My (Unplanned) Homebirth Story

Yesterday was International Homebirth Day (who knew?), so in continuation with my Bumps & Babies series, I thought I would share my homebirth story with you!

Let me start off by clarifying something. This is my unplanned homebirth story. Yep, that's right, entirely unplanned.  The original plan was to have a water birth at our birth center...and not in our bedroom.

I was 39w4d pregnant with Asyhyr on March 14, 2011.  That morning around 7:45 am I started noticing for the first time some mild contractions, so my husband started timing them, and I got into our bathtub to relax knowing I had a long day of labor ahead.  We called our midwife to inform her that I was probably in labor, and she too assured me that I had a long day and I needed to relax.  But within 45 minutes my contractions were all over the place and getting really strong, really fast.  We called her back and again, but she thought I was overreacting and simply needed to relax.  But no, these were not beginning of labor contractions anymore.  In fact I felt something "down there" and I was afraid it was what I thought it was. My husband looked, and sure enough: It was the head crowning.  (Panic mode sets in).  Called the midwife back and she flipped! She said she would drive as fast as she could to our apartment, but she didn't think she would be able to catch the baby.  That meant it was Grant who was going to deliver him.  So our midwife stayed on speakerphone while driving and coached Grant on how to deliver the baby.

He did an amazing job and did everything she told him to do.  He even comforted me and helped me stay calm in the midst of the chaos.  Fortunately, she was able to arrive with just a few minutes to spare and catch the baby herself at 9:40 am.  We were very thankful for that.

Although it was an completely different day than I would have ever imagined, I don't think I would change it.  It was an experience that my husband and I shared that I believe we grew together in.  And Ashyr was totally safe and healthy.

But I'm going to confess. I'm not ready for another homebirth this time, planned or unplanned.  We are going to try to make it to the birth center this go around.  My midwives are all aware of my precipitous labor condition, and know now not to tell me to relax at the first sign of labor.  They want us to go straight there no matter what.

I'm very thankful for the Lord's protection that day with Ashyr and I know He will watch over us again regardless of the outcome this time.  I'm just praying that it won't be a homebirth or roadside birth!  If it is, He is in control and it will all be okay. But still, praying for a smooth, birth center birth. :)

Our first family picture...in our bedroom...

Do you have an unusual birth story? I'd love for you to share!