A Successful Homebirth

Using a birth pool has always been a dream of mine, and I almost had it this time! Instead, my little babe made his way into this world in the living room hallway right into his daddy's arms. Unfortunately, we ran out of warm water and could not use the pool as we originally planned. I had joked to everyone that I'd most likely be squatting during labor, and that is exactly what happened. I hugged an exercise ball through each contraction, breathing long and deep, without one scream. I wonder if any of our condo neighbors heard anything at all. 🤔 I am surprised the exercise ball didn't pop.

I was determined to have a natural pregnancy and birth, and I am so thankful and blessed to have finally had such a pleasant birthing experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone! The difference between the hospital and homebirths were extraordinary. I felt in control, and I could even talk through the whole process. My midwives were so comforting and encouraging, and I felt empowered instead of scared. My mom was there to help, and being a retired NICU nurse, she had questioned my need for a homebirth my entire pregnancy, especially because not everything was covered through my insurance. My mom would agree that it was worth every penny, and I am thrilled she could have that experience too.

Sebastian was born after a long day of intense contractions, at 3:58 am, 8 days after his expected due date. I had been using Evening Primrose Oil to help move things along, and then once due date had come and gone, I started a natural 4 hour routine using homeopathics to help get things going. My midwife came over the day before the birth to do a "stretch and sweep" on the membranes, but she said there wasn't much to sweep, whatever that really means! I knew that the time was about to arrive.

After the birth, my midwife preserved my placenta for dehydration and encapsulation. Years ago I would have told you that was disgusting, but I just had to give it a go. SO glad I did! They have provided me with much needed energy during the day, especially after long nights of diaper changes and breastfeeding. Not only does it help retain energy levels, but the placenta can help you recover more quickly, increase milk production, decrease chance of postpartum depression and baby blues, and many other things. If I have another baby, this will be a definite to-do on my preparation list.

Here is all i've used during my afterbirth recovery, as far as pain killers. Lots and lots of water, the placenta capsules, Arnica Montana pellets used for bruising and muscle soreness (added bonus it tastes sweet), and an Afterbirth tincture by Wishgarden made with organic and relaxing herbs. My midwife has an answer for everything, and she surprised me with some herbal tea bags. Any mom will tell you she's used a "peri-bottle" to clean off after using the toilet. Well, instead of water I've been using the herbal tea she gifted me, and it has made a tremendous difference. The water is used in the bottle, and the used tea bag can be placed on the perineum for a minute or two to help heal any tears and soothe the pain around the stitches.

So, there you have it! That is a brief summary of my all-natural homebirth. My first was natural, but in the hospital. It was not an easy birth, but it was certainly quick. My second was induced and I was given Pharmaceutical pain meds - the most traumatic of my birthing experiences. I'd list all the differences and similarities of each of my three children's births, but I'll keep it simple and say, they were worlds apart, and the homebirth was the best experience out of any medical procedure in my life. I hope I have helped at least one woman out there. I wish I had known these things with my first. Please feel free to ask any questions about the birth I may have skipped over. Many blessings and much love!

My beautiful family after a long day and night!

I'd like to add that Sebastian was also born with a tongue tie, something I had never heard of before. It was quite severe, as it was attached to the very tip, meaning my poor baby couldn't move his tongue around like normal. It was causing me extreme pain during breastfeeding, and not allowing him to latch on properly. He was constantly trying to nurse, working double time for a small amount of milk, and used all his energy to do. He wasn't gaining weight properly, and my midwife said oral surgery was a necessity. Of course, as a mother, the idea of your 3 day old baby having surgery is scary, but I am so glad my midwife caught the tie. Apparently, a tongue tie can cause many more problems than just limited movement and speech issues, but it even effects posture and encourages headaches, etc. The more you know! 💖