A monster-sized thanks to Kim for sharing the details of her journey to get the birth she wanted. Grab a tissue or two.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 2 weeks since the birth! In some ways I feel like she’s been part of our family forever and can’t remember life before her with much clarity. In other ways it seems crazy that all of these events happened ONLY 2 weeks ago.
People ask whether or not the birth went “the way I wanted” and the answer is both yes and no. I did get the homebirth I was looking for. And it was fabulous. There was no racing to the hospital during labor, there was no hustle and bustle and shuffling around. There was no arguing with anyone about what I wanted or how I wanted it. It was quiet, familiar and peaceful. However, the days leading up to it were full of anxiety. I know it’s because I’m a type A over-planning control freak and I didn’t want my daughter here for the birth. I had made arrangements for her to be somewhere else. But in trying to inconvenience the least amount of people and hope that this would happen at just the right time, I ended up causing way more work for everyone involved!
Here’s my story from start to finish.
So, I think I sat (well I wasn’t in my seat much) in front of you at church today. Your baby was so beautiful. I loved reading your story!!! I would love to have a home birth for number 4!! Congratulations to you and your family.
OMG- That was the sweetest video i’ve ever seen. I absolutly loved it
Dagum…You looked pretty good for just giving birth. I expected your hair to disheveled, make-up running down your face and scratches all over your husband. You looked quite…content. Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful video and family! Congratulations – thank you for sharing!
Hi. My husband is military, and we will be moving to Okinawa at the beginning of August. I will be six months pregnant, and want to do a home birth with a midwife. I’ve had a couple people refer me to you, and I was hoping you could give me a little information about your homebirth, if you’ve got time. My email address is simplyspacing@hotmail.com. Thanks bunches!
What a beautiful and touching story.Thank you so much for doing this, I think you may have answered many prayers, in letting people know that it is possible to have ahomebirth here.I am newly preg. with my 4th child, I am desperate for specific info on obtaining midwifery care here,please e-mailme at mama2skymaiakai@hotmail.co.jp
I f you have time of course.Thank you so much! Krista
Hi i am really enterested in at home birth i have read some of your okinawa mama blog. but i couldn’t find an email adress, any ways, i would like to know were you found your mid wife, and how did the whole home thing work with tricare, or was it all out of pocket? if so about how much should i expect to be paying. I hope to here from you soon no one seems to know much about this so i am desprate for info! =)
I enjoyed your video birth announcement so much that I forced my husband to watch it, too. I, like the ladies above, am also pregnant with our fourth child and on my way to Okinawa. We were considering requesting that our orders be delayed so that I could have the baby stateside and do a home birth. But you have given me hope! I’d really love to do a home birth in Okinawa and we’re supposed to arrive in the beginning of June. I’m due near the end of October.
Would you mind posting specific information on contact info for midwives willing to do a home birth or e-mailing me directly? My e-mail is sheena @ vanornums.com (only with no spaces.)
I can’t stand the thought of doctors doing procedures to my body that I didn’t ask them to do (breaking your water, rupturing membranes ect) which has happened to me before and is often the norm in a hospital.
Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated. I read your entire story and wanted to thank you for sharing the whole thing. Your daughters are beautiful.
Thanks in advance for any info/help if you have time.
You can contact me at hailiveskimberly@gmail.com. I’m happy to answer any questions!
Hi, I know this was an old thread but if anyone is still out here or still checking this. I would like info on doing a home birth. I love the idea and so far have seen far better outcome from homebirths rather than hospitals. I am only in second trimester with first baby so I know I have some time, but I want to know if this is still possible.
Please email me at stephens2010kelsey@gmail.com
Thanks
Like Kelsey I am wanting more information on a home birth in Okinawa. I am almost 8m pregnant with my first child and had hopes of doing a water birth but was told they are not allowed at the Naval Hospital. Please email me at herseytm@yahoo.com