Colorado Springs mom shares her home birth experience

In honor of Celebration of Life Month, I talked to a couple of Colorado Springs moms about their experiences of bring a new life into this world. The first story is of Adele and her son Levi, who was born at home.

Adele chose to have a home birth based on her experience of having a miscarriage at a hospital where she endured 12 hours of labor. After going through that heartbreaking experience, she decided that she would have her children at home, where she could have a baby her way, without being told what to do and when. She wanted to sleep in her own bed, not have to drive to the hospital, and keep her baby by her side as she saw fit.

When she prepared to have her son Levi, now two, she read many books and talked to many people about birth and their experiences. She took the time to interview doulas and midwives. She also took a class at Westside Birth Connection, taught by Candace McCollet.

With her faith, she knew she was doing what was right. For thousands of years women gave birth at home and with midwives; this only seemed natural to Adele and just as many other families do as well. With a midwife to guide her, she felt comfortable and prepared to bring another human in to this world. Adele described what her visits with her midwife was like:

I sit in a nice chair in my own clothes and we chat for a while. Then, she checks, my vitals - blood pressure, pulse, looks for swelling, feels and measures the uterus checking size and fluids. She also asks me about my diet. Then, about my feelings or any questions, I have. It is all very much like chatting with a girlfriend over a cup of tea. I check my weight and pee in a cup. We chat some more until I am ready to go. Most appointments last 35min to an hour. Whatever I need that day.

Her midwife performs the same duties as an OB does but in a comfortable and relax atmosphere. Her midwife, Jessica Nipp CPM, RM, provided her with any tools she need and was there for her if she had any questions about birthing at home or newborn care.

When it was time for Levi to come into this world, his mom didn’t have to rush off to a hospital, instead she sat on a birthing ball for a while. When her midwife came, she sat in a birthing tub for a couple of hours. Adele said it felt great, but slowed down her labor. She than tried a birthing stool, but that wasn’t every comfortable. She used breathing methods and imagery to help manage pain. Her husband helped create an atmosphere that was relaxing and he provided his wife with what ever she needed.

After 4 hours of pushing, Levi was ready to come out, even though he was turned the wrong way. His daddy, with the help of the midwife, caught him after the final push. The midwife took great care of mom and baby: she cleaned up after the birth, ran laundry, did all the weight, and measuring of the new baby boy, made dinner, and even took pictures of the new family. She also helped Adele shower and start breast-feeding. The midwife came back the next day and a few days after that to make sure everyone was doing great and to help answer any questions the new mommy might have.

When I asked Adele if she would do a home birth again, she says that they are planning to without hesitation and is currently seeing the same midwife in preparation for their new baby that is due this summer. Adele remarked that she knows homebirth is not for everyone, but she also said that more women could do a home birth, just as she did, if they had more information and social support.  Also, homebirth isn’t as messy as most people think. “The midwives are equipped to handle almost every possible emergency that can occur in labor- cord wrapped around the neck, turned babies, oxygen issues, you name it. With the exception of a true emergency, in which case, the midwife escorts you to the hospital and makes sure you get treated in the best way,” said Adele. With knowledge, a great midwife, and a supportive husband, Adele felt empowered to bring a new life into this world and is ready to do it again.

Keep checking back all this month for more stories from local moms and their unique birth stories. Do you have an intresting birth story that needs to be shared? Email Dinah, Motherhood Examiner, with your story idea.