I was born in the Netherlands, the 5th of 6 children who were all born at home. My parents engaged a midwife and a doctor for the birth. My father was present at all our births which were natural and without drugs. 

The midwife stayed to care for my mother and help with the nursing of the child for 14 days after the birth.Our family doctor attended all the births and called on my mum regularly This was such a happy time for the family. 

In 1970 I had my first daughter alone, in a room at the Royal Brisbane Womens Hospital, drugged by gas, which I had no idea how to use, nor instructed by a nurse or a doctor on how to use the mask. I screamed the place down(apparently) because a doctor came in and told me to "shut up for goodness sake"! 

Hubby was not allowed in and was at home. I felt alone and terrified. My 2nd one was a similar story, but luckily I decided not to use gas. I considered having my next 2 at home but this was strongly discouraged by medical staff. I wished I could have had a choice.

Older mum, waited so long for a baby! Easy pregnancy, so excited to meet our baby. Obstetrician says baby BIG, high, posterior. Maybe a long difficult labour? I'm optimistic, no expectations. Just want to meet my child. 

40+4, waters break but hey, no labor. I do everything. Stay upright, walk up stairs - nothing. Mec liquor, obstetrician finally starts synto. Baby still high, posterior. Epidural. All fine for hours, suddenly baby does HUGE roll. Wow! It’s turned! But no. Heart rate 40, stays there. 10 mins. Midwives flurry. Emerg caesar NOW! I’m awake, but its a blur. Baby covered in poo. Cries! Thank god, it's OK. Feel YUK. Can't hold her. Let me sleep. Hour later, all good. Hubby upstairs, SO in love with his little girl. I feed her, so perfect! 

2 years later - still perfect, still breastfeeding. Cheeky, funny, healthy, incredible, perfect. Medical birth? Yes. Would I change it? No way. Birth is ONE DAY. A child is a lifetime of joys and struggles. No-one can convince me I have missed out on anything.

Well as the mother of 8 children I actually have quite a few amazing birth stories, but the easiest to access are the stories I have on my blog. The first story was that of an attempted home birth that became an emergencey caesarean, and was totally respectful and amazing after being one of my biggest fears....that story happens in three parts, and starts here....http://spunoutpost.blogspot.com.au/2009/11/how-to-work-towards-empowered-caesarean.html and within 21 months, I was birthing twins as a VBAC, water birth, homebirth, and they were born two days apart...helluva birthing story, in two parts that starts here......http://spunoutpost.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/natural-birthing-of-twins.html And not long after that, I was pregnant again, had another amazing birth and story, birthed out of water which was big for me, and had a totally sexual and empowered experience. That story is in three parts starting here...http://spunoutpost.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/baby-that-came-bearing-gifts-part-1.html

Many years ago, my second baby was born at home in Gippsland with my husband, Midwife Sue and Dr John(now deceased) supporting me. 

An obstetrician from the Latrobe Valley offered to support me at the hospital if there were any issues. I felt so empowered by the experience, no drugs, intact peri and almost pain free. An anterior lip made transition challenging for a couple of hours. I fully believe that with great antenatal education, support and the right environment that every woman can achieve the best possible outcome for her. 

Collaboration in the current climate of litigation and power hierarchies is challenging, but I believe that it can be done. Midwifery care supported by obstetric care is a direction that I believe in. I had the benefit of this a long time ago, and I hope that other women can also have this support.

My son is now 16, that age when they can be moody and difficult and intolerable! 

He was born at home. I was a healthy woman of 30 years of age, and I trusted that my body would know exactly what to do, and it did! I had lived in Amsterdam, where I was inspired by the high number of home births and low numbers of complications. I lived there, so I saw it and I knew it was not a myth.

 The idea of having a doctor telling me what to do while I'm giving birth was not my idea of how it should happen. Women forever have known how to birth, with the help of other women, doulas, midwives, etc... and I wanted to do it exactly like that. And I did. 

Finding a GP who would support me in my choice was not easy but I found a great lady GP who agreed to support me as long as I would have 3 ultrasounds during the pregnancy. It was a deal! The birth took 12 hours, in a tub, with midwives and support people. My son is now a 16 year old rat-bag, but I love him to bits and I'm so grateful about his gentle, natural birth.

I had my son Marley at home with my midwives, my partner and older son and my mother around me. I felt so comfortable being in my own space and knowing my surroundings.

 My older son was asleep in his bed and that was so special knowing he was absorbing this amazing energy in our house, he actually woke up just as Marley was being born which I thought was quite special and amazing. 

I felt so safe with my midwives, especially my primary midwife whom I had gotten to know throughout my pregnancy, she had so much experience and confidence and I when I was labouring I felt like she knew exactly where I was with every contraction. 

My family were comfortable because they were at home in their own space. The next day we didn't have to pack up and transfer and put our little baby into a car, we didn't have to go anywhere, it was purer bliss to be able to relax at home. I loved my home birth and I wish everywoman knew the truth about its safety and that every woman had access to it. xx

 

It was a good birth.  All my preparation, every minute of it, contributed to my experience of birthing my second baby, my second boy, in our lounge room, in a birth pool, with my husband, midwife, GP, sister and first boy, 4 years old, sleeping soundly nearby.  24 hours pre-labor with a good few hours break to sleep was a lovely amount of time for getting into the groove of birthing, spending the day with my mum and sister, pottering around the house, drinking tea, feeling the contractions grow steadily, taking care of my boy between the three of us.  I felt so respected, supported, prepared, in control of my environment which felt safe and appropriate. We practiced Lotus Birth, which also felt right, if not fully understood, I liked to leave well enough alone and not to severe the connection and relationship my son had with our placenta, which was such a huge part of him, of us, of his life so far.  Being at home created a cocoon for us to start his life outside of me so gently and with calm and a slow pace.

 

The story of Summer’s Birth

 

On the morning of Thursday the 6^th of August I went to see Jane who had begun to have some mild contractions. We were sitting around the table outside when Jane felt another contraction begin. Sitting next to her I placed my hand on her belly to feel it tense up. Almost instantly I felt my own whole belly grow firm in a way that I hadn’t before. It was really strange because I wasn’t expecting it, but my Mum had told me that sometimes if you are close to your due date and you are around another labouring mum it can trigger the start of your labour. Not expecting that to be true we all laughed it off, but over the next two days I started to feel different and I began having irregular contractions, that I knew were the beginning of Summer’s arrival.

Thursday night and most of Friday was spent walking the headland and beach with Carlos and Diva. It was an emotional couple of days, not knowing whether or not I was definitely in labour or just being over reactive to my body. I remember walking and crying telling Carlos that I just wanted it to start properly already! But there was no rushing, my body and baby Summer had their own ideas. But excitement grew when I got my show that night.

On Friday morning I had what I thought was a hind leak, but wasn’t sure. So we went into the hospital to have a quick check up. The midwife did an internal exam to see if she could determine whether or not it had in fact been a leak or something else. She resolved that it most likely was a leak and considering my cervix was almost completely effaced, that I should go home and prepare for labour.

As the sun was going down on Friday afternoon Carlos, Dad, Mum and I sat on the back porch playing cards and having a laugh as my contractions established some regularity. It was nice to be surrounded by the people I love and trust the most. Knowing that each and every one of them would do anything for me if they had to, I just felt completely at ease. As the night wore on, the contractions of course grew more painful and closer together. Later in the evening I had another leak and Carlos convinced me to call the hospital just in case. So at around 9pm I called just to let the midwife know and as I was explaining what had happened another contraction had begun, painful enough to pass the phone to Carlos to continue the conversation. Just as I did I felt my waters break and a big gush soaked my shorts. Laughing my head off I ran to the bathroom to stand in the bath so I couldn’t make a mess. We decided with the midwife on the phone that we would come in to the hospital so I would feel more comfortable.

On the way to hospital my contractions slowed down a lot. On arrival the midwife had told me that she didn’t think I was in active labour and that we should all try and get some rest. And “rest” we did. Mum and Dad slept on lounges in the tea room, while Carlos slept in a beanbag on the floor with his legs up on an exercise ball. I still remember the glow of the heater and waking up to every contraction. The midwife came to check on me every hour, checking my blood pressure and Summer’s heart beat, things were still moving along slowly and I was greatful for the rest between contractions.

The contractions intensified from about 4am when I was no longer able to sleep between them. Knowing I wanted an active labour I was up moving around as much as possible. Leaning over the end of the bed and breathing deeply. Pacing the hall and breathing deeply, eating Glucose Jelly beans and breathing deeply. By 10.30am our obstetrician James Nicholson had arrived to check in on us. Possibly THE most relaxed man who ever graced the planet earth! After witnessing me walking around, still happy and joking around between contractions he arrived at the conclusion, like the other midwives that I still probably wasn’t in active labour. But, after performing an internal exam he was very happy to report that I was actually 5-6cm dilated. I was ecstatic; all that hard work wasn’t for nothing!

After receiving this news, we got even more excited and inspired. We were able to get in the bath or have a shower. Up until that point I didn’t really need anything else for the pain. In fact I could have kept going on dry land if necessary. But Carlos helped me in the shower, the warm water almost took the pain away completely! After experiencing the immense relief of the shower we decided it was time to get in to the bath.

I had originally planned to reserve my dignity and wear swimmers in the birth pool but quickly forgot that idea when the serious contractions had set in. Summer and I spent the next few hours working through the contractions. I found extreme comfort being rocked in the water by Carlos, he helped me focus on my breathing. Taking each breath with me and supporting me completely. I clearly remember reaching transition, thinking that I had had enough and that each time a contraction finished I would think to myself – that’s it, no more contractions, I’m done! But they didn’t stop and as quickly as i’d started transition i had finished and the urge to push began to build with each contraction.
As the urge to push got stronger, I started to go with my body and push. Not seeing much progress, the midwife had me empty my bladder and once I was on the toilet I was very comfortable. It took a LOT of coaxing to get me back into the pool with a stop on the birthing stool in between. But when I was in the water I found the best position to give birth. I was clung to the edge of the pool  to support myself and that is how Summer was born. As Summer’s head was born the midwife started talking about waiting for the next contraction to birth her shoulders, but after pushing for two hours I had lost patience and out she came. I reached down and pulled Summer out of the water with my own two hands. Carlos and I  held our new baby and I distinctly remember thinking out loud “oh my god, I love her already”.

The Story of Felix

Two weeks before I was due, I was ready. Felix had other ideas. I had gone into labour on my due date with Summer and being a stickler for statistics, I knew that I was more likely to go into labour earlier rather than later the second time around. I had it all wrong, so in my wisdom I decided to intervene at 2 days overdue.  I went to Jane’s house where Renee was visiting for a cuppa. She also brought some castor oil which Jane practically poured down my throat (not that I was complaining). I began having some regular contractions that night which stopped at about 1am.

The next day I was on a mission, Summer was with aunty Rose and Chloe, I was taking colophylum drops every half hour and drinking castor oil again with lunch. Sum came home and business as usual Sum was in bed by 7pm. At about half 7 I went to the toilet, castor oil having taken effect. At 8 pm I went again although this time I was very uncomfortable and couldn’t go. By 8.30 I thought I might be having contractions, but I was getting confused about whether this was poo pain or contractions.  When we finally realised a pattern Carlos began timing them. Between 8.30 and 9.30ish they were coming every 2-3 minutes. Carlos was as cool as a cucumber, thinking things were only just starting. Meanwhile I was becoming overwhelmed with the strength of each contraction.

I decided it was time to call Leanne. We tried and couldn’t get through so we called the other midwife on duty. Leanne called me back in about 10 minutes. When I told Leanne how close together my contractions were she told me we should leave straight away. But, because it had only been just over an hour I had not called Mum and Dad to come over and mind Summer while we were gone. So, I called and they left immediately. As we were waiting my contractions intensified and when I went in to go to the toilet I heard a squelch sound. I told Carlos and he asked if I thought maybe we should just call Jane to mind Sum until Mum and Dad got here. I called them to see where they were and they were just around the corner so we waited.

We left as soon as they arrived. Carlos drove like an angel. I only remember opening my eyes about 3 times the entire trip and the closer we got, the less I could leave my bottom on the seat. We arrived at Mullum hospital and parked at 10.30pm – I had a contraction. We got to the door – I had a contraction. We got into the suite – I had a contraction.

Leanne, my beautiful midwife had the pool ready to go and said I could get straight in. But by this stage I was very shaky and just needed a moment to gather my thoughts, and strangely decided I needed a snack. Leanne suggested that if I was able to eat, I may as well empty my bladder and give a urine sample. So, I agreed.

At 10.35pm  I was about to try and sit down to empty my bladder when another contraction began – this one was HUGE! I grabbed on to the support rail and held on tight, just as I did I heard a snap and my waters broke in a massive rush. Though it was quite funny, it unnerved me that things were progressing so fast. Carlos quickly called Leanne to tell her that my waters had broken. As I shuffled toward the bathroom door with my saturated pants around my ankles Carlos came in and Leanne followed just as another massive contraction moved through my body. I immediately felt the heat of Felix’s head crowning while standing, I was coached by Leanne and Carlos just to breathe even though every fibre of my being wanted to push! By this time Leanne had snapped on a pair of gloves ready to catch our beautiful baby boy. I remember following him and her over to the bed, which was the most surreal experience. After just 2.5 hours he had arrived happy and healthy.

We sat down together and he went straight to the breast. I recognised him immediately, like we had known each other for years – another love of my life. . .Felix.

I went from being totally freaked out because I was so scared of labour, to feeling empowered and experiencing a pain-free childbirth.I remember that day so clearly because the doctors and midwives were shocked, but for me, it was the happiest day of my life!But to be honest, just 9 months prior, I NEVER thought I’d be one of those freaky birth-junkies that talked about "beautiful water-births" and "empowering labours" That was for hippies!

I was NOT going to try and be a hero. All I wanted was a healthy baby.I mean, it doesn’t matter how it comes out. Right?I couldn’t understand why I would want to have a natural childbirth when there were medical miracles called EPIDURALS that would block all the pain of childbirth. (Or so I thought!)Anyway … I had been talking to some friends, who seemed to think it was a great idea to tell me every detail of their traumatic birthing experience …Seriously, why do people do that? 

So, I went home and tried to convince myself that it really wouldn’t be that bad. I buried myself in pregnancy books and magazines, but I just couldn’t stop thinking about all the pain I was going to have to endure. I started crying.

My husband came into the room and asked "What’s wrong?""How am I going to get through this and cope during labor?" I replied.He was lovely and comforting, saying encouraging things, but he just didn’t understand the PURE FEAR I was feeling! … then I cried out …"NATALIE TOLD ME SHE THOUGHT SHE WAS GOING TO DIE!!!!!!!!!!!"

Immediately, he started throwing all the books and magazines I had been reading out of the room.

He yelled, "NO MORE OF THESE BOOKS, NO MORE OF THESE MAGAZINES and NO MORE LISTENING TO STORIES FROM FRIENDS""You can do this!" he said as he comforted me. "We’ll figure out how to do this together." Immediately I felt safe and with a renewed purpose to find out how I can make childbirth a positive experience for my family.

The next few months consisted of research about different methods of coping with pain during labor … and as I educated myself about all the options including c-sections, drugs (including epidurals) and natural methods, it became clear that the safest option for me and my baby was "Al-Natural" … but what’s even stranger is that I also became aware that this was also going to possibly be the MOST PAIN-FREE option of them all!

I know that almost doesn’t make sense, but let me explain it like this:

C-SECTION: When you understand the risks and complications involved, plus the painful and long recovery process, no one in their right mind would choose this voluntarily.

EPIDURAL: When you learn the risks and complications involved for you AND your baby in using any cocktail of drugs, you’ll want to steer clear of them too if possible.

Figures also show, once you start introducing drugs in the labor process your chance of having to have an emergency c-section is greatly increased! Terrifying!

NATURAL CHILDBIRTH: I would personally never tell anyone to just "wing it" and have a natural birth because it’s the "RIGHT" thing to do, but I would definitely encourage you and your birth partner to enrol in a childbirth education course (NOT a hospital one).

And .. that’s just what we did! We researched and found an amazing course that taught us everything about natural childbirth.

During the classes each week, I became more and more confident that I was doing the best thing for my baby. Plus it was a great bonding experience for my husband and I too.I practiced my relaxation techniques and also got more in-tune with my body.I know it may sound crazy (because it did to me) but during my classes I discovered that we actually have these hormones in our body to ease all kinds of pain. Most of us just don’t know how to access it! 

But even while I was learning, practicing my relaxation techniques and preparing everything, I still had my doubts. One night in class, I asked my teacher … "Can I REALLY do this?"

She reassured me I was doing absolutely everything to prepare for the birth I had always dreamed of.

She was right. I had done the prep work and practiced daily. I was watching and listening to positive birth stories and I was just convinced that this was going to be the most beautiful experience. And … GUESS WHAT? … It was the BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!