A curve in our birthing path

My husband, Rich, and I found out we were pregnant in May of this year.  We were thrilled with the news and by way of default, we started out on the traditional path of pre-natal care.  I scheduled my first pre-natal visit, followed by monthly visits and two ultrasounds.  At week 12, we saw our baby moving around (what an acrobat!), caught clear glimpses of his/her heartbeat, brain, tiny spine and we were in absolute awe.  Rich got teary-eyed, but I was just floored with facination.  Then in our 20th week, we found out that we're having a boy and were blessed with the news that he's growing healthy and strong.

Many of our closest friends have recently become first-time parents, so we're fortunate to be able to learn so much from them, but as I've gotten deeper into this pregnancy, I felt a void in connecting with women that truly desired and opted for a natural childbirth.  Intitally, I never considered this for myself because my friends went the epidural or scheduled induction route, all with positive outcomes.  However, I began experiencing an increasingly strong desire to be present during this birth and forgo the drugs.  When I shared this with my friends, many (if not most) exclaimed that I was crazy, that I really ought to have a back-up plan and one in particular, knowing my typically wimpish tolerance of pain (I get light-headed when getting blood drawn!) made a sarcastic remark about my ability to truly handle the painful endurance of labor.  All of this did a number on my confidence, making me feel more isolated from the "norm" of my friend's experiences.

Then one night, Rich and I were visiting with friends that had thier son seven weeks prior.  They had gone through extensive Bradley Method childbirth classes and gave birth naturally with the Vanderbilt Nurse-Midwives.  Hearing her talk about thier preparation and committment to a natural birth was so inspiring-- finally! Someone that understood where I was coming from and didn't think I was a looney toon.  She loaned me a copy of Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth and in the two weeks it has been in my possession, it has changed my life. 

The women-centered model of care makes so much sense to me and although I know not everyone will agree with our choice, we are now on a path of pursuing a home birth at The Farm in Summertown, TN, working with The Farm Midwives.  In over 30 years of birthing thousands of babies, they have a less than 2% c-section rate and the birthing atmosphere is one of calm, encouragement, patience and competence.  Our first pre-natal appointment is next week and we can't wait!

Now in my 28th week, Rich and I have begun Bradley Method birthing classes with Jeannie Casey and we will continue to work with our doula, Jolynn Lewis (she's fabulous!), in preparing ourselves for this intentional birthing journey.  I am writing this blog to keep those of you that are interested and supportive up to date on our experience.