After a couple of months of reading I find myself satisfied, prepared and even excited for this upcoming birth. As I reported earlier, I had decided to go on a new quest. I admit I probably didn't even read half of the material out there. But since that post I have read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and The Birth Book, by Dr. Sears, in that order.
I was quite enthralled by Ina May's book and really enjoyed learning all that she had to teach. However, at the end of the book I felt a little disappointed because, of course, as a midwife, she strongly supports home births and birthing centers. Not that she has anything negative to say about hospitals and doctors but her experience is limited to free standing birthing (no hospitals involved). Since neither of those is a choice for me, I felt like I had no way to transpose the approach to a hospital setting.
Because I was very much satisfied with the material and didn't think there could be much more new to learn. However, Dr. Sears' book was being held at the library for me and upon returning the first, they immediately remembered I had another one waiting. I took it and figured I'd browse through it and return it right away. Well, I have renewed the book twice already. Most of the information is the same as in Ina May's. Even though he is a doctor and his wife was an obstetrics nurse and they actually encourage strongly home birth or at least a free standing birthing center with a midwife to assist and that an obstetrician should be invited only when medical intervention is required. They speak from their own experiences both in birthing and assisting births. They have a high respect for the medical institution and hospitals but they also have seven biological children and an adopted daughter whose delivery they both assisted. Because of this they understand how hospital routines can become a hindrance to an all natural labor and delivery.
They do not bash any systems but they help you choose what is more convenient according to your own ideals for birth. They make very useful suggestions in how to state your preferences in a respectful way that will encourage your doctor and hospital staff instead of making you come across as a know-it-all who has no respect for the practitioner. So, in reading the Sears book I was able to figure out a way to make the hospital work for me without feeling like I'm going to be perceived as an unfriendly patient.
Our plan continues to be laboring at home for as long as it is possible but now we have the tools we need in the event we got to the hospital too early. This week a final decision will be made as to hospital and practitioner. We've only been holding on for the last hospital tour on Tuesday and as I accompany my cousin to her new OB/practice I'll be watching and taking my own mental notes. I currently have scheduled appointments at both practices but Ben and I have agreed that after Wednesday we will decide and cancel the one we don't favor. I'll keep you posted!
I was quite enthralled by Ina May's book and really enjoyed learning all that she had to teach. However, at the end of the book I felt a little disappointed because, of course, as a midwife, she strongly supports home births and birthing centers. Not that she has anything negative to say about hospitals and doctors but her experience is limited to free standing birthing (no hospitals involved). Since neither of those is a choice for me, I felt like I had no way to transpose the approach to a hospital setting.
Because I was very much satisfied with the material and didn't think there could be much more new to learn. However, Dr. Sears' book was being held at the library for me and upon returning the first, they immediately remembered I had another one waiting. I took it and figured I'd browse through it and return it right away. Well, I have renewed the book twice already. Most of the information is the same as in Ina May's. Even though he is a doctor and his wife was an obstetrics nurse and they actually encourage strongly home birth or at least a free standing birthing center with a midwife to assist and that an obstetrician should be invited only when medical intervention is required. They speak from their own experiences both in birthing and assisting births. They have a high respect for the medical institution and hospitals but they also have seven biological children and an adopted daughter whose delivery they both assisted. Because of this they understand how hospital routines can become a hindrance to an all natural labor and delivery.
They do not bash any systems but they help you choose what is more convenient according to your own ideals for birth. They make very useful suggestions in how to state your preferences in a respectful way that will encourage your doctor and hospital staff instead of making you come across as a know-it-all who has no respect for the practitioner. So, in reading the Sears book I was able to figure out a way to make the hospital work for me without feeling like I'm going to be perceived as an unfriendly patient.
Our plan continues to be laboring at home for as long as it is possible but now we have the tools we need in the event we got to the hospital too early. This week a final decision will be made as to hospital and practitioner. We've only been holding on for the last hospital tour on Tuesday and as I accompany my cousin to her new OB/practice I'll be watching and taking my own mental notes. I currently have scheduled appointments at both practices but Ben and I have agreed that after Wednesday we will decide and cancel the one we don't favor. I'll keep you posted!
1 comment:
i've been thinking of you a lot, wondering what you are going to do... my midwife also recommended ina may & sears' book. i've read ina may's but haven't read the other yet... i'm glad to hear you enjoyed it. maybe i'll find some time to pick it up.
i'm praying for you and baby ... that this decision would come with peace!!
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