Homebirthing Part 2
I was reminded by a friend that (even though I call it hippy and joke) the reality is that home birthing and the midwifery model are actually not “Hippy” at all. They are part of the humanistic/holistic model of care. As opposed to the medical model they choose not to treat pregnant women, but rather assist women through a natural process and little intervention.
After I quizzed my OB and my primary care physician for several visits (do you know how expensive it is to just TALK to your doctor!) I was given the green light and decided to pick my midwife. We (Garrett and I) discussed what traits were important to us and I took to the task of calling a few in the area. I knew that I would instantly tell if I wanted to work with someone over the phone, and true enough having phone conversations narrowed my choices down to two. I ended up not even meeting with the second midwife choice. I immediately knew I was in love with Janessa Craig. Add the fact that my OB worked with her on the Labor and Delivery Unit at Siloam and I was golden. Janessa is a smooth personality who will sit and look at me very patiently as I ramble on about research and data. She looks at me graciously and inhales for me and reminds me I won’t have this time back ever again and tells me to savor it.
Janessa and her apprentice came to have a home visit on Monday. I cooked lunch and they explored my house, discussed scenarios, and determined what I wanted for the experience. They didn’t leave for three hours. After doing my vitals they just sat on my bed and giggled and talked like we were old friends. At this point I entered into my lecture about why Janessa needed to let me take Castor oil… “I NEED this baby, ” I complained, “I am over it! I am done being pregnant… I want her NOW!” Janessa shook her head and gave me the same ole speech, “Jasmine the best thing you can do is let her cook and when that time comes that God appointed she will be here.” THAT is exactly why I don’t let God be in charge of anything!!!! That dude has got His priorities all jacked up! Doesn’t HE know that my body has expired of this process!? Who likes to pee forty ba-gillion times in one damn night!! Janessa’s words, however, reminded me that I could hold on for another week and maybe even two more after that. And just to make sure my misery was cataloged in my mind appropriately, I looked up at Janessa and commented, “Don’t some women stay pregnant well past forty weeks?” She nodded. “UGH!” I exclaimed, “That is it! I am going to be pregnant forever!” To which she responded, “Well! You could make us some money then!”
So we are still waiting. In Jasmineland more waiting means more projects.
Even though I DO own Castor Oil… I am harnessing everything I have in my overly impatient body and holding on to allow Addison to decided to arrive when she wants. *Better make is soon kid! Asking Momma to have this much patience is sort of an act of God!*
Oh I remember exactly what you’re going through. I was admitted at 36 weeks for high blood pressure and ended up spending 3 days in the hospital. Finally I was sent home. I lost my mucus plug the day I was discharged and was convinced that I was going to give birth within the next couple days. Nope.
I was checked at 36w and was 2cm, 75% and -3.
I was checked at 37w and was 3cm, 75% and -1.
I was checked at 38w and was 3cm, 80% and -1.
I was checked at 39w and was 4cm, 85% and +1.
I was induced at 39w1d and even though I was induced my labor was still only 9 hours from start to finish. I was in heaven, but yes, wait for your baby. Mine was not yet ready, until then.
Forgot to add, I’ve heard some BAD stories about Castor Oil in women who aren’t ready to give birth. I’ve heard about some major pain, cramping, pooping and nothing to show for it. Yikes. I didn’t have the guts to try.
Castor Oil BAD! Trust me — if you don’t like the toilet right now, you will hate it more if you take castor oil (or so I’ve heard/ read). You could try red raspberry leaf tea and/ or evening primrose oil. Talk to Janessa about those two options. =)
I remember feeling like I’d be pregnant forever. Now I’m trying to wrap my mind around the fact that my baby just had his 4 month checkup on Tuesday (and they assaulted him with evil needles, the poor baby). Rub some cocoa butter lotion on your belly, take pics, maybe paint your belly with Sadie, and relax. You’ll make it there. =)
OMG! We should totally paint our bellies! That is a great idea!
ummm.. no. it is not a good idea. unless we are going to paint my belly like train tracks or something like that… maybe we could paint it to look like the ground after an earthquake…
Mine would be…a bloodshot eyeball!
Hi Jasmine! First off, I love reading you and Sadie’s blog. You two are hilarious. Secondly, I wanted to say that I very much admire your choice to go the homebirth route. I am hoping to do the same when I have children. I hope your birth experience is everything you wish for and I hope she comes soon!
As far as painting your belly….why not do a belly cast? They are fun! then you get to paint that, and not have to make it look like railroad tracks, causr it isn’t actually your skin…..:) Then you’ll always remember your Addison baby belly.
I didn’t go in to labor with Emery until three weeks past my due date. I walked, I had sex, I rubbed castor oil on my belly (but didn’t drink it). I even had acupunture. Finally my midwife stripped my membranes for me (ouch!) after much begging to make the baby come, and I went into labor the next day. All in due time jasmine, all in due time.
Erin. If you say something like “three weeks past due date” again… we will block you from this blog. That sort of language is NOT allowed around here, young lady!
I had a whole big long comment on your Part 1, but my computer ate it. I just wanted to say that I am really excited for you and for this experience. As someone who had 3 C-sections (and for me and my babies, it was absolutely the right choice), I’m so glad to see all the research you did and to see that this is the right decision for your family. If you’ve never read “Baby Catcher,” you might enjoy it. It’s the memoirs of a homebirthing midwife in California, and it’s fully of funny, empowering, exciting stories.
I can’t wait ti hear all about Addison’s arrival. I hope it’s soon and that it’s as exciting, empowering, and uneventful as we can hope for!
Blocking me from your blog?! How dare you! I just wanted you to know that it was a possibility.
You know, keeping you informed and such! So, are we gonna see some posts in the future about any belly casting experiences? You can buy all the supplies at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. I just read your “reproductive violence” post. See, it’s already happening when it needs too! I also second reading “Baby Catcher” It’s a good one!