This is my first pregnancy and I am young, almost 19 years old. I was raised in a natural environment, my parents both very frugile and very opinionated! I have continued to live the natural lifestyle and am very content. In reading, speaking to people, trying to find out everything possible about pregnancy, parenting, etc.. I stumbled upon some disturbing things about hospital birthing procedures. Not only this, but I feel it is more in alighnment with me to have a midwife and have my baby at home.

I have found some good info., but I was wondering if anyone on here had a natural birth and/or homebirth. If so, what was different? Were there any complications? What was it like overall?

ALso, Did anyone have a waterbirth? I know nothing of water birthing. Tell me about it.

I am only 4 months so I hope to see lots of stories by the time it is my turn ladies!!

Thanks,

Mariah

I had a natural birth with a mid-wife at the hospital. I needed to have the hospital there for my reassurance about my daughter's well being. I used the labor ball, shower, rocker and everything I could until they made me stay still. I had turned 19 only 6 days before I had her too.

Honestly, natural child birth is much harder on your body and can make recovery times longer. My daughter ended up being 8 lbs 9.8 oz. She tried coming out w/her little fist pressed up against her face too...let's just say that there were complications when it came to me. I did have to have the medical facility.

I would recommend looking into a birthing center. I know we have one here locally, it's more like your own home, but has the backups already there. As well you're more likely to have alternative birthing (more natural) methods.

Aren't there hospitals that will accomodate natural child birth? We have one locally that does water birth. They call them "birthing suites" like a fancy hotel.. I have heard of some faculities allowing the mother to bring in a midwife, like your's BS.

I would ask myself if the pros outweigh the cons... There is always the "what-if" factor..

As nice as it would have been to be at home, the hospitals have the tools and the talent to react in a bad situation.

Oh, and, they don't usually mention that sometimes they have to mop the hospital floor afterwards...childbirth is one of the messiest of all life's joys.

Hahaha, I remember that! I remember looking at the floor and asking the nurses, "Is that from me?"

I had Blair in a hospital, but it was more like a hotel. There was a little jacuzzi to relax in during labor, and if requested you could have a water birth in it. (they sanitize it between patients lol) The bed was big and soft. My ex could have layed next to me if he had any emotion. The end of it broke down while I was pushing and mysterious stirrups came from out of nowhere. I had my own tv and VCR. There was a mirror that magically came out of the ceiling that I could adjust with a switch if I wanted to be able to watch the birth (I passed, I am squeemish with blood, especially mine) I had a private bathroom just for me with a shower/bath combo. It was very luxuious, considering at the time my ex and I were living in the attic of a house we wern't supposed to be living in. I didn't want to leave lol! They let me make every decision, I had a birthing ball too. I almost wasn't going to get drugs, but I finally gave in when the back labor kicked into full gear. My back felt like it was going to snap! Those simple things made the labor much more calming and relaxing. A lot of hospitals have converted their Labor and Delivery to be more inviting (after all, these people aren't sick, they are trying to celebrate. Sterile hospital walls aren't very cheery) You should look into your local hospitals and see what they have available.

For me after having a loaded c/section, a natural birth was so much better and I would do it again 20 times before a birth with drugs, needles, etc.
I will never be able to give birth ouside of a hospital because I was diagonised with a form of cardiomyopthy with my first baby. To risky with my heart to have a birth anyways else, although I am completely envious of those who can.
I was able to have a no drugs, needles, etc natural birth with my second baby. It was the most wonderful, empowering expeirence of my life.

Seraphin where the heck do you live? Lol. I am from a little state called vermont and we do not have jacuzzi's here!! And usually you dont even have your own room you share with someone else. I geuss the hospital experience could be awesome if you have the means but the hospitals around here are pretty basic. There is one with a birthing center but it is 2 hours away.
Since I was on here last, I found a midwife that I connect with very well and she is just great. She is awesome and I feel very close to her, unlike the feelings of being just a number at the hospital. I will give birth in my own home and we are going to do aromatherapy, massage, lots of great stuff. Also, my mom has agreed to be my birth partner so I couldn't be more happy. Will let everyone know how it works out.

I am still considering water birth and i recently saw a movie on Russian waterbirth which was fascinating but does anyone have any stories from the US?

The hospitals around here are also like the one Sera talked about.
Meli - Check your local library, they may have some books or videos on water births.

Heh..I'm from a little place in Indiana..and there were 3 rooms like the one Sera described and the rest were exactly the same only w/o the jacuzzi.

I have checked actually and we do not have that in our local hospital but that is def. awesome that you guys do!!
Anyways I have a lot of reasons for doing a homebirth and I am researching waterbirth now.. (thanks for the advice of the library..not rocket science but i am so busy i didnt even think of it! lol) I do not have a jacuzzi but I have a nice tub! lol.. Everything wil be wonderful..this pregnancy thing is my life. from when i wake up until i go to bed i am reading, talking to people, watching movies, and writing. It is how i stay sane i'm afraid.
I will let you know if i decide on the waterbirth. until then, thanks for the advice ladies.

In NZ home births are really common, and almost all women have midwives and not doctors. All our towns have birthing units that the midwives work from and it is only in the main cities you have hospitals. I had my baby at hospital due to being nearly forty and my first child. My sister had a homebirth and the midwife had her own birthing pool which they set up in the living room. It was about the size of a large spa pool - room enough for 3 people if required. She really liked it. She definitely liked having her midwife and because they are with you the whole time and had a good connection she felt that her opinions were listened to. She asked around to determine that she had a midwife that would get help at the first sign of trouble. As in NZ most women have midwives you do hear of the midwives who are reluctant to call in a doctor or go to a hospital when they should. The only alternative to a midwife here is a specialist which is really expensive and midwives and the birthing units are free. Back to the waterbirth my other sister tried it and hated it said it made her contractions slow down too much. They told me when I had mine try everything you won't know what works for you until you are there but I ended up with the hospital induction epidural, ventouse etc etc. Good luck, it is an exciting journey!