We've still only told our parents and a few close friends (and the WHOLE INTERNET!) that I'm pregnant, but everyone wants to know the same thing. The first thing three of the four expectant grandparents asked was, "Are you planning another home birth?"
Yes.
Well, sort of.
Westley's birth was technically a home birth, but because we'd moved into the apartment a mere six (or was it four?) weeks before he made his entrance in an inflatable tub in the kitchen, the space didn't really feel like home. Westley had a "house birth."
It wasn't the experience I'd hoped for. Nothing about it felt "homey." I was extremely uncomfortable. I couldn't seem to get the privacy I craved. The tub was not warm enough or full enough, but I didn't feel like I could say anything about it. In the end, I truly couldn't say anything. But I can't imagine myself having a baby in any other setting.
Almost.
Between my last pregnancy and this one, my midwives moved their practice into the new Center for Birth in Seattle. When I learned that there was a new birth center in town, I was glad (because I believe in getting normal birth the hell out of the hospital!) but I didn't really sit up and take notice. And then I saw pictures.
All photos by Barry Smith, shamelessly stolen from Center for Birth's Facebook page
(so I can drool over them whenever the mood strikes).
I want to move in to one of those bathtubs. They're bigger than my dining table! And the whole space just seems so serene. We've been living in our current house for almost two-and-a-half years; it certainly feels like a home, but it's not very serene.
I flirted with the idea of having a baby at the Center for Birth for several weeks before mentioning it to Rob. "It just looks so nice! And our house is so crazy!"
He gave me the What do you expect? We have a four-year-old, a kitty, and no sense of interior design look. And then he reminded me of something small, but very important: "For the whole drive home, the baby has to be in the car seat instead of being on mom."
"Hmm." I pictured myself riding home in the back of the car a few hours after giving birth, petting my newborn with one hand. Then I flashed on all the things I'd considered when choosing a home birth for Westley. Tub-depth and room decor weren't even on the list. Not being separated from my baby, even by a five-point harness system, in those early hours was one of my top three reasons for giving birth at home. "What do you think?"
Rob shrugged. "I'm all for a home birth."
So, yes. We're definitely planning another home birth.
8 comments:
Ah, I'm so happy for you guys! Those birthing rooms are pretty darn swanky, aren't they? Definitely looks like the next best thing to a home birth, but I'm with you. I loved birthing at home. I felt so vulnerable that I was empowered by being in my own space, my turf. Even if it doesn't have the most serene aesthetic, you're home is your home and that definitely counts for something emotionally.
I love that you did a home birth with Westley, and will have one with your new lady. It's what I really wanted with Audrey, since I was more educated about the whole process with her, but then I found out it's illegal in NC to have a home birth. What the what??!! Stupid. Of course, then I found out much later that I could have still had a planned home birth and just said, "Oh, she came too fast. There was no time to get to the hospital." Why didn't I think of lying???
Lovely photos but an even lovier post to read. There was nothing Nothing NOTHING better than curling up with my wee girl in our own bed in our snug home, never to let her go again... for a very, very long while :)
Their facilities look so nice!!! So glad your husband is in on the "home birth"! It looks so cozy in there!!
The baby separation and being told what to do by the hospital sold me on a home birth the 2nd time around. My home birth was not in a homey place or in a home but a crazy apartment that we had been in for only 6 months. I hated that apartment and the neighborhood but my birth was extraordinary. #2 was a vbac and all about redemption. I wanted to do things on my own turf, with my own rules. I know hb is not for every one but once you consider the alternatives, you have to know it is best. Besides, you will find your voice with #2. Your body is an old pro at this now and when you are in the throws of labor, you will be heard!
You know me, which one will get you to definitive care faster if you need it. I have spent the last two weeks learn all about how labor and delivery can go wrong. Personally, I think that midwives should do the bulk of birthing and doctors should do that stuff that requires knives and major anesthetic. Just remember, things can a do go terribly wrong. Sorry for the sour note but I don't want that beautiful baby getting hypoxic.
~Sarah
This springs tears to my eyes. I am so excited for you guys. That said? I toured the new Seattle birth center and GOOD LORD I want to honeymoon there.
Wow that is one amazing birthing center. The one I was to go to last time was super vintagey looking, but yours is WAY more my style :-)
Good luck on your home birth this time around. I hope it feels more homey and less housey.
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