Month: March 2010

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Photos from a home birth…

First, I have to mention that I am still excited about the special birth I had the honor of assisting with early yesterday morning. It was one of Heidi’s clients, and after much prayer and anticipation, we were thrilled to witness a lovely VBAC-it was a beautiful birth anyway, but the fact that it was her first vaginal birth following a c-section with her first pregnancy added an extra-special dimension. I barely made it, with only 20 minutes or so to spare!

Now, I’m excited to finally have pictures to post of a birth that occurred back in January. This mama had a photographer there, and has generously allowed me to use some of the photos in order to share her experience with others. Thanks, Kristina!

So, for those of you who enjoy pictures, or are just curious to know a little more about what a home birth looks like, here you go….

Mom was laboring in the tub as the birth was getting closer, with her support people and myself surrounding her

Doppler and other supplies sitting nearby

My dear assitant, Heidi, stands ready to lend a hand when needed, as an aunt peeks in to check on progress

Heidi charting progress as the labor continues

This mama worked beautifully with her contractions, allowing her body to relax and open

Baby Z in mom's arms just moments after birth

All snuggled up and meeting various family members

I begin the newborn exam, while Heidi charts in the background

Taking all his important measurements

Footprints

Heidi and I after everything is finished

Mom and baby enjoying some time together

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Baby announcement!

Had a sweet baby girl born yesterday…and we were very grateful for her safe birth.  God is good, and it’s always a miracle to witness the arrival of a new life into this world, especially one as intense as this one.  Thanks, too, to Heidi for her awesome job as an assistant. It’s a joy to get to work with her, and I’m grateful for the opportunity!!

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Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Information

Recently I’ve been contacted by several people interested in finding out more about having a VBAC homebirth, checking out their VBAC options in this area, and in general seeking more information. I thought some of you may be interested in the following links to articles on the Midwifery Today site.

Along those same lines, a midwife friend of mine just sent me this quote from a prominent midwifery textbook, which sheds some light on the commonly recognized risk in attempting a vagina birth after cesarean:

“Rupture of a low transverse uterine incision, if it occurs, is not generally catastrophic or life threatening to either the mother or the baby. Such a rupture is usually no more than a dehiscence of the old scar and an incidental finding during uterine exploration following a vaginal birth or during an elected repeat cesarean section. To be life threatening, rupture of a uterine scar either extends into the rich blood supply found in the uterine corpus and fundus or disrupts the placenta, which is normally located in the uterine fundus. Because of these possibilities, VBAC is not recommended for women with classical upper uterine segment vertical scars.”   (from Varney’s Midwifery, Helen Varney)

If any of you would have VBAC stories to share, I would love to hear them! It is always encouraging for those facing a new situation to hear from those who have successfully done it before.

Homebirth after Cesarean: The Myth and the Reality – by Amy V. Haas

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/homebirthaftercesarean.asp

VBAC and Choice: Many Questions and a Few Answers – by Nancy Wainer

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/vbacchoice.asp