But what is weird is not the actual birth process but afterwards. The midwives leave after a couple hours and it is just the family again but this time with a new addition. And the weirdest part is knowing that 2 hours ago the baby wasn’t even “out”. Now you see me, now you don’t kind of a thing.

But, basically the experience is quite relaxing. We can set up the bedroom however we like. Light candles (or dim the lights), turn on background music real low, and set up the things you need around the room. We always have a back up oxygen tank, hot water, towels, etc.

It is really about my wife and want she wants. The happier she is the better the entire process goes.

My wife has exceptionally quick births. Once her water breaks the baby is out in 12 to 18 hours. The other thing too is once she starts pushing the baby is born within 20 minutes. I remember with our last child it was about 6 minutes. So it all happens real fast and it seems to get faster each time. That is why it is good to be ready and prepared. There are times I am actually thankful we don’t have to get in a car and drive her to the hospital. Why should I have to move her and get her somewhere. There have been times we wouldn’t have made it probably. But everybody comes to her. Her mother comes and picks up the kiddos, the midwife and her assistant come over. That is much better than having to get all 4 of the kids ready, drive them over to my wife’s mother’s house, and then go to the hospital.

But if you have any questions about the home birth experience please feel free to ask away. Even though I have done it 4 times I am in no way an expert on the matter but would love to try and answer any questions you may have.

I will also be posting updates. I won’t post personal stuff but if I get a chance I will fill you in on how far along we are. Whether it is 24 hours, 3 days or a week.

Post from: Blisstree

The Whole Home Birth Experience at Its Finest

Wife: I think I am gonna go soon.

Me: Huh? Wha? You mean now?

Wife: No not now but definitely soon.

Me: Soon for me could mean something totally different than soon for you. So what do you mean soon?

Wife: I dunno…. (long pause…. holding her tummy…. breathing weird)

Me: Soon as in 24 to 48 hours or like a week?

Wife: Yeah

Me: Yeah what? 24 to 48 hours or like a week?

Wife: Well… I got those feelings like I did with the lasts ones right before I went into labor.

Me: (As patient and nicely as I can) Can you work with me here? Like give me a time table or something.

Wife: Definitely soon.

Me: (Rolls eyes) Should I start getting things ready? (Remember we have our kids at home with a midwife)

Wife: Yeah that might be a good idea.

Me: Really? Wow, so you are getting close then??

Wife: Yes I told you that.

Me: But what is close? A week, 3 days, 24 hours??

Wife: Why are you hounding me about this??

Me: (Walks away and cleans kitchen)

When I find out more I will be sure to let you know.

Post from: Blisstree

New Baby Almost Here

ERIE, Pennsylvania (AP) — A woman used her 4-week-old baby as a weapon in a domestic dispute, swinging the infant through the air and striking her boyfriend with the child, authorities said.

The baby boy was in serious but stable condition Monday at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, police said.

“Never, never, never. I can never remember anything like this,” District Attorney Bradley Foulk told the Erie Times-News.
Chytoria Graham, 27, of Erie, was charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and simple assault. She was held Monday in the Erie County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.

The infant, whose name was not released, suffered a fractured skull and some bleeding in the brain, authorities said. His head hit Graham’s boyfriend, the baby’s father, police Lt. Dan Spizarny said.

Authorities removed four other children from Graham’s home and placed them with the Erie County Office of Children and Youth, Foulk said.

Post from: Blisstree

Erie and Erie, Pennsylvania