When possible, it should be the mother’s decision where and how to give birth. Not all births go as planned, but I was lucky to give birth to my son at a birthing center without complications.
As I was preparing for birth during pregnancy, I researched birth stories. I found people sharing their stories about natural birth. They talked about the differences between their births at hospitals and at their homes. After doing research, there were several reasons why my husband and I chose to give birth at a birthing center.
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Attentive Midwives
Midwives strive to empower expecting mothers. Midwives respect mom’s opinions and preferences. They ask for permission before touching her, and spend more time visiting the mother.
The midwives also inform parents of the birth center’s protocols when it comes to emergency transfers — when and how she will call the ambulance for serious issues and transport you. Midwives want to work with the hospital, not against it.
Mothers feel supported by midwives and usually appreciate their advice.
Informative Birthing Classes
Most birthing centers provide birthing classes. They teach about various pregnancy complications and their signs, how to breastfeed, and preparations for the actual birth. The instructors also lead soothing strategies with the parents-to-be. After all, natural birth is hard and painful.
Attending a class with parents who are preparing for the same phase of life can help you and your partner make friends with other couples in the same stage of life and feel less alone. Generally, the attendees have close due dates, and also have other children around the same age.
Taking classes like these helps expecting parents feel educated and relaxed about the big day.
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Experienced Doulas
Experienced doulas are a valuable resource for expecting women. They know the signs for how far along a mother is in labor just by looking at her body language. They track her contraction intervals and work with her however she feels comfortable. The doula can guide the partner in helping the mother cope during contractions and keep her stress at a minimum.
Doulas can also clean the house, help with the postpartum period, and be lifelong friends to the family. For these reasons, it is important to find a doula that meshes well with the family’s values and personalities. Birth is a special and private experience to share with someone who the family can rely on for years after the birth.
Doulas are not nurses, but they provide the emotional support an expecting mother needs to feel confident and calm through labor.
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A Cozy Atmosphere
Birthing centers usually offer a few rooms for labor and delivery. The parents can pick the room they feel most comfortable in. The rooms are decorated just like a normal room in your home. On the big day, the midwives put on low lighting to keep the mother relaxed. You can even request or bring your own music and oil diffuser.
Also, the beds are larger than hospital beds, and can fit both parents for resting together between contractions and after the birth.
My Birthing Experience
At the birth center, I gave birth in a large jetted tub while my husband held me. It felt like a spiritual experience. I was so glad he was able to be so close and help me through every contraction.
My doula kept me hydrated and fed. She put on my favorite music to keep me relaxed.
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When my son came out, I grabbed him and held him on my skin. He was so quiet and calm. I was full of adrenaline, but I felt peace.
My husband cut the umbilical cord after a few minutes. We were able to stay for a bit to rest, and then we headed home. The midwives also visited us at our house. They took care of the birth certificate and some lab tests.
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My husband and I felt in control. We were informed about each decision. We felt calm and ready for anything. I enjoyed being in control and appreciated working with people who respected my opinions and boundaries.
I am immensely grateful that everything went according to plan. Not all birthing experiences end this way, but I am glad I was able to have this experience. I learned how powerful my body is, and felt oneness with my small family.
