what is it REALLY like?

I would like to hear from everyone who has had a home birth what is it really like. What kinds of things should I prepare for and get set up. I have had 3 hospital births. But now want to make sue I know what I need to do for this home birth.

Mine was pretty straight forward. I went into the tub after the doula was called. A few hours later, my daughter was born in the water. I didn't leave the tub until a few minutes after baby was placed on my chest. As far as preparations make sure you have items from your birth kit, lots of old towels for clean up, some covers for the floor/bed, a big bowl for the placenta, food for yourself and attendants, someone to watch older siblings, baby clothes/diapers, and a birth tub if you want a waterbirth (there will also be a few additional waterbirth supplies including a faucet adapter for the hose, net, tub liner). I used hypnobirthing so I also had my CD player, earphones, and HypnoBabies CDs.

-Di Linh

Hey girl! I'm so excited for you to experience a homebirth and am looking forward to hearing your take since you'll have hospital births for comparison. I have only my homebirth experience to draw from, but it was fantastic. I LOVED the freedom. I remember feeling so grateful to be at home on my turf. I was able to feel secure in my surroundings and surrender to the process. I felt loved, safe and respected. I think that's what allowed me to relax and have a quick, smooth birth. It was such a peaceful and intimate experience. If I were a newborn, it's how I would want things! As far as things to "do"...get all your stuff gathered and then relax knowing that it's done and enjoy the ride. Rob wasn't into reading all the books like I was, so I made him a cheat sheet of tips and things to offer me and do for me and remind me of. Ex: remind me to smile and relax, offer water, encourage and help me change positions as often as I want etc. Doing this freed my mind. I guess it was like making a grocery list versus just going to the store and trying to remember everything you need. It freed up much needed mental space! I hope this helps! You know you can ask me anything and I will do anything I can to help you. You're surrounded by lots of encouraging women who want to offer help and support. :)