Home Childbirth
Watch a Woman Giving Childbirth at Home

Dr. Michel Odent on home childbirth:
"We try to give a birthing woman freedom to find the right position for her own needs and comfort. Unfortunately, in our society we think of birthing as something done while lying down."

I remember when sharing my story of home childbirth with my friends, so many of them said I was brave, and were really concerned about safety.

I would have nowhere felt so safe, so secure, so protected. As every woman I was afraid, especially in the last month when my stomach was getting bigger and bigger. I wondered if I will be able to give birth at home. If I can consider a home childbirth as an option.

And then, I had a reassurance in my dream. One night I had a dream. A strong female spiritual energy was there. I woke up and felt it so strong, so comforting, and so powerful. I said:
"Will I be able to give birth?"
"Of course, you will."
"But I have never given birth before."
"You have given birth thousands of millions of times."
"And if there are any complications, I might need a doctor."
"I will be you doctor. I will be there and support you."
Then I got up. Went to drink water, and came back. The energy being was still there. I felt it as the Superwoman consciousness. It seemed to me it was the woman energy of all, being present in every female being, grounded in the earth, and being a part of me, and every other woman, yet being apart.
I asked.
"Who are you? What is your name?"


The answer came:
"Gabriel".

I thought in my mind, "Ok, Gabriel, Gabbie. It is a wonderful name." I felt that it was my daughter. And we called her Gabriella.

The doctors could not say what was the sex of my baby, yet from that moment, I knew it was a girl, besides such a powerful girl. And my home birth was not much different. It was a healing and powerful experience, so loving, so strong. It was a sure guidance and encouragement for a home childbirth.

I gave birth during the day. The birth did not last much. The labor was about 2-3 hours.

Being at home I could be myself. I found that even at the delivery I felt no pain. Once, I allowed the birth to happen. It just started flowing, the body took over with no pain, no strain. A home childbirth was better than anything I could expected.

Yet, I was shouting. I felt this were sounds coming from deep within, like the sounds in the martial arts. The sounds were coming with the natural waves of pushing. They were carrying part of the energy and allowing them to go out, liberating the flow.

The real birth was like an ocean wave, coming to the shore and receding back. And so the baby was coming to the front and going in back. So in a dance-like motion, the baby proceeded to the outer world.

Being able to move, to express the sounds, to be natural, was vital. Being able to be myself and go with flow could be possible only in a home childbirth.

Home childbirth was the best for me, and I believe it is the best option for a healthy mother and baby. Where else can you feel so relaxed, and in control? Of course, your home is your reign. You have imbued the place with your presence, your hopes, inspirations, hobbies, thoughts, fragrance, favorite objects, books, and people. The home is your shelter, where you feel most secure and protected.

Your baby also knows your home intuitively and loves it. The baby has felt the turns and the space while you walked. It loves your favorite room and feels the undulating motion of your moving around your furniture. The baby has unconsciously learned to recognize where are the beds, and the table, the sofa, the armchair. Besides, it is used to the sounds and smells. Everything in your home is so familiar. Moreover, the baby body knows the bacteria in your home and is accustomed it.

Can you imagine suddenly, going to a hospital? Everything is shockingly unknown. There is nothing personal. The hassle of the medical staff is enervating. The sounds are harsh and unfamiliar. And it is a hospital. Have you felt, the butterflies in the stomach when you need to enter a hospital, even when being healthy? There is an instinctive fear, no matter if there is a reason, or not. And, believe me, nothing else, but fear is the sole reason for prolonged and painful birth.

Watch this video and let go of any fear. Find your shelter and protection in the real you, in those you love, in the space where you can be yourself.

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