Meeting the midwife

Call the Midwife anyone?

Today we met the midwife for the first time. It was just a consultation to get any questions answered as well as to schedule my first ultrasound. I was very happy with the vibe that I got from the midwife we have chosen. She seemed like a very gentle, calm, kind person. Just the kind of person you'd want to help you through one of the most challenging days of your life.

My first ultrasound will be next Friday. I am excited to finally find out if our family will be adding one or two more people to it! I think there is just one baby but I've had many people tell me they think it's twins. Nine more days and we will know for sure.

I've had several people ask me lately why in the world I am choosing a midwife and a homebirth so I thought I'd give you my top reasons. I know some of you may strongly disagree with these reasons but that is why I am thankful we live in a country where we are able to make these decisions for ourselves. What is right for me may not be right for someone else.

#1 reason I desire a homebirth:
I want to be in control of my own health and the health of my baby in a setting that enables me to labor how I choose and away from the likely interventions that doctors and hospitals can pressure women into who are under a serious amount of pain and stress.

#2
I want to work with a midwife who has a similar philosophy of health that I do. Pregnant women are not sick  and often don't really need a doctors care. I firmly believe that there are more c-sections performed in this country that are actually medically necessary. Midwives are more willing to work with a woman through her labor and not try to rush things. Plus, there are plenty of studies that have proven midwives delivering at home is very safe for women who have no medical problems.

#3
I greatly desire a natural birth experience and being in a hospital setting would put me right in the place that would tempt me to receive pain meds or an epidural in my moments of intense pain. I have confidence in my bodies ability to deliver a baby without pain meds and since this is most likely my one and only pregnancy I'd like to have that experience.