Home birth!

Well, the latest news is that we've decided to have a home birth. We're very excited about it.

Most people freak out when they hear it, thinking that it's antiquated and that a midwife shows up with a rolled up piece of leather to bite on in labor. That's just not the case.

Really, homebirth is very safe, as it is only done with a healthy mom and baby. Also, midwives are medically trained. They can do everything that the hospital can do in a normal birth, except for an epidural and and a c-section, which require doctors.

If our baby is in distress, the midwife will know early, as she and her assistant will be monitoring me and the baby constantly. We have a transport plan if we need to get to the hospital in an emergency. Most births are drama and trauma-free.

To find out more info about homebirth, go to the following websites:

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/330/7505/1416

my midwife: http://www.imamidwives.com/team1.nxg

http://www.changesurfer.com/Hlth/homebirth.html

So that's the basic story. We feel confident in our decision. I know it may not be everyone's way to go, but Dave and I feel strongly that this is right for us and our child.

Photos to come in the next installment, I promise!