Home Birth

I just had my third baby (and third home birth) last week. I had my first home birth in 2021 and my second in 2024. With each birth I learned more about my body and how it births, with my first I learned that my babies turn better when I lunge, my second home birth I learned that water is incredible for reducing pain, the importance of creating a calming environment (not too many people, play calming music) and how movement helped me progress faster. This third birth was the best one yet! I took a physiological birth course online in preparation for this one and it was so helpful! I changed positions between each contraction so baby was able to move down quickly, I also continued swaying and moving during early contractions before they got too intense. First contraction to birth took less than 5.5 hours with an hour long break (I was able to sleep between contractions) about 3 hours before he was born. Even pushing was easier/less painful as I focused on relaxing the muscles in my abdomen and letting the rest of my body go limp over the birth pool.

If you are considering doing a home birth, I cannot recommend it enough! Each birth has been so special and I always feel more empowered after each one!

Any midwives or doulas in the QC/IL area? I’m considering a home birth. I intend to have an unmedicated VBAC.

I’m very newly pregnant (5 weeks) and I’ve known since the birth of my first that I want a home birth. In my heart I know this is the right choice for me, but I don’t think we’ll be able to afford a home birth midwife. None in my area accept insurance and we just can’t pay $6000 out of pocket. I’m waiting to hear back from a midwife collective that offers sliding scale payments for people in financial situations like mine, but I’m not feeling hopeful. Just dreading having to potentially go through the medical birth system again. Anyone been through this?

Randomly opted for a home birth this is my first baby I’ve not really done any research what are you best tips to prepare ! what do I need to get in for the house I’ve hired a birthing pool which I will collect in two weeks

What are your top 2 books to research free birthing at home? (Water birth in a birthing pool specifically). We are trying to get a doula or midwife but so far insurance isnt willing to pay for it and the only 2 doctors my insurance covers in my area are very sketchy. Ive seen them both and am using the less negative one for prenatal appointments but I wont be allowing them anywhere near me in birth due to some comments pushing induction. I have had one baby already with 0 complications during before and after delivery. This pregnancy is going just as smooth. Im looking for resources to learn about signs of complications, pushing positions, at home pain management like breathing exercises and what to do during before and after an at home water birth.