What information/experiences have influenced you to have a home birth?

Question

It's so uplifting to learn why women chose the peaceful birthing path of our ancestors, to birth at home.
What has influenced your decision?

I had a natural hospital birth and this baby will be born at home, God willing. I've done a lot of research and read many stories, but I'm always wanting more!

Answer

I really want to do a home birth because I don't want to be pressured in to ANY medical procedures that aren't an emergency. Hospitals tend to push women through the process if they aren't progressing in a timely manner or in the time that they feel is reasonable (absolutely bs if baby is fine). I don't want to be induced, this baby is going to come out when she is good and ready. I trust my body and I trust the process that has been happening outside of hospitals forever. I DONT want an epidural or a c-section, both of those are last case scenarios for me. Lastly, I don't feel comfortable in hospitals. They are weird, non-comforting environments, with tons of people (strangers) buzzing around and I want to be in the warmth and comfort of my own home.

I want lit candles all around me, calm music playing, I want it to be as private as possible (my husband, a midwife or two and maybe a doula) and the possibility for a water birth (which none of our hospitals allow).

Answer

I wanted an unmedicated childbirth and I worry that my choices won't be respected at a hospital. I don't want to fight with nurses or doctors to defend my choice not to be monitored, medicated, or have my baby vaccinated. The best place for me to be is safe at home, and surrounded by people who "get it." 
Looking forward to my 3rd homebirth:)

Answer

I absolutely love watching home births on YouTube...

Answer

I'm going with a natural birthing center birth hopefully in a tub. The birth center is set up just like a home and it's closer to the hospital than our actual home which puts me at ease is case anything goes wrong. I chose this type of birthing experience for my second child because my first was all hospital all the way and I feel cheated out of the actual *giving birth*. My OB had an agenda that didn't include any of my wishes and although I didn't experience any pain, I also missed out on feeling anything.

Answer

Unfortunately, just a really negative and scarring hospital birth on top of PTSD I already had. :( I would've wanted one anyways becuase I just honestly feel safer and happier at home and research supports me. I trust my body and the process, and i don't really fear the pain.  So long as we're both healthy previously. But I probably wouldn't have felt SO strongly and so passionate about it if my hospital experience weren't so bad.

Answer

I used the wisdom of the women before me, my sister and mom. They both had both hospital and home births and both said home birth was the way to go. I even used my mom's midwife. They were both there with me too.

Answer

I was raised by a hippie mom. :) Natural birth isn't something that came up specifically that I recall. But just generally doing things as naturally as possible was encouraged. I always knew my life goal was to be a mother. In my teens I started researching all I could about birth and parenting and breast feeding. After reading and researching I decided home birth was for me (as well as attachment parenting and full term breast feeding). Quite simply it was backed by all the facts and stats. Every bit of research I did led me back to it. Unfortunately I didn't get my home birth until baby #2 due to issues with providers and insurance. But I had my 1st unmedicated with an actually very supportive Dr. And my 2nd as a truly wonderful home water birth. Well worth the wait. And I can't wait to have that experience again. :)

Answer

My family is from holland where home birth is more common and I was raised with the philosophy that birth was normal.  I thought with my first I would go to a birthing center, but when I saw the medical equipment used just to monitor in routine cases I freaked out. Found strong midwives and have never looked back.  Preparing for my third home birth now!

Answer

My first labor I went into do a natural birth and was given piticon because I wasn't dilating fast enough for them, then I was constantly asked when I wanted my epidural. I gave in. Also there's that monitoring thing and not being able to move out of bed.  Second baby same thing,  piticon and this time I just said to give me the epidural right away. I'm not confrontational and don't want to argue with pushy nurses and drs. None supported a natural delivery, quite the opposite. My home birth was amazing in comparison.

Answer

I had a Epi free hospital birth. I was induced the week of thanksgiving, imagine that. I was stuck to the bed until after birth, not even allowed to go to the bathroom. I'm hoping this birth will be more natural and I will be able to move how I feel is best.

What information/experiences have influenced you to have a home birth?

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