As a direct-entry midwife, I view my clients in a much different light than a doctor or even a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). I see myself as a servant, there to assist women in birth as God intended. I do not believe in making decisions for my clients unless it is an emergency situation in which my professional opinion must dictate protocol. Otherwise, it is my goal to help you discover what is right for and works best for you and your circumstance, and help you achieve that in any way I can. In other words, I will do my best to educate you in any area you are seeking answers in, such as circumcision or immunizations, whether or not to use a birthing stool or to allow your other children at the birth, but I will not make the decision for you.
You need to be emotionally prepared, as well, for a homebirth. Many people will question your motives, and possibly even your sanity. Often those you expected support from will not be supportive at all! (By the same token, however, you will probably find support in unlikely places). If you are having difficulty making up your mind about whether a homebirth is right for you, get with your midwife, and she will help you to make the right decision for you and your family.
If a couple chooses a homebirth, they must then accept responsibility for the pregnancy and birth. My goal is not to do everything for you, but to help you have a beautiful and safe birth experience by teaching you about your body and your baby’s development, about the birth process and labor techniques. Your job is to learn all you can about these things. I believe that education is essential, and am very unwilling to help anyone who is not interested in becoming educated about pregnancy and birth.
I believe that nutrition and exercise are of monumental importance, and will do everything I can to help my clients achieve healthy success in these areas. Most pregnancy and birth complications, as well as many birth defects, can be prevented by good nutrition. I like to get with you as early on in your pregnancy as possible to help you figure out what sort of food and exercise plan will work for you. I am not terribly concerned with how much weight you gain; I will only worry if you don’t gain!
Different midwives require their clients to have different supplies on hand. I have my clients order a birth kit from Spirit-Led Childbirth. (Note: Spirit-Led Childbirth is now ''Birth and Beyond''. A link to their website is listed under ''Helpful Links'' on my main Midwifery page.)Check with your midwife to see what she will provide, and what she will want you to have ready. Below is a list of general things to have ready, no matter who your caregiver is.
Besides Your Birth Kit,
You Will Need:
- the number to the nearest hospital
- your name and phone number
- your address (or location, including a map, if you live in the country)
- your midwife's name and number
- name & phone number of anyone you need to contact in case of an emergency.
- 1 Clean set of sheets (for after the birth)
- 1 Plastic drop cloth or plastic sheet (to protect your mattress)
- Large container for the placenta
- Plastic trash bags
- Clean blankets to wrap baby in (if you wash them in hot water and then wrap them in a plastic bag a week or so before the birth, they’ll stay ‘sterile’)
- Washcloths and towels (that you don’t mind soiling)
- A large crock pot or pan in which to boil water (yes, we really do boil water!)
- Keep healthy snacks on hand for the laboring mom only! (fruit & vegetable juices, frozen juice or yogurt bars, broths, and so on)
- Supplies for making a birthday cake, greeting cards, balloons, whatever, to occupy the older children and to help them welcome the new baby.
Note: I am not practicing midwifery at this time, as I feel that the Lord would have me to stay home and focus my attention on my family for this season. However, I believe that homebirth is the best option for most birthing women and their families, and it is in support of this cause that I have included this article on my website. I am glad to offer ideas, suggestions or information to couples who are planning a homebirth. Please email me if you have any questions.