When asked what hospital our daughter would be delivered in, we answered “A Birth Center“. We always got puzzled looks until we explained that it was a freestanding birthing center. (Duh! Doesn’t the name say it all?) Still few of our acquaintances knew much about how a birth center differs from a hospital. Then we proceeded to tell them that water births are available and it’s all about NATURAL CHILDBIRTH.

The faces froze. It took a while for them to realize that we’re talking labor and delivery WITHOUT DRUGS.

Many people think that’s the craziest thing one could do. I beg to differ. But it was only 6 months ago that I considered this option for myself.

I am 32 years old. I have a 13 year old son from a previous life. My labor and delivery experience, complete with narcotics and an epidural, is but a distant memory. (Thankfully, that is the only time I’ve been admitted to a hospital.) However, when we discovered I was pregnant, the subject resurfaced.

I have a strong aversion to hospitals… ESPECIALLY in South Florida! (I have accompanied loved ones to a couple of hospitals in the vicinity. It was NOT a pleasant experience.) In the land of terrible customer service, the hospital is the LAST place I want to celebrate a joyous arrival! On top of that, we heard a horror story from our neighbor about a local hospital. The baby was born c-section. He was fine, but the mother got very sick shortly after giving birth. I’ll spare you the gory details. But the problem turned out to be an instrument left inside her abdomen by the doctor! She was unable to be near her first born baby for the first 6 weeks of life. To make things worse, they were unable to find an attorney to file a malpractice case! (She’s fine now. But it’s a horrible shame that it happened at all.)

I guess hearing about that experience helped open my mind to alternatives. So when we visited my son’s friend, who has 4 brothers, we were happy to talk to their mother about her birth experiences. (I’m certainly going to listen to anyone who has survived childbirth 5 times!) She didn’t beat around the bush. She straight away asked if we had considered a birthing center. I told her I was curious about it and asked if she had experience with that option. She proceeded to tell us that her first son was born at the hospital and it was a terrible experience. Every child after that was delivered either at a birthing center or at home.

She waxed poetic about what great care and personal service the midwives provided. (When you opt to deliver at a birthing center, they handle your prenatal care on site as well.) She recounted how wonderful it was to arrive for your prenatal appointment, not have to wait long, and have everyone there know you by name. By the time the due date rolls around, you are dealing with PARTNERS rather than shift nurses and hurried doctors. You are also very familiar with the facility. Besides, if for some reason you must be transferred to the hospital, the midwife accompanies you and acts as your advocate. This all sounded very tempting. (The doctor I was seeing had an excellent midwife on staff. But the visits were very brief–the wait was NOT brief–and the waiting room was always packed. And Jerry Springer was blaring on the television in the waiting room. So I was never relaxed when I went for my check-up.)

Furthermore, she ranted about how trying to give birth lying down was as counterproductive as trying to take a dump on your back. When the mother is not medicated she is able to labor and ultimately deliver in whatever position is most comfortable. (This is one instance in which gravity is on a woman’s side!) Plus, she is not constantly tethered to monitors and IVs. She told us about how the jacuzzi helped take the edge off of the contractions. I had always been curious about water births. So this also got my attention.

The final evidence was her account of the adrenaline rush that comes after giving birth naturally. She said she felt like she could CONQUER THE WORLD! (Apparently it’s true. She proceeded to go home and clean and organize the entire house hours after giving birth.)

I promptly went home and began to research birthing centers in the area. I also researched water birth. I even watched some water births on YouTube! They weren’t nearly as gruesome or scary as I had imagined. It brought tears to my eyes each time I witnessed the babies being born to FAMILIES who were active participants and in sync with the whole experience. This is how it is SUPPOSED to be. Women have given birth for millenniums without medical intervention.

So after discussing it with my husband, we called to schedule a tour and orientation at A Birth Center. When we went to check it out, we were hooked! The lady who gave the orientation (the childbirth educator and doula) was so personable and REAL. It was obvious that she had found her calling helping families welcome the bundles of joy in a peaceful, caring and serene environment.

I got my records from the other doctor and switched my prenatal care to A Birth Center. We attended the requisite childbirth “classes” which were very informative and pertinent. We really liked both of the midwives. The prenatal visits were quick and pleasant (no unnecessary bodily invasions). We were confident and thrilled to have discovered this blessed alternative. And we never looked back.

We ended up having an easy, fast and exciting birth. But that is another tale for another time.

If you are expecting a baby, I strongly consider you to research your options. See a list of resources for information about natural childbirth. And feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions about my experience with natural childbirth.

Happy birthing!

renee