Home Birth Movement

Home birth vs. Hospital Birth

As for the home birth I am definitely an advocate now. I started as the biggest skeptic too. Having both home and hospital experiences I without a doubt would choose home again.

I really liked delivering at home for the privacy- I wasn't checked for progress a million times. Or pressured to progress like they will do to you in a hospital then offer interventions like pitocin which in many cases will lead to a C-section. I was only checked when my midwife got to my house-- but I was 9 cm when she got there. Obviously I knew I was in labor and just let it happen.

I wasn't forced to a bed with people in and out of my room and had the freedom to do what I wanted, when I wanted, where I wanted to. I had welcome distractions so I wasn't really 100% focused on contractions- I was working on some real estate transactions and getting things done around my house like laundry and interacting w/ Brendan and family. I was actually on the phone with another agent and was having a good contraction and couldn't speak back to him right away. It was beneficial to be distracted for me and helped me stay in control.

In the hospital you are given an iv right away and if you do get an epidural then you don't move and have a catheter go in. You stay there and have nothing else to do but focus on the labor however long it may be. It also slows your progress down with epidural making it more likely they will give you a hard time about progressing in a certain amount of time-- which is complete crap. Delivering babies takes time and in the hospital I hear about the 12 hour rule, or getting to a certain number of centimeters with a time frame then you have to go for your c-section or intervention.

I pushed like 30 min maybe? I really had no concept of time but at my follow up the midwives were saying how much longer it took because of my previous episiotomy and courtesy stitching. They used olive oil and helped me to stretch so I did not tear. I am grateful for that! Recovery has been much easier.

I only labored in the tub like another 30 min or so? I wasn't in there long but was in there during the peaking contraction part. It was as relaxing as it could be. They say it takes labor pains away by about 40% but I think I waited too long to finally get in there. My water also broke in the tub so no mess to clean.

The recovery was fast. I got to get out of my bed, shower, and cuddle with Caleb. It did not create a mess of my house like you may think either. I did throw away the top sheet of my bed but I had intended on it. The sheets under shower curtain and padding were protected, carpet protected, etc. The comfort of my own bed in my own home after was priceless.

It was not that big of a deal doing it without an epidural. It hurts but you can handle it. The pain is short lived and soon forgotten. It's not like what you see on TV. I just accepted it was happening, and tried to breath and relax- not fight- the contractions. My body did the work for me and when my midwifes got over here it was time to push. I was only in intense labor for about 3 hours. It was totally worth it! Both Lou and Amy the midwife held my hands and coached me through it. My baby came healthy, happy, and alert.

I highly recommend the experience and the team I used. Lou would say the same. Check out the Beyond Conception website to read up and get more resources. Mary has delivered many babies and she instills such confidence in your ability and is completely trust worthy.

About the experience of prenatal care-- 300 times better than OB experience. You are not just a number in the baby delivery business. They are 100% focused on your care. You can talk to midwife directly instead of 5 people on staff when something comes up. You can text your midwife! I hated never being able to contact my doc directly and then waiting forever to see her. Even the exam office was more like a home instead of a medical environment. Great for kids too. Brendan loved going with me. I am now spoiled being treated so well and with such care that I am becoming unhappy with my pediatrician who also processes a volume of patients.

Finally, see the movies Rikki Lake produced- the Business of Being Born and More Business of Being born. The first one you can rent, the second series you can order online and stream on computer. It really was the start of my education on home birth and a real eye opener to how birth is most commonly treated in the U.S. Keep in mind home births are only possible for low-risk women and I'm glad to be a part of a larger movement to take back control of our own birthing experiences.

And Then There Were Four...

What a Mother's Day gift!

Click here to view these pictures larger

It's a Boy! | Caleb's Online Birth Annoucement

It's a Boy: Introducing Caleb Camp!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Caleb Andrew Camp was born at home by an experienced team of midwives on 5/12/12 at 7:15 pm. He weighed 8 lbs. 8 oz. and was 20 inches long. He arrived on his due date! Both Mom and baby are happy and healthy.

 

My last pregnancy photo in between contractions.

 

Caleb was examined and measured while Mom showered.

 

Beyond Conception Midwivery Team: Amy, Mary, & Becky

 

Two proud parents!

From 16 to 39 weeks

Pregnancy Brain

I have had the worst pregnancy brain with this baby. It's been bad! Lou and my Mom have probably noticed the most. They would be talking to me and I'd hear them just not comprehend what they were saying. They have been kind enough to repeat it a few times for me to be able to wrap my mind around their words.

On my birthday back in Feb., I had the most embarrassing moment while leaving a sustainability conference. I was headed to my car when a man stopped me before reaching the exit.  He stuck out his hand and introduced himself. I went to do the same but in that moment I FORGOT MY NAME!

While visiting the midwife and learning I had Strep B, I had thought Mary was going to tell me I had to deliver in a hospital, so while she was explaining how to treat the Strep my mind was thinking about something else. Thank god Lou came to this appointment because I saw her talking but heard nothing she said. This has been a reoccurring issue for me throughout the pregnancy.

Just this week Mom came and took Brendan and I to lunch. I had clipped a coupon for the salad bar we went to but at the register the attendant told us they couldn't accept it. We were puzzled until she kindly pointed out the coupon was for Souper Salad and we were at Sweet Tomatoes. I went to the wrong restaurant!

About 39 weeks along.

Even Brendan is having to remind me to do simple tasks. Sometimes I forget what I'm doing, or when hanging out with friends I don't feel like I'm completely listening and absorbing everything . Forget about anyone telling me any information too quickly either. If I'm not 100% focused and they are talking at a moderate pace, then I'm going to miss it. Even people on the phone giving info faster than my brain is processing. I don't know if I'm just that distracted this pregnancy or if it is lack of oxygen to my brain but I feel like a complete space cadet-- way worse than I was with Brendan.
 

Memory Lane

Within the last couple weeks I realized I stopped Brendan's scrapbook at 6 mo old. So, I made it a point to catch up before it was too late and I'm all caught up. It was relaxing and I quite enjoyed the trip down memory lane. Thank god for this blog because half of the stories and things that happened 3 years ago I forgot.

I noticed that with both pregnancies I experienced the quick painful surges down the legs. Didn't remember I had it with Brendan until I read my old posts. It also helped me to fill out the book of Brendan's firsts.

Found out on Monday I tested positive for Strep B and baby could be exposed while coming out of the womb. I've been trying to figure out how I want to go about treatment. I think I'm leaning toward penicillin orally.

Midwife Mary keeps mentioning we have a 9 to 9.5 lb. baby. It is not the encouragement I need. My neighbor just had a home birth and she was encouraging telling me how amazing and perfect it was for her. I think the attitude and mind set you go into birthing with plays a huge part in your success and happiness. I have a pretty relaxed -go with it- type of attitude.

Last weekend I was nesting like crazy. Shampooed all my rugs, washed things I never wash- walls, dressers, baths, mirrors, fixtures, fans, etc. I organized things, picked up, and made the house spotless. I was a machine like cleaning the house and trying to keep it up. If the nesting indication is any indication of how soon baby comes we should be prepared...


We are prepared with everything we need except a car seat. Can't find Brendan's old one and only have two bases. I think we lost it when moving somehow. No idea how that happens!

I've been working hard and plan for maternity leave at work is that there is no plan. I have another agent on standby should I need her but I'm going to play it by ear and see how I feel. I made my second TV news appearance during this pregnancy over the last week which was fun. Pregnancy hasn't slowed me down too much. I'm also in no hurry to have baby. I like being pregnant and am quite enjoying my sleep. :)

Baby 2 is 36 weeks

Baby #2 is slated to be a big one, possibly weighing around 9 lbs. I feel huge and often feel baby in my ribs. The baby has been head down for a while and all has been healthy this pregnancy.  We are still considered low-risk and are planning a home birth. My only complaint is a sore back- but it hurt even before becoming pregnant.

I've been craving kiwi, apples, peanut butter, and cheeseburgers this pregnancy (not together). Recently I've also been enjoying seafood too.

I love being pregnant and feeling baby move all day. It's so amazing! I'm in no hurry to deliver but I just have a feeling this baby will choose to come before our May 12 due date. We've tried to keep baby's sex to ourselves but some people close to us have figured it out by being around us. Still not decided on any names for sure yet.

All about Brendan...

Brendan recently announced he wants to be a paleontologist. What a 2 year old! He's growing up so quick, developed the most fun loving personality and has been gaining independence. He actually understands humor and joking around and his language and reasoning ability is well beyond his chronological age.

His favorite things now are Cars, dinosaurs, playing guitar/giving concerts, playing outside (mostly on his 'motorcycle'), & books. He gets Highlights magazine ea. month from his great grandparents and turns straight to the 'hidden picture' section.

We still visit the library and park a couple times a month. We also enjoy going to museums. Brendan likes going to the midwife with Mommy for the toys, balloon, and animal crackers. The last time he was there he tried to get 'Midwife Mary's' attention by saying, "hey midwife?" It was pretty funny.

Brendan's phrases I want to remember include, "I love you and I like you."
"I'm a waffle fan." and "Smackeroonie." The phrase I want to forget at this age is "why?" It is overused, infinite, and sometimes quite exhausting. According to my parents it never ended with me...

Our little man likes to help take care of Reese, kitty, and the fish. He talks to the baby and kisses Mom's belly everyday. He has names for most of his stuffed animals. I have no idea where he gets them, but once he names them the names stick.

Brendan has a built in chocolate radar. If I am ever trying to sneak a piece he can literally smell it on me and will ask for some. He's quite the negotiator and picks up on everything... including a few choice words. He recently dropped something and was like, "Goddamit!" It is so hard to keep a straight face but we don't want to encourage it. He picked up on the bad language but at least he used it in the correct context.


Potty training is going well. He will tell people he's going to preschool when he's potty trained. Speaking of talking to strangers Brendan has not a shy bone in his body. We go on walks almost daily and he will ask people his their names and introduce himself. He even told a random guy outside the Science Center his name is, "Brendan Robert Camp." Although it's adorable I worry a little about stranger danger.


Brendan had a really fun Easter. He colored Easter eggs and found them inside and outside at his Grandparent's house. It was priceless to see how excited he got finding all of the eggs this year. At one point he started finding eggs with quarters and dollar bills in them and he said, "I'm rich." We all ate it up!

I can't even begin to express how lucky I feel to be his Mom and get to spend my days with him. He's such an awesome son and the sunshine in my life!

Winter 2012

Click here to view these pictures larger

Pregnancy flying by

Life is good. Brendan is awesome and still working on potty training so that he can start preschool for a few half days a week this fall. We toured 4 preschools and I think we found the one we like best nearby. Brendan had zero hesitation walking right into each of the classrooms we visited and just starting to play and interact with the other kids. I'm confident he will have no transition problems and will fit right in.

Two of the 4 schools incorporated Spanish which is important to me. I try to teach him what I know but it's limited. He picks it up so fast. I really only have to teach him once or twice and he remembers. His memory is just so incredible.

I had a good birthday last month. Brendan and I went to the Phoenix zoo with Angie and Cammille during the day and about 20 of us went out bowling that night. The three kids probably had the best time running around the bowling alley. About a week later I also got a much needed girls night out to celebrate again.

Baby is growing and getting stronger. I am quite enjoying watching my belly move on it's own. When I woke up this morning Brendan's first comment was on how big I was and sometimes refers to me lovingly as, "big fat mama." Pretty much everyday he takes time to talk to his brother or sister and likes to feel baby move too. He's going to make a great big brother. The timing/spacing between children is going to be good too I think. Brendan is becoming more and more independant and I'm totally going to have a little helper on board!

We like the names Sedona, Violet, Victoria, Caleb, and Andrew. The only thing I've craved this pregnancy is Dove chocolate but I'm really trying to keep a balanced diet. We have been going to the Farmer's Market at least once a month for local fresh produce.

I've been reading some on the home birth process and the general idea is to relax as much as possible and let your body do the work. I'm anticipating that it's going to be more mental and mind set than physical. I'm a little concerned with Lou being my support person at this point. He's excited for baby but hasn't taken much interest in what I've been reading. I've considered a doula but not only do we not have the extra money, but my midwife said only 5-10% of her home birth clients use them and it's the husband who helps the mother birth. I hope he can be prepared to be there for me. He'll probably surprise me.