A Beautiful Home Birth Video

I love the champagne toast at the end!

Hospitals Make Progress in Eliminating Early Elective Deliveries

This is encouraging!   http://www.leapfroggroup.org/news/leapfrog_news/4827337

Did you know that..." babies induced in early term (between 37 and 38 weeks) have a higher risk for: neonatal mortality and morbidity, including significant respiratory problems,and placement in NICUs." Mothers can suffer from hematoma, wound dehiscence, anemia, endometriosis, urinary tract infection, and sepsis."

Maternity Care Quiz. Test your knowledge!

Consumer reports maternity care quiz:

http://www.consumerreports.org/health/conditions-and-treatments/pregnancy-childbirth/maternity-care/maternity-care-quiz/maternity-care-quiz.htm

More doctors are advocating for natural childbirth

C-Section rates fall for the first time in 10 years!!!To watch video, click the link below.
                     http://www.13wham.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=3286131

When things don't go as planned...

Even when things don't go as planned, like a breech baby, you can still have a beautiful and life changing birth experience. One of my best friends, Nicole, shares her birth story.

• Nicole and Randy
• Married with one daughter
• Chicago land area

Elisia's Birth Story:

"Ever since I found out we were expecting I knew I wanted to have an “all natural” birth. Randy and I attended a natural birth class called Brio. The class was incredible and so informative. Our instructor, Martha, was very knowledgeable and welcomed us into her home every Thursday for 12 weeks. We learned everything from relaxation techniques to breastfeeding to swaddling a baby. We also started going to a midwife for this same desire. We knew that midwives were passionate about birth, incredibly knowledgeable, and were willing to help you have the birth experience you desired. Randy’s sister, Sara, had just recently had her baby girl, Naia, with the West Suburban Midwives group so we decided to go with them. Sara had nothing but positive things to say about this group and we would soon see why.


At about 32 weeks we had a checkup and an ultrasound, pretty standard as I’m told. We discovered during this ultrasound that Elisia was frank breach. This is where their butt is in the pelvic opening and they’re basically folded up with their feet up by their head. We were alarmed but not too worried since the midwives said many babies will come out of that position on their own, but they wanted me to come in every week at this point just to check progress. From that point on I went in every week, and every week she was in the same position. I started to get more and more stressed. I knew that if she was Frank breech a C-section would most likely be preformed and this is the last thing I wanted.


The midwives gave me a whole list of things to do to get Elisia to flip, and we tried them ALL. I tried all sorts of stretches and “breech tilts” contorting my body in a way I didn’t think was possible as a third trimester pregnant women. I started swimming twice sometimes three times a week. I did massage, chiropractic work, hypnotherapy, and moxibustion. Despite all of these efforts along with copious amounts of prayer, Elisia was staying put. The midwives told me that if she didn’t turn by 37 weeks the last resort was trying an external version. 37 weeks came and we went to the hospital for the external. I was met by my midwife and an obstetrician. I was told this procedure was painful but thankfully I didn’t know how painful because I probably wouldn’t have gone through with it. The procedure is basically two people going on either sides of your baby and pushing as hard and as quickly as possible to turn her. Randy had to stand at the foot of the bed and hold my feet down and apply pressure to distract me from the pain. He said he was pressing so hard he thought I was going to start bleeding, but I didn’t feel it. The dr. and midwife tried two times and both times Elisia moved sideways but just popped back to her frank breech position. The pain was unbearable and traumatizing. My midwife later said to me that she has a hard time doing them, especially when they’re not successful. She just hates causing that much pain in a women and seeing the emotional trauma afterwards.


After the external Randy and I had to start coming to terms with having a C-section. This was so hard. It was difficult on so many levels. I wanted a natural birth so badly but I knew this was out of my control. From this point on I just prayed for peace and that God would help me trust in him. I prayed that I would at least go into labor so I could experience part of the labor process at least.


This prayer was answered on August 9th, 2011. For the past two months I had braxton hicks, “practice” contractions. A couple days before August 9th I had a couple periods of contractions that were close together. I thought I might be in early labor but didn’t think much of it. On August 9th I was feeling more uncomfortable and had a hard time walking, still though I was in denial and went about my day. I had a midwife appointment that I went to at 4p.m. As my midwife, Gail, started to wrap up our visit she asked if I wanted to be checked. I said, “What’s the point? I’m having a C-section.” haha I was really mad about it as you can tell. Gail said “ Won’t it be fun to just see? What if you’re 2 or 3 cm. dilated? That would be cool to know.” I agreed and after checking she said, “Wow, alright your 4 cm. dilated, with a bulging bag of waters, and I can feel the babies butt. I remember thinking, “ok what does that mean?” She proceeded to tell me that I could either wait it out at home or go to the hospital to have the C-section. She said that she predicted that things would move fast either way and since I had a bulging bag of waters it might be a good idea to go to the hospital. I called Randy and we discussed it and decided to meet at home and then go to the hospital.


The next 5 hours were the fastest I can ever remember. I remember feeling excited, nervous, unprepared, and joyful all at the same time. By the time we got the hospital and in the triage room I was 5 cm. I remember being so uncomfortable as they prepared me for the surgery. I was in the triage room for about two hours and I couldn’t move off the table which made labor a bit more painful. I remember asking several times if the catheter could come out. That was the most uncomfortable thing ever! By the time I was being wheeled off to have Elisia, I was 7cm. Randy told me that the nurses were freaking out, wondering where the Dr. was because they were afraid Elisia was going to come before the c-section.


The surgery room was cold and medical everything I didn’t want to experience while having my baby. During the whole process Randy and my midwife, Gail, stood by my side. It was so special having Randy there holding my hand and encouraging me throughout the birth. Best bonding experience ever! Gail was amazing. I kept asking her what was going on and she would explain everything in detail ( midwives rock!). As they took Elisia out Gail was describing exactly what was happening, “Ok they’re taking out her leg, her butt, there’s another leg…” Although the drugs numbed the pain I still felt pressure. As I gave birth to Elisia I felt her come out of my body. This was the strangest but most amazing feeling I’ve ever had. I started to hear her little cries and not 5 ft to my left they weighed and measured her. Gail quickly then brought her to me and we spent about 10 minutes just looking at each other. Gail held her close to my face and we snuggled while they stitched me up.


A couple weeks before we had discussed out C-section birth plan with the midwives. This plan included Randy taking Elisia to be weighed, measured, etc. while I was being stitched back up. So after Elisia and I had some time together Randy took her to the nursery. This is one of the most special aspects of having a C-section. Randy got to spend the better part of 45 minutes with Elisia. The first 45 minutes of her life. I know that they bonded during that time and it was so meaningful for Randy to be there with her. As I came into the recovery room Randy & Gail brought Elisia to me so I could nurse her for the first time. I remember being so adamant that they don’t give her a bath because I wanted to have that experience of the “newborn” smell and to have as much benefits as if I had her vaginally. I was so glad Randy made sure they didn’t, I will never forget how she smelled, as strange as that sounds, since I was a little out of it from the drugs that smell is a great anchor for my first memories with her.


Although Elisia’s birth wasn’t what I planned it was still beautiful. I can’t believe it’s already been four months and already look back to that day was nostalgia. God was so present during that time and taught me a lot about trust and faith. I am a bit of a control freak and this was something that I couldn’t control. I had to trust in God and deal with my pride, there was no way around it. God is good and Elisia is such a blessing in our lives and when she grows up I can’t wait to share this story with her."

http://nsoraich.wordpress.com/

Is a home birth right for you?

Great website that explains why a home birth may or may not be for you. 
                       http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/homebirth.html

Hillary and Ben's Home Birth Story

A friend's birth story of her 1st child:

• Hillary and Ben
• Married with 2 children
• From the Chicago area

Phoenix's Birth Story:

I was 6 days late and wasn't miserable, more just excited to have my little bundle arrive. I remember it feeling like Christmas was

going to happen any day now but I just didn't know when. I decided I was going to walk the baby out and that’s exactly what I did. I walked with Faith (my sister in law) for maybe an hour…which for a prego lady is a lot and then later went to the mall and walked a little with Ben. I had some minor contractions that day but it was more like “is that a Braxton Hicks or was that gas?” HA! I also thought I may have lost my mucus plug but again, wasn't too sure. Needless to say, I wasn't too convinced that I would be having a baby the next day!

Ben and I went to bed late that night, maybe around 11:30 - 11:45 PM. Somewhere between then and 12:30 AM my water broke. I remember putting a pad on and trying to go back to bed because it was just a slow trickle. That didn't last long and I had Ben call the midwife. She was actually at the hospital with a friend of mine who was suffering from preeclampsia so the midwife sent over her Nurse Midwife. I think it was maybe 1:30 or so when she arrived and by then my contractions where about 5 minutes apart. She checked me and I was 6 centimeters dilated so I decided I would walk around our apartment and let gravity do its job. I remember thinking at one point that I had probably walked a few miles by the time I stopped walking.

We also called my sister, Allison, and she came over just before the NM got there. She was our photographer and my source of amusement. I was so happy to have her there.

I think the midwife was finally able to get to our place by 2:30 AM and set up stuff in the bathroom so that she would be ready as soon as the baby was ready. After that I tried getting into the tub but that made the contractions feel worse so I got out and kept walking. Any time I had a contraction I would stop and brace myself on something and rock from side to side. Sometimes I would rest in Ben’s arms and just let him hold and console me and other times I would stare at two things on my mantel. One was a dying flower and to me it represented a dying to myself that would happen as I became a mother. The other was a small statue from Africa of a man’s face and that represented the wisdom that God would give me. It’s funny to think about it now, but at the time it was a very emotional experience to look at them and think of those things.

Finally at 3:45 AM God, baby and I were ready to bring her into the world. (I’m tearing up as I write this). I got into the tub and pushed with all I had every time there was a contraction. At one point I was feeling a lot of pain and frustration and screamed REALLY loudly and I was sure the neighbors herd me and were going to call the cops. HA! Thankfully they didn't. After 25 minutes of pushing her little head came out and I remember just holding it with one hand in the water and marveling. I have a beautiful picture that Al took of her little head with my hand on it. I love it! Within 5 more minutes she was born (keep in mind these are all approximate times). My beautiful little gift from heaven, my darling baby girl, Phoenix Eileen Start was born at 4:15 AM on Saturday, November 14th, 2009.

I LOVED the water birth. The cleanup was so minimal and my body was nice and stretchy because of the water. Phoenix scored a 9 on her Apgar and would have been a 10 if she wasn’t SO blue. I never did ask why she was like that. I didn't realize it until days later when I saw Al’s pictures. I think if I had realized it at the time I might have been worried. “Thank you Lord, for blinding my eyes so that I could relax and enjoy my baby”.

The NM showed me how to nurse which is a disaster of a story that I will not include in here and then after a while I went and laid down in my own bed while Al held Phoenix and Ben called his family. I slept for about 30 minutes and it was SO nice to not be disturbed by any one and to be in my own room. It was also nice to know that Phoenix was being held by her auntie and was happy and content. 

The next days went by like a whirl wind and though it was just 6.5 months ago, it feels like a lot of time has gone by. God has given me such a wonderful little gift and I’m so thankful to have the privilege of raising one of His children for as long as He wills that I keep her. My prayer is and always will be that I will teach her all that I can about Him and that she will come to know, love, and serve Him from an early age and on through all the days of her life. Thank you Jesus for my precious gift, I will hold her up to you with open hands!

To all the Cesarean mama's! VBAC's ARE possible.

I posted a slideshow earlier on my blog, titled "This Woman's Work." This is that woman's blog. She has had 1 cesarean, 1 pitocin induced VBAC, and now one HBAC( Home birth after cesarean.) Read her birth story. Much love and support to you!

                                      http://ardenpruchablog.com/the-end-birth/

Backup Plan

I've recently been informed that some family members are concerned about a backup plan for us; just in case our home birth doesn't go as planned. I totally understand your concerns. The backup plan: Zach will be training on how to deliver the baby; just in case the midwife doesn't arrive on time and then we can just tell her to go home. If  he's not able to do so, then the baby will just have to stay inside of me forever.....just kidding! Note: we are not naive about potential complications that can happen at home or even in the hospital.


Our real backup plan is to transfer to an hospital , which is about 15 min. from our house, in the event of complications. We will register before hand. My midwife informed me that less than 1% of her births have been transferred in an emergency situation. In this situation, they call an ambulance, even before they've exhausted all their options. Our midwife is highly trained. She will have much of the same equipment that they have in hospitals. She has delivered more than 3 thousand babies(both in hospitals, birth centers, and homes), has a Bachelor's degree in nursing, is certified by the American Midwifery Board, has a Bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics, has worked as a labor and delivery nurse in hospitals, attended midwifery school, and has worked in a childbirth women's center.


Here are some stats that may help you understand the U.S. maternal health care crisis in our country. Hope this helps! 

Tucker's Birth Story

I wrote this about 1 week after he was born.


 "It was such an amazing experience. I had my first contraction at 2:40am on 04/07. I was 37 1/2 weeks pregnant. I thought it was very bad indigestion at first, until I saw that my underwear was soaked. I yelled to Zach from the bathroom, "My water broke!" He said, "the pipes broke?" What do you mean the water broke?" He thought I said “THE water broke”. I was like, "What the heck do you think I mean!" Too funny.


I had another contraction about 20min later, so we thought it was going to be a while. But then they started coming every 5 min and then 3 min all within 1hr. I remember screaming "f***!" a number of times, lol. The contractions were incredibly intense right from the beginning. For a couple months before hand, I had been slowly dilating. I had a check up the day before and was 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced. My body was ready! We then decided to call the urgent care nurse. I could barely get through that phone call, the contractions were sooooo intense. She told us to immediately go to the hospital.


Zach tried calling my parents house about 3-4times and no one would pick up! Aren’t you supposed to be ready for this sort of thing? Jeeeeeeeeez. We needed someone to come pick up our dog. I then called Allie (my lil sis), knowing that she would pick up. She did right away and rushed to tell my parents. My parents later discovered that the battery had died on the phone.


 It was all chaos from there, trying to get everything together. I think our dog, Enzo, was really freaked out :( We had just installed the car seat the night before so I wasn't able to recline my seat back! Horrible!!! I was digging my finger nails into Zach's hands and biting the seat belt strap while drenched in sweat.


 When we arrived at the hospital, this very kind security guard offered me a wheel chair and told me I could squeeze his hand during the contractions...so sweet. They took me up to Triage to get checked out. I remember stripping down naked without any shame because I was so hot. I started vomiting like crazy and shaking (transition). I remember telling the nurse I was scared. Zach and the nurse had to pick me up onto the bed because I couldn't do it. I remember telling people to shut up; I was incredibly annoyed with all the questions everyone was asking me. She checked me and I was 9cm dilated! I could tell by the tone of her voice that she was a little freaked out. I remember begging for pain medication, even though I had planned a natural birth. The resident told me that I was almost there. I then remember thinking to myself…”I CAN do this!” They then rushed me off to the birthing room.


 I don't remember too much in between...Zach remembers more. I had the urge to push after about 20-30 min. I remember yelling "I need to push!!!" I then pushed a couple times without anyone knowing...I couldn't help it. There were concerns that my doctor wouldn't arrive in time, but she did thank God. When I was told I could push, I totally went for it. I wanted to get him out of me ASAP! I wanted to keep pushing, but they told me to wait until contractions came. I pushed as hard as I could with every bit of strength. I remember hearing myself roaring and grunting with every push. I felt a burning sensation and knew the time was near. I pushed through it. I felt his head come out and it was very relieving and then the rest of his body just slid out. Best feeling ever!!! So warm and peaceful.


He was out within 1/2hr and let out the cutest cry right away. Born at 5:42am weighing 7lbs 2oz and 18 1/2in long. Scored a 9/10 on his Apgar test. Only a 3 hour labor! His warm little self was immediately put on my chest. I'll admit though, I was still really out of it. I was a bit shocked at what just happened. It was all very surreal and I just wanted to feel better, so I didn't have this very emotional bonding experience right away...it took a few minutes. I was like, "did that really just happen?" It was all so fast, it felt like a dream.


 Zach watched the whole thing. He wasn't planning on it. He said it was awesome and very natural. He was so encouraging during the whole process, especially during pushing. He kept letting me know my progress, exclaiming " Oh my gosh I saw it move!" Or "that was a really good one!" and "Ashley, our baby has hair!" His comments really encouraged me to keep going strong. At one point, he said "Ashley, it looks like a muffin coming out!" The doctor and nurses all laughed. I wasn't really sure what that meant, but it made me laugh and helped me loosen up a bit.


 I did have a 2nd degree tear which is pretty much healed now. Very painful. Breastfeeding took a while to get used to. I couldn't tell if anything was coming out. There were times of frustration getting him to latch correctly and learning all the positions. Once my milk came in it was easier. But no one told me how painful engorgement is!!! I broke down crying at one point. I was told it was last 24-48hrs, mine lasted 7 days! He still mainly nurses on one side for 15min and then falls asleep. The only way to wake him up is to change his diaper. So we're still learning. He's a really good baby and a good sleeper. I usually have to wake him up to nurse. I hope this lasts!


 Anyway, I love being a mom. He's the most amazing thing that has happened to Zach and I. Our marriage has gotten stronger. I've experienced a little post-partum depression...thinking things like, I'm a prisoner to my own house, how will I ever be able to do anything anymore and feelings of abandonment with Zach going back to work and leaving me alone with him. Feeling better now after getting out of the house a few times! Just really needed to get out and do normal things!


 Best experience of my life. It was extremely empowering.I felt like a birth warrior. My doctor said I was a rock star ;) I Can't wait to do it again!"

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

This is the second day in a row that I've thrown up right away in the morning. Before yesterday, I hadn't thrown up in almost a week. From 6 weeks on, I've been struggling with a pregnancy condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

"Extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that may lead to dehydration. Symtoms: Severe, persistent nausea during pregnancy, often leads to weight loss, lightheadedness or fainting."-NCBI-PubMed Health. Hyperemesis occurs in about 0.3% to 2.0% of pregnant women.

I struggled with the same condition during my 1st pregnancy and it lasted until I was 16 weeks pregnant. With this pregnancy,from 6 weeks pregnant to 8, the sickness was so bad that my son Tucker and I had to move in with my parents for two weeks! This way I was able to get round the clock care. Especially help with my son, who is 22 months. I'm so thankful that my parents were willing to take us in. I don't know how I would have survived. They're probably the most hospitable people I know. With this pregnancy, the nausea and vomiting has been more intense, but seems to be ending quicker. Hallelujah! Although, there are still good days and bad days.

This morning I'm reminded of Psalm 103:3-4:

"Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion"

Maybe I need to focus more on what God has done for me, instead of dwelling on my own affliction. 

Expectant mothers turning to Doulas for support

This is a great article explaining the role of a doula during birth, and not only home births; a doula can attend hospital births as well. Not sure what a doula is? This will explain.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/lifestyle/health/2012/02/21/expectant-mothers-turning-to-doulas-for-support.html

Close

Doula Dee Mixer, right, gets together recently with new mom Honey Swihart and her 1-week-old daughter, Sophia, at the Swiharts’ Ormond Beach home. (N-J | Nigel Cook)

Home births are on the rise!

Quote

"Instead of having my fears increased by impending medical interventions, my fears were lessened by midwives. Instead of relinquishing control over my labor and birth to hospital staff, I was empowered to birth without drugs or medical interventions. Birth is a spiritual experience that is unsurpassed in a lifetime, an experience that each woman deserves in a safe and comfortable setting and with a provider whose goal is a safe passage, a new beginning, and the avoidance of unnecessary interventions."- Spiritual Midwifery

"This Woman's Work"

"This Woman's Work" picture slideshow has truly inspired me. Be prepared to be struck with waves of emotion :) (Click the link below the pic)

                              http://www.heatheressian.com/slideshow/ardenbirth/

"Childbirth by Appointment"

Interesting article: "Childbirth by Appointment"
http://centerforhealthreporting.org/article/childbirth-appointment797?page=full

Open Arms Midwifery

        If you're interested in my particular Midwifery care, Here's the website:

                                                        "Open Arms Midwifery"

                                                     

Recommended Reading

4 highly recommend books that I've read regarding natural childbirth and breastfeeding. Fantastic!

"Pregnant In America"

Here's another great movie. It's called "Pregnant in America". The full movie can be found on Hulu. Highly recommended. I was in tears by the end!

"The Business of Being Born"

      The following movie, "The Business of Being Born", can be found on Netflix. This movie really impacted my view on childbirth. The movie trailer linked is called "More Business of Being Born" and it can be found on iTunes.

              

                                         

Prenatal Visits #1-2

So far, I've met with my midwife twice. For the the first appointment, my husband, 22 month old son and I went to the midwives business to discuss home birth. I was about 9 weeks pregnant. We were pretty sure we wanted to go this route, but still wanted to ask a bunch of questions to make sure. The room looked like a cozy living room with couches, coffee tables with reading material, a tea station and lots of artwork on the walls. The midwife was so warm and inviting.We asked questions like: What kind of exams do you do? Do we come to your place for check ups or do you come to our house? What is your college degree in? How many babies have you delivered? What happens if there's complications during the birth at home? What is the cost and what does it include? And many more. 

After much discussion, we were convinced Midwifery care and a home birth was right for us. The midwife asked us if we'd heard our babies heartbeat yet. We responded no and she asked if we wanted to hear it. I was thrilled because I wasn't expecting to hear it at this appointment. She had me lay down on her comfy couch and got out her monitor. She found the heart beat and it was music to my ears! I laid there soaking in the beautiful sound of life inside of me. I cried, of course, because any mama to be can tell you that it's such a relief to finally know that there's actually a baby inside of you and that everything is OK. We walked away from the appointment with our heads held high. We felt so much peace and excitement with our decision.

The next appointment was 1 week later; I was 10 weeks pregnant. At this appointment, I went by myself. I sat down on her couch and we discussed how I was feeling and what exams would look like for the next few months. Her exam was very similar to my doctor's for my 1st pregnancy. She drew some blood for testing, I peed in a cup, she checked my heart beat and lungs, felt the glands in my neck, felt my baby belly and checked the heart beat. Once again, I walked away feeling great and well taken care of.

We're Planning a Home Birth!!!

Yes, it is true. We are planning a home birth. Our prenatal care will consist of meeting with a Certified Nurse Midwife instead of an OB, throughout the entire pregnancy. I've been presented with many questions from friends and family regarding home birth. Some of you are thrilled with the idea  and others not so much. I've created this blog to document my experience with midwifery care/home birth not only for myself; but to share it with others as well. I hope that it gives you a vision of what the home birth experience could look like for you. I know that it helps to know someone going through this experience before you do. Please join me in this new and exciting adventure!

Pregnancy Questionnaire

How far along? 13 weeks

Due date: August 28th, 2012

Baby #? 2nd child

Symptoms? Nausea, some heart burn, frequent urination, headaches, fatigue...

Movement? None yet

Cravings? More food aversions. But, pasta is always a fav.

Gender of baby: Unknown

Doctor or Midwife: Certified Nurse Midwife 

Hospital or home birth? Planned home birth

Mood? Emotional ups and downs. 

Looking forward to: Feeling energized in the 2nd trimester! Getting my house organized and eating anything I want ;)