Yep, you read that correctly.

I’m planning a home birth!

In retrospect, the first birth should have been a home birth. The husband wasn’t on board with that idea and I knew I would labor at home most of the labor. The second birth could have been a home birth too…and I try not to think about that one too much or some regret sets in. The third birth was in a hospital from a place of fear and unknown.

Enter pregnancy number four…we’re not leaving the house for this birth (God willing!).

There are a couple of reasons that pushed me towards a home birth.

One, I am so tired of masks. I wear a mask for an entire 24 hour shift once a week. Maybe it’s COVID fatigue. Maybe it’s stubbornness. But I’d like to go through my whole labor and birth without a mask. Two, my pregnancies are uncomplicated, my labors are fast and the births are precipitous – a home birth dream. Three, we have a bunch of little kids. It’s just easier to have the baby at home then coordinate the childcare or family to watch the little hoodlums. And four, because I think it’s going to be the best birth experience yet.

Part of me is nervous. I think about these questions: At what point do I call my midwife? Should I check my own cervix? What happens if I have to transfer?

But I answer myself with reassurances and encouragement.

If you are curious about the details…I decided to go with a certified nurse midwife in my city (we only have two!). We do have a number of certified professional midwives (CPMs) as well. At this point, I’ve seen my midwife twice. I saw her for an initial visit and a 16 week visit. The first visit was more of an interview and I had to go over all of my history and explain why I had two spontaneous labors followed by an elective induction (and how I got a fistula). It was such a laid back visit and a very enjoyable hour.

At my 16 week visit, I was able to bring all 3 of my kids and my midwife had her puppy at the office. That’s just the difference between the care models!

The only other thing that is different for this pregnancy is that I’ll go see maternal fetal medicine for a higher level ultrasound. This is mainly because the husband and I do not do genetic screening during our pregnancies and I’m over age 35 at the time of birth for the baby. The risk for anomalies is increased as you age, but national organizations consider 35 at time of birth the factor for a higher level ultrasound (the “elderly primigravida or multigravida” diagnosis also determines if insurance will cover the higher level scan).

You may be asking – why not a birth center? Also a great option but we don’t have one where I live. We did, but it closed during the pandemic.

I’ll keep you guys posted as I journey through my prenatal care. If anyone has had a home birth after having a hospital birth I would love to hear what you thought!

Jamie

1 year ago on the blog…Reduce Allergies in Your Child During Pregnancy with Your Diet! (<<< this info made it onto the prenatal templates to help educate mamas!)

2 years ago on the blog…Women Ask Wednesday: What I’ve been up to…And my thoughts on the DNP (so far)! (<<<this is crazy to read 1.5 years after the program!)