Birth, a play by Karen Brody, is the story of eight mothers’ experiences giving birth. It has been called “The Vagina Monologues for birth,” by Dr. Christiane Northrup, and the play is part of BOLD (Birth on Labor Day), a global arts-based movement aspiring to create childbirth choices for mothers around the world. The play will be performed throughout the month of September, informing the public “how low-risk, educated women are giving birth today”.
First the AMA and now Dr. Phil: the attacks on a family’s right to chose a home birth never seem to end. As a mother who has birthed both of her children at home, neither of which were “normal” births, I find such negative campaigning disturbing and upsetting. Just as I won’t tell a woman what to do with her body after conception, I believe a woman has the right to birthing choices as well.
I’ve never been a fan of Dr. Phil. I feel sorry for the people who are so desperate for help that they air their problems on TV, thinking a talk show host will give them the solutions. I admit, I succumbed once hoping Dr. Phil could help potty train my son and watched his show, but as each child is unique. I had to wait for my child’s readiness. Now, Dr. Phil is seeking out guests to share home birth horror stories.
Did you have a child at your home?
Did you want to have a soothing experience where you were in control and could bond with your child?
Did it not go the way you planned?
Do you regret having a home birth?
Do you regret using a midwife instead of going to a hospital?
Did you have your second child the traditional way in a hospital?
If you or someone you know regrets having a home birth please tell us your story below.
Thank you to all of our writers, guest writers, and readers that shared their birth stories as part of our Labor of Love series. It’s been a difficult week for me with wildfires surrounding my home, and the birth stories provided me with moments of respite and love. From VBACS to home births, our experiences have varied but we’ve all been blessed with our children!
Candu won a pair of IsaBooties! Candu lives in Hanoi and suffered wounds from his wife’s grip:
All day the contractions got more painful and intense. She had to wait for 40 second long contractions and we had been waiting all day for it. I should have got her to cut her nails earlier, for now I have open wounds on my back and hands. Girls got some grip! She would lean right into me and hold on tight when she got another wave. She shook in pain and her eyes squeezed tight. Wave after wave after wave… Now I know why they call it labour!
