Suzanne's Homebirth Website

Five of my children have been born at hospitals, the last with a certified nurse midwife. Our sixth child was born at home.

There are many reasons why I chose to have a homebirth. First of all, it must be realized that being pregnant and giving birth is a normal and natural process for a woman. The statistics show the safety and reduced complications for both mother and baby when birth is done at home. So, no, homebirth is not dangerous. Yes, there are times when a hospital birth is preferable in the case of high-risk pregnancies, etc. but most women can give birth at home if they want to. Even when a hospital birth is chosen or mandated, every attempt should be made to make the experience as home-like as possible and avoid the typical routines done to mother and child.

Since I have given birth in a hospital five times, I know the environment and the routines and I know I had a better experience at home in my own environment and with my family. I enjoy being "in control" of my pregnancy and birth. I didn't want to be treated like I am ill or need medical attention just because I was going to have a baby. I feel such overuse of medical treatment leads to problems rather than prevents them. A mother who has had many interventions during her pregnancy and birth will have an increased risk of further interventions including a cesarean section. Our c-section rate in this country is very high - much higher than countries where midwifery and homebirth are accepted as normal. Obviously, many are totally unnecessary and those that are necessary, the problems leading to surgery were often caused by the medical interventions....treating a "condition" that is perfectly normal. I avoided such situations by giving birth at home.

I began seeing my midwife when I was 3 months pregnant. I felt very confident with her knowledge, experience and skills. She is also a registered nurse and has been a midwife for 18 years. We share similar philosophies about pregnancy, birth, raising children, etc. Medical insurance will not cover the expenses of a midwife and a homebirth so we paid cash for the midwifery services. We sacrificed a lot in order to have this homebirth but it was well worth it in the end.

My husband was apprehensive about having a homebirth in the beginning. When we decided to have another baby, he knew I was going to give birth at home this time. As I have shared information with him, he has become more accustomed to the idea, though he remained nervous and anxious until the baby was born...just as he has been throughout all of our pregnancies. I was very excited about the homebirth! We have asked Ron's sister to attend the birth to help with our children, which he happily agreed to, but we didn't need to call her since most of the children stayed sleeping.  I videotaped the birth, which will be a special event for Kimberly to watch when she is older.  I was able to eat, drink and move as I wish as well as give birth in the position most comfortable for me, not the doctors or nurses as it happens in the hospital.  I also have the option of having a water birth which was a wonderful experience.

My children had told me that they want to see the baby being born. We all have watched several birthing videos so they will knew what to expect.  When it came time to give birth, everyone was sleeping except for Kira.  She was the only one watching the baby being born.   My husband was involved in the birthing process, though he didn't "catch" the baby as planned.  He has been there with me as each of our six children have been born. I took an active role in this birth myself and nursed as soon as the baby was born (this helped reduce bleeding and is beneficial for the baby).

Planning this homebirth was like giving birth for the first time all over again, though I am more aware and informed about what to expect and the options I have. We was prepared to handle the birth ourselves, in case the baby decides to arrive before the midwife. The midwife's apprentice, Donna, also attended the birth.  Whether a mother plans to birth at home or not, I feel every mother should be prepared to give birth unassisted. Studies have shown that births that unplanned and unprepared for sometimes results in problems and complications because of the added stress and worry about not knowing what to do. Some parents choose unassisted birth intentionally for personal and religious reasons. Because our baby is due in late December, a winter storm could occur at the same time as the birth. Given the choice of giving birth unassisted at home or giving birth unassisted on the way to the hospital, I would much rather be at home. If the baby is going to come that quickly, I don't want to be on the road!

I wanted the baby to be born as gently as possible with no separation from me. I didn't want her poked, prodded, exposed to bright lights and loud noises. Birth is natural and normal. A traumatic experience can have life-long consequences for both mother and child and should be avoided as much as possible. Unfortunately, the usual hospital routines result in such traumas and negative results. Home is the preferred place to give birth.

Kimberly's Birth Story