Tag Archives: homebirth

Let’s Talk About Having a Lotus Birth

If you’ve never heard of Lotus Birth before, you aren’t alone. But you may now come across the idea throughout your pregnancy. Lotus Birth is the practice of leaving the umbilical cord uncut after the third stage of labour so that the baby remains attached to both cord and placenta until they naturally separate from the umbilicus. I learned a lot about Lotus Birth from Sam Pearson, and her article is linked at the bottom. With her permission I would like to quote a few paragraphs Ms. Pearson wrote on her own experiences with Lotus birth, to share why she … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About Who to Include at Your Homebirth

Giving birth is no doubt a personal and intimate time for a woman. Perhaps you already have an idea of whom you would like present at the birth of your child. Even more important is to decide whom you do not want present, for your comfort is the most important factor to consider. Sometimes there are people that are very eager to be present, but you aren’t comfortable with them being there. You will have to determine the best way to explain this to them, and remember that it is ultimately your decision who is there. If there are certain … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk Interview – With the Midwife

I conducted an interview with Eileen Denomme, a local homebirth midwife, to get an idea of what midwifery is all about. Here is what she had to say: Me: What led you to midwifery? Eileen: I think it was a combination of having 4 children born at home, and noticing the huge contrast between those and the hospital births my friends and family members were having. Eventually, people were asking me to attend their home births, and after 3 years of observing the senior midwife’s role during prenatals and home births, putting in my college studies and reading midwifery text … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About Interviewing a Homebirth Midwife

Apart from fees and insurance inquiries, there are many questions to consider when seeking midwifery care. Consider asking the following questions when interviewing a homebirth midwife: 1) How many births have you attended, and how many were successful homebirths? What is your rate of transfer? Do you transfer if the mom desires pain relief, or only in emergencies? 2) Do you have references that I can contact? (It is always a good idea to call a few of the references provided.) 3) What are your expectations of clients during pregnancy? (This will probably be included in the provided reading material. … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About Your Homebirth Supply List

So you’ve decided to have a homebirth, or maybe you are just curious as to what is needed to give birth at home. There are numerous things that you will be advised to get for a homebirth, but you may not use all of them. Your midwife will probably give you a list of things she requires you to have aside from what she will bring in her birth bag, and this can differ between midwives. Many of these things are right at home, all you have to do is get them all together in a box or basket and … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About Celebrity Births

Ricki Lake Stephen and Tabitha King Lucy Lawless (at right) Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee Cindy Crawford John Leguiziamo and his wife Lisa Bonet and Lanny Kravitz Erykah Badu Julianne Moore Kelly Preston and John Travolta Demi Moore with Bruce Willis Meryl Streep and husband Nelly Furtado Micheal Landon and wife Noah Wylie and wife Carrie Ann Moss Laura Dern with Ben Harper Morgan Spurlock and wife Patricia Arquette Can you tell what all these celebrities have in common? Besides being famous, they have all delivered one or more of their children in the comfort of their own homes. Why … Continue reading →

The Let’s Talk Blog Top Ten – Reasons for a Homebirth

In my opinion, there are way too many reasons to count. However, they can all more or less be included in these TEN reasons to have a homebirth: TEN: Feel safe – Being without fear is the #1 key to having a successful, drug-free delivery. I personally would be scared to death of a hospital birth, while some women may be scared to be without the medical umbrella of a hospital. NINE: Have it your way – When giving birth at a hospital, it’s hard not to let our doctors or midwives run the show. After all, you may be … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About the Cultures of Childbearing

In our Western, “modern” culture, childbirth is often viewed as a highly medical event. Many women, be they educated or not, have little understanding of the process of pregnancy and delivery and tend to regard it in fear. When a Western woman finds herself expecting, she often has mixed thoughts of joy and apprehension concerning childbirth. In total contrast, the rest of the world has a surprisingly different take on childbirth. Even in equally civilized countries such as Holland and Sweden, childbirth is considered a natural, coming-of-age occurrence and is rarely interfered-with medically. Interventions are done on an emergency basis, … Continue reading →

Including Children in Home Births

One reason some women choose to give birth at home is the ability to have other family members present. This includes the baby’s older siblings. These women tend to view birth as an experience to be shared by the whole family. While siblings can be present at some hospital births, it is easier to accommodate them at a home birth. Your older children may feel more comfortable attending a birth at home. The hospital can seem like a big, scary place to children. They feel comfortable and safe in their homes, so it makes sense that they would feel more … Continue reading →

Why Women Choose Homebirth

Women choose homebirth for a variety of reasons. The reasons are as varied as the women choosing this type of birth. I have always wanted a homebirth. Sadly, with four children, I never got to have a baby in my home. My husband was always afraid of the concept. I gave in and went off to the hospital for each of my four babies. If I could do it over again, I would give it a try at home. My husband’s grandmother made me want to give birth at home. When we were first married she said, “Now I want … Continue reading →