Homebirth in the Hospital

Yes, it IS possible to have a homebirth experience in the hospital. There are several components to have a natural birth in the hospital and I will share them with you!

Most birth stories in the hospital involve an induction followed by a myriad of interventions, and almost 50% of the time these interventions end up in a c-section.

Choosing to birth in the hospital can be a difficult decision, especially if you have had a home-birth in the past. Women CAN achieve their goal of an non-medicated birth in a hospital, but it does not happen without a birth plan. So here are some vitally important points.

Choose your primary health care provider carefully. Talk to your doctor about your plans. Make sure they are on board and supportive of your wishes. Feel free to ask questions about their beliefs (their own and the hospital they service), rate of c-sections, episiotomies, inductions etc… If you don’t feel comfortable with the answers choose another care provider if possible. Connect with other Mom groups in your area and ask for recommendations, ask a local doula which doctor or midwife they recommend.

Build a strong support team that respects your wishes . Hire a Doula!

A doula is a non-negotiable when wanting a natural birth in a hospital setting. The reason for that is that staff are generally trained to interfere and intervene. So even if you get to the hospital with a birth plan in-hand, stating all the things you don’t want, you still need to have a doula for support. One great role of a doula is that she can act as your voice (through you of course)a during labour. With a doula on your side, you will have the best chance of getting the birth you desire. Find a doula early in pregnancy, that you can build a strong relationship filled with trust, confidence and friendship.

Write a Birth Plan or Birth Wish. The best part of birth planning is an opportunity to discover you and your partner’s birth preferences, as well as concerns and fears. Keep in mind, birth is unpredictable and even if the situation forces you to change along the way you are still a strong birthing woman and all births, medical or not, are a profound rite of passage into motherhood.

Get Educated. Your doula is a fountain of information and she can suggest childbirth education classes that will respect and enforce your beliefs. She might even teach some classes herself. It is necessary to educate yourself, and learn to embrace your own innate intelligence that can help you give birth easier.

Be prepared to advocate for yourself. It’s your body, your birth and your baby! No one has a right to do anything to you without your permission. Advocating for yourself will be simple if you have taken the time to learn about your options and prepared yourself emotionally for the birth experience you desire. Just because a doctor says something does not mean that it is right for you and your baby. Remember your core values.

Stay at home as long as possible!!! This is a top tip if you want a natural and spiritual birth experience. Lots of women especially first time mothers, rush off to the hospital sooner than they need to. This results in disappointment most of the time and it is discouraging to get sent home when little or no progress has been made. Or even worse, they may talk you into speeding things up with the hordes of  interventions we have already talked about. Labour comes on slow in actuality, not like in the movies, and baby will not just fall out. Good thing!!! A gfood rule is, if you are still smiling and talking it is not time yet to go anywhere, stay home bake, slow dance, listen to some music, take a nap or sway on your birth ball.

Bring your 'allies' to the hospital. Claim your sacred birthing space, make it feel comfortable, private and inviting. Respected midwife, Ina May Gaskin says, “Whatever gets the baby in will get the baby out.” Bringing special items with you to the hospital will help feel more at home. A relaxing playlist, a diffuser with some essential oils. A birth ball, a beautiful gown you can wear instead of that dreary hospital one. Reflect upon what you need to feel that you are entering into a beautiful ceremonial space. After all, a birth is a ceremony and you are welcoming your baby into your life for the very first time to breathe here on earth. This will all help your body feel good to open up and birth your baby naturally.

If you would like to know more about having a birth doula with you for your hospital birth...contact Erin at (902) 326-8300 or yaffadoulaservices@gmail.com Erin works on a sliding scale (depending on your income level) because every woman should have the birth she chooses.