Covid-19 Out-of-Hospital Birthers ♥️

I'm low income, first-time mom to be. I have so much anxiety this pregnancy has been really rough so far I've been in and out of the hospitals with (HG) and they are awful I really don't like the way the hospitals treat me or my partner I'm so terrified of having to go to a hospital to deliver my baby I want something calm that I feel in control of I so desperately need this birth center I was recommended to but I can't afford there fees I'm struggling with low income I can Barely afford rent currently Me and my partner are looking for jobs I lost my job last month From being in the hospital too many days and now I'm Seriously struggling just to afford to eat I have Wic but thanks to my mother in law we are not qualified for ebt assistance I'm trying to get all the assistance I can but so far haven't found much help The days keep going by Without stability housing proper food I have no baby items yet I need help please I'm scared I'm so desperate any advice or possibly helping reach the goal so I can be a patient at the birth center and not have a traumatic birth I just want a waterbirth but for there care it's $7,000 I'm making about $700 a month currently and 400-500 is going to bills at least sometime I have nothing to survive on I can't Even afford to get our vehicle fixed so I can make my appointments We are doing everything we can but we are scared of upcoming baby day and I need support so bad rn this is getting too much for me mentally

My water broke on Wednesday (9th) at 7:15pm but no contractions. My parents came down the following morning (Thursday 10th). Mom and I went walking to help get contractions going but nothing changed. I was having contractions but they were barely noticeable and not consistent at all. That evening Mom and Dad decided to get a hotel (they live 1.5 hours away) and it's a good thing they did. Thursday (10th) night I went to bed and around 12:30am (Friday 11th) I had a contraction strong enough that it woke me up. 9 minutes later I had another one so I got up and waited. 7 minutes later another super strong one, I told Jeremy that something is different and that this may be it. 6 minutes later another one. I texted Kris (my midwife) and gave her the update and she said, "call me when they are 5 min apart"! The very next contraction was 1 min later, and they continued to be 1-3 min apart. I called her after about 3-4 contractions and she answered with, "that was fast!" (Haha) I told her they were 1-3 min apart and not slowing down. I think she could hear a little tension or nervousness in my voice. She ever so calmly said, "That's okay, I'm on my way."

Jeremy (husband) proceeded to get the tub ready while I breathed through contractions. I called my parents between contractions and let them know that contractions were 1-3 min apart and that Kris was on her way.

Once Kris got there (about the time the tub was ready) she said I could get in. So I did. (I'm guessing it was around 1:00am or so) I don't remember much after that. I know I clung to Jeremy through every contraction, Mom poured warm water over my back during contractions, and Dad was boiling/heating water to pour into the tub (our hot water tank ran out before the tub was full). Kris was sitting by the tub reassuring me and hubby that we were doing good and giving me gentle instructions when needed. Jeremy was so great, he kept his face close to mine and ever so gently kept reminding me to relax, to breathe, and that I could do this.

I was struggling with the contractions because they came on so strong and fast that I really didn't have time to figure out what did and did not work in helping me deal with them. Then next thing I know my body started pushing. I tried to not push and just relax but my body took over. (My plan was to not yell during my labor at all...but pretty sure ALL the neighbors heard me go through that transition stage. 🤣)

At 1:58am our baby crowned and Kris said I could touch baby's head. I did and it gave me a slight little boost of motivation - I knew baby was close. I felt the "ring of fire" that I have heard some women talk about. Then at 2:02am our baby was born was born! I reached down into the water, grabbed my baby, and brought baby to my chest! Honestly at this point I think I was in shock. It was like I wasn't quite sure what just happened. Someone (I can't remember who) even asked if it was a boy or girl and I thought to myself "oh yea!! I forgot about that!!" IT'S A GIRL!!

We did delayed cord clamping, then she was wrapped in a towel and handed to daddy, I rinsed off in the shower and laid in bed and watched as my oldest got to weigh her! 8lbs 8oz 20in! I nursed her while the midwife and her assistant (there was supposed to be more of her team there but she came too fast lol) cleaned up. Then midwife checked me out and she said there were no tears and that I don't even look like I just gave birth. Then they left and my parents went back to their hotel. Everyone got some sleep and everyone came back so we could complete the birth certificate and what not. It was an amazing experience!! One I couldn't wait to do again!

Even though during the last part of the labor I was yelling that I didn't want to do this, because let's be honest, contractions aren't fun, it was EXACTLY what I wanted!! 💖

I live in an area where social distancing measures are still very strictly in place, baby due in 6 weeks and my friend would like to be present at birth, but she's been going to house parties and not following social distancing, it makes me feel really uncomfortable about her being at my birth and around my newborn, I didn't realise she wasn't following the rules when I said she could be present. What do I do now? How do I approach the subject of I don't feel comfortable with her there when she's not been following guidelines

A question for anyone that knows a lot about home births; on average how much does the whole process cost? Midwife, doula, pregnancy tub?? In comparison to a hospital visit? I’m pregnant with my first beb & really starting to consider a home birth. I originally just assumed I would go with a hospital because it’s the more “normal” route. However I’m starting to think why not do a home birth, especially in times like these and I’m low risk! If I could save some money also, that’d be extra awesome. Would love some input/advice. 🥰

Looking for books to read during quarantine on: sleep training benefits, gentle discipline, birthing with your body(natural birth-ing books that are actually helpful👀😂) also please feel free to give your words of wisdom on any of these experiences! Thanks🦋!