Raven's Perch - A Journey To Homebirth

...to a journey towards homebirth.

Jan. 10, 2000
I have to keep reminding myself that homebirth is not for everyone. I have a good friend, Brite, who also keeps reminding me of this. ;)
It's just that learning what I've learned thus far, in so few short months, I don't see why any woman wouldn't want to try having a loving birth at home with her family rather than with tons of strangers and intervention at a hospital. It's safe, it's comfortable, and it's an experience full of love.

I suppose what 'gets' me the most is having people tell me that I am endangering my unborn baby. Even when I show them specific studies proving that homebirth is as safe as (and in many cases, safer than) hospital birth, still they insist on saying that I am being wreckless, selfish, uncaring, and... dangerous. I am putting my child's health at risk and thinking only of myself.

This isn't true. I am thinking of myself, yes; but I am also thinking of what a difference it would make for a child to be born into a loving, exciting atomosphere surrounded by people who love him or her.
I am thinking of how wonderful it would be for my husband to be as involved as he can, rather than as much as he's allowed... and I can't wait to see the look on his face when our child is delivered into his hands.
I am thinking of my mother, who from past experience is scared to death of childbirth altogether, and what a healing experience this could be for her.
I am thinking of my son Kelsey, who will be able to see and hopefully participate in one of the most joyous moments in his and his family's life.
I am thinking of my father, who stood helpless by the side while I was in the hospital with my first birth looking as if he wanted to kill all of the doctors and nurses involved, but yet powerless to do anything. This time he could be an integral part of his grandchild's birth, instead of a helpless bystander.

I am thinking of hope. Of faith in my body as a woman. Of the cycle of death during childbirth that I inherited and the power of nature to shatter that cycle. Of woman. Of man. Of our creation, in love, and birth, in love. I am thinking of what could be, rather than what is routine.

This portion of my site is not meant to convince anyone that homebirth is for them. Perhaps it is not. Rather it is meant as a record of my journey towards homebirth; my thoughts, my fears, my expectations. My research into the myths and half-truths perpetuated by the medical community. My anger at what I am discovering, how I have been fooled all of my life into believing that "Only doctors know how to take care of you" rather than "doctors are there for when you need them". To rant, rave, and express my incredulity.
So many things, but not to convince. It is hard enough just getting my mother to accept the fact that her daughter is going to do this, let alone convincing her that this is safe. After all, both she and her mother died during childbirth.
I don't need to convince anyone. If you journey with me however, you might convince yourself.

Come along.

Homebirth Index	It Didn't...	Journals: 1 2 3
Do The Research	Pregnancy Dream	MW Questions & Birthplan
My Husband Has No Faith In Me... Don't blame yourself when a hubby is against homebirth.



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