Arizona Midwife | Arizona Homebirth Midwife | Red Rock Midwifery

I am considering the following idea and would love some feedback about it. That’s what a blog is for, right?

For as long as I have been involved in homebirth, it has been homebirth only. I have come to feel that I am not in the business of convincing anyone of homebirth, and that the only clients for me are the ones that have already made that choice. That has largely worked out. I am blessed and honored to walk with some of the most confident women I know.

But in my community, and surely in yours too, there are many more women unsure of themselves and unsure of their choices. Many don’t know that homebirth is an option, and it really is hard to convince anyone when they are at such an early point in their education. The education often takes 9 months, and so by and large, there are many families just not ready to take the plunge–hire a midwife and birth at home.

I suppose it is because I used to be one of these women. My first was born in a hospital because I was not “ready” to consider even a birthing center as an alternative option. Although smart, I was not educated. And not well supported to do anything but birth in a hospital. I think if I could have had a midwife’s care alongside that of my OB, my experience would have been more positive and empowering.

So, here’s the simple idea I want to hear your thoughts on! What do you think of hiring a midwife to consult with even if you have no intentions of birthing at home? Am I crazy for considering this? I suppose I am afraid of being even more disillusioned with the state of birth these days. I admit, I am also afraid of becoming attached to these clients (like I do with all my homebirth clients) and probably almost always hoping and wanting them to have a better experience than they might get. But, my positive side comes thru…..

I think of women and families getting the support they need during pregnancy. A midwife’s empathy, a suggestion here or there on easing pregnancy discomforts, or providing true informed consent about the myriad of issues–Vitamin K, epidurals, you name it. I feel that some profound difference might be made to these mamas and these babies just to feel loved and cared for. And that even if born in a hospital, they might feel empowered by their learning and their taking charge of their health. It can be done.

(An inspiring example: (and I learned this at a conference not long ago)–In other countries, (don’t quote me, but I think it’s in parts of Canada) most women receive midwife care (from the government). However, they don’t make the decision to birth at home or hospital until the midwife comes to them in labor. Then the choice is made. I like this idea because there is a commitment to great care but not always on homebirth. However, I believe that as a result many women do choose to birth at home.)

I did try this once, and that woman ended up having her baby at home because it was so obvious for her that it was the right choice for her. And in all honestly, I did not attempt to convince her at all. I simply provided her with reliable, individualized care and gave her as much information as I could about the issues she cared about. I guess I can’t lie in saying it would be nice if all “consulting” clients turned out that way, but I know that isn’t reality. My bigger hope is that women know they have choices. And who knows; anyone of these women not ready for homebirth could decide to go that route in a future pregnancy.

So, I don’t know…..I like the idea on lots of levels but then maybe not. I think I will sit with it for a while and maybe just put it out there to the universe.