make a better transition when they are part of the process.  Also, home birth is said to be less painful.  Here there's no chance of sensory overload and confusion with hospital policies and procedures.  High levels of stress can cause the vaginal sphincter to close.  And if it's closed, there's no way a baby is coming out!  

Some women have already challenged my decision, saying that I am crazy for going natural.  Here's the thing.  Women have been giving birth naturally for centuries.  Our bodies are amazing and when we take the drugs, we override our body's natural response.  We have to have trust in them.  And I trust mine.  I also trust my midwives, with whom I have built a connection.  One or both will be here, not some doctor I have never met before.  

I have also chosen to have a water birth.  Having a birthing tub encourages an easier birth for myself and will be a gentler welcome for my baby girl.  HypnoBirthing® Hamilton will be dropping the tub off before the holidays and will pick it up after the birth of my baby. In addition to birth tub rentals, they offer classes and counselling to families living in Hamilton and surrounding areas.  Their philosophy is to facilitate a peaceful, instinctive birth experience.  When I called to rent the birthing tub, I spoke with Lara, who was absolutely wonderful.  Her passion for birth and family was very apparent.

At just 27 weeks, I still have about 3 months to go.  I am loving every minute and every day is a miracle as my baby girl continues to dance around inside of me.  When her daddy has belly time, she reacts with wiggles and kicks at the sound of his voice.  The experience has been magical so far and I look forward to the rest of my positive pregnancy experience.

*For more information regarding Zaida Baby - My First Keepsake, or to book your Zaida Baby photoshoot, please email me at sandy@zaidababy.com.  Comments on this blog are also welcome.