When my daughter-in-law and son told me that she would be having their baby at their own home with a midwife, I have to admit I was uneasy. All the "what-ifs" ran uninvited through my mind. Silently, I questioned their decision. While I was so busy fretting, I seemed to have forgotten where it was that I was born.
In 1949, it was common to give birth in one's home. The reasons differ from those of today. Then it was a matter of no transportation, no money and no choice. Today, women want "natural" childbirth and choose to be in their own homes away from prying fingers, eager interns and modern medication. I was born at home, and our neighbour a mile away was the midwife. She was not trained as a midwife. Her qualifications were she was willing and available, and she had done it before when my brothers were born. There were no warm blankets or hot water from a tap. The males were all sent out of the house and the women did their thing. The nearest hospital was twenty miles away and there was no doctor on standby waiting for a call just in case there were complications. There was no telephone.
My grandson came into the world where his mother felt most comfortable - her home. Her husband and first son were with her all along. It was a wonderful experience for all. Now, my daughter-in-law is a trained doula and works with women who want to have the optimum birthing experience.
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