So, now that I’m pregnant for the second time ever in my whole entire life . . .
(10 weeks and counting! I started showing in the first month!)
I had a very good experience with the hospital my daughter was born at: St. Joseph Medical Center in Orange, Ca. I can’t say enough good things. We were uber-blessed with a kind and gentle labor nurse who was with me from the moment I got in (I was already in the Transition Phase) till the end. My labor lasted 38 hours, but I was only in the hospital for about 3 1/2 or 4 hours (can’t remember) before she came out. I’ll have to put the birth story details on another post. Anyway, what makes me not want a hospital birth this time is just one thing: the episiotomy. This is the unkindest cut. I urged the OB in many appointments not to do this to me. He did anyway. I can understand why–I never got to 10cm dilation. But I also cried for 8 weeks because of it (that’s a wee exaggeration for effect! It hurt for 8 weeks, most of the crying was just in the first month).
So I’d love to have a homebirth with a midwife! But it’s still costly, even though my husband’s insurance will cover a good percentage of it.
So, I began looking into Unassisted Childbirth. I found Laura Shanley’s site, http://www.unassistedchildbirth.com, and became inspired! I think Laura Shanley makes a very good case for UC. Those ladies in the videos make me feel like I can do it, too! On the other hand, some fair and balanced comments from wise families on the Quiverful Digest made me realize it does have risks, and that’s coming from its advocates–families who’ve had multiple Unassisted Homebirths and know that most UC births are totally uncomplicated. I would love to have an uncomplicated UC, but at the same time, I don’t want all the pressure to be on my husband to save the day in case of an unexpected complication. He just wants to catch the baby, and that’s fine with me! We’re praying God will provide the best birthing scenario for us.
LadyInTheLamb 