Homebirth: Resources preparing for birth

I feel very blessed to have had the prenatal, birth and post natal experience I had with my first. It was all very smooth sailing (of course there were hard parts but I was supported) and I believe it was due to the ground work put in place before hand. I was blessed with an incredible support network and a lot of knowledge. I did my research and my mother spoke to me about birth, she had a home birth with me and I was always mesmerised by the story.

When I became pregnant I knew I wanted to have a Homebirth but didn’t know where to start, or if it was even a possibility here in Ireland. To my delight it wasn’t just an option but free under the HSE scheme. I met my midwife at 12 weeks and had the greatest prenatal care. She would come to my house, complete all the necessary checks and chat with me about anything and everything. I felt completely at easy and over the weeks the birth plan came together naturally. I knew what tools I had available, my breath, the TENS machine, birth pool and gas and air. My midwife got to know me, my husband, our dynamic and what support we would need.

I also read and watch every documentary about birth available. Below are a list of my favourites. If your pregnant, or just curious about birth check them out. Birth is amazing and how we all come into the world. We should all be learning and talking about it more.

1)The first invaluable resource for me was the Irish home birth website. Its list all the options for home births in Ireland (hospital schemes, private or the national home birth service- this is what we went with). It lists all the practising midwifes and their numbers ( ring early as they book up quick). It also has lots of birth stories which are so important to read, to learn about the variation in birth and hear some positive birth stories.

2) Ina may’s guide to childbirth: This book was gifted to me from another new mom and I will be forever grateful. Its one of the best books to read in preparing for birth and if your not a big reader its perfect for dipping in and out of. Its a book filled with birth stories, the highs and lows of birth and the strength that women have. It opened my eyes to the bigger picture of birth. That it wasn’t just about the few hours id be in physical labour but my mental, environmental and psychical wellbeing pre, during and post birth. It also has a whole section at the end explaining all the medical terms and reasons for intervention. If you do require intervention its important to know why and stay calm relaxed.

3)The business of being born: Is a documentary by Rikki Lake (remember her?) after a disappointing birth experience with her first child she dives into the maternity care system in America. I don’t think our system has gone as far as the American system and it highlights and teaches loads about the different types of interventions and the importance of trying to keep it as natural as possible.

4)The Orgasmic birth story: Is another documentary which follows 7 families on their journey to birth. Their all different and theres lots of actual birth scenes which is refreshing. Its so important for you and your partner to familiarise yourselves with the stages of birth and see what actually happens.

5)And lastly is another book ‘The fourth Trimester’ by Kimberly Ann Johnson. Ive only recently found this book and I wish id had it sooner. Its all about the importance of preparing for life after the birth. There is a fourth trimester that most women are not aware off, the three months after you give birth your baby and you are still one meaning all your baby will want is to be held & fed, you will be healing, you hormones will be transitioning, theres whole lot going on which means you need a lot of support. In Chinese cultures women stay in bed for 40 days post birth and the women of the community care for her and her home. (I lasted 4 days in bed, but didn’t leave the house for two weeks!).This book gets you ready for this time, helps you build a plan, gather your tribe & support. If you know anyone who’s pregnant buy them this book!

Homebirth isn’t for everyone, its about finding the place where you feel safest and most relaxed, but learning about birth is defiantly for everyone. Hope you find these resources interesting and helpful!