Local Homebirth story
Home birth? These people must be crazy!! These were always my thoughts when someone even mentioned the idea. Even during my first months of pregnancy this was a big no. Here in Malta, it is not done or very rarely, “am I going to be one of them? Not at all!”
But as weeks went by and I read more about home births and what happens in other countries, this plan was looking different. We were fortunate to know the right people to give us the best advice. Not everyone agreed with this. In fact, I had to change my doctor towards the end of the pregnancy, which in a way was a bit unsettling. On the other hand, I was happy still. We had the constant support of our doula and my yoga teacher. Those were the only people who knew what would happen. This was heartbreaking for me, having to keep this a secret from our family and close friends, but when I was sure about it, I didn’t need anyone to disrupt my serenity.
What changed my mind from my first thoughts of a home birth? My instincts – yes you must be saying she is crazy, and yes, we got those comments once our daughter was born. As time went by, the idea of a home birth sounded better for us. I felt so comfortable preparing for it. Mind you, my bags were still packed just in case I would change my mind at the end. But towards the very end, I felt I needed to pray on this. I went to the place I used to go to feel calm, and just asked God to give me the wisdom to do the right decision, and to choose what is best for our baby. I went out so happy, so calm, so serene and peaceful that as soon as I went into the car, I gave my husband a smile and without any words we understood each other. I was so emotionally and physically settled for this, it felt so right. When my doctor told me that maybe he would not be able to assist us during the home birth and so we would have to go to a hospital, I felt lost. But another sign that it had to be a home birth was that his plans changed, and he was going to be there for us after all.
The day came. Was I afraid? Yes. But I would have been still afraid, even if we went to a hospital. It was fear of the unknown – will I be able to deliver my baby safely? Will I know what to do? Will I ….? But we had all the support needed. I had my husband who was my rock, my doula who followed me throughout pregnancy, during birth (and after). There was also my midwife, whom I got to know before I gave birth, (so we knew each other already) and my doctor, who was very patient. And I had all the love of my father from heaven and the protection of God. We did it. It was such an experience that no words could ever describe!
