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More often than not, people seem to think that if you’ve given birth at home with the aid of midwives, you’re from the countryside or something similar. However, that’s simply a stereotype because women who choose home births come from all kinds of backgrounds. For example, this one woman who talks about what it’s like to give birth at home doesn’t fit into the stereotype.
Instead it was her personal choice and quite comically described what the experience was like. So if you think what you see in the movies is actually how home births work, then you’re mostly imagining the wrong thing. Keep reading to know this woman’s story where you’ll find 5 things you never knew about giving birth to a baby at your house.
1. Right Thing Movies Captured
When the midwives arrive at your house, they bring along bags, tubs, pots and other important things. They move around furniture to make space, they go through the house for home based remedies, teas and herbs while keeping calm while the mother to be is screeching in pain. The midwives have to boil lots and lots of water for the tub used for birthing and hot compress when your baby begins to crowning to prevent tearing. This fact has been potrayed perfectly in movies.
2. The Drugs
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Let’s be honest, when it comes to childbirth, a lot of women need the drugs. A woman describes it like this; “The breathing went out the door early and was replaced by full-on yelling. My next-door neighbour went to the church to pray and light a candle as it probably sounded like an exorcism.” She howled and begged to be taken to the hospital. However, the midwives, calm as ever assured her that she could do it. And of course, she was able to it in spite of her clutching the tub for her dear life.
3. Sweat, Sweat, & More Sweat
If you think a day at CrossFit is sweaty, think again. Here you must be prepared to sweat like a pig. Literally! You can’t put an AC on because that’s not advised for the baby. So while you’re in that tub of hot water, all you can have is a fan and cool cloths on your forehead.
4. Did You Know You Could Eat A Placenta?
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Some people don’t think much of a placenta, and let the doctor dispose of it in the hospital. On the other hand, midwives think highly of the placenta because after all, this organ essentially protects and takes care of your baby. For example, the women we’ve been talking about said, this “The midwives suggested I keep it to bury someday, so it’s carefully sealed and heavily wrapped at the bottom of my basement freezer. Sometimes my husband will jokingly yell up from the basement, ‘Okay, we have the following choices for dinner: chicken, pizza or placenta.’” Most people may not know that you can eat your very own placenta, but you most definitely can. It’s supposed to be good for you!
5. No Hospital Time
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If you’re having your baby at home, literally a few hours later you can sit with your family, watch some TV, and munch on snacks. You can rest all you want at the comfort of your own home instead of a hospital room.
Giving birth at home may have its pros and cons, but it definitely isn’t for everyone, so ensure you do your research before making a decision. But remember, no decision is right or wrong, it’s just what’s best for you. A little word of advice – if you’re giving birth at home, maybe don’t show anyone pictures because it will scar them for life ;)
