Freebirth Reflections: How Unassisted Childbirth Impacted My Life
Mother, Baby, and Family 6 Months Postpartum
By Heather B., published Mar 13, 2008
Published Content: 195 Total Views: 393,275 Favorited By: 97 CPs
I healed very quickly from childbirth. I bled about half as much postpartum as with my first son, who was born in a hospital. With my oldest, I had second degree tearing and needed stitches. Being completely in charge of the birth the second time around, I sustained only tiny first degree lacerations. Besides the lingering baby weight, I was back to my old self in no time.
People have responded with fear and delight to our birth story, but always with surprise and questions. Upon telling a nurse that my husband "delivered" the baby, she asked snottily "WELL, what are his qualifications?" The ob/gyn who saw me just after my son's birth was rude enough believing I had a midwife that I opted not to even mention that it was a freebirth. The pediatricians at our clinic, although initially surprised and somewhat confused, were very accepting of our choice. They didn't give me any beef about it at all. The ER personnel we encountered the first and only time my son has been sick seemed confused, but indifferent, a reaction shared by the workers at the vital records office.
Freebirth Reflections: How Unassisted Childbirth Impacted My Life
I can't believe it's been nearly six months already!
Credit: Heather B.
Copyright: Heather B.
Takeaways
- Freebirth has brought us closer together as a couple and family.
- It has strengthened our confidence in ourselves and our instincts.
- It has changed our perspective not only on birth but on life.
Did You Know?
There are no formal studies on freebirth, but the little data collected so far demonstrates it is roughly as safe as midwife-assisted homebirth and even hospital birth for low-risk patients.
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