The Birth of Kyrie Nicole:
Hospital Birth, Caught by a Midwife

For my pregnancy, I was under the care of a wonderful CNM, and Kyrie was born at Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff. Since we live 80 miles from Scottsbluff, most of my laboring was done at home and in the car on the way there. From the time my water broke to the time Kyrie was born was 8 hours; we were in the hospital for about 2 1/2 hours before she was born. (1 1/2 hours were spent pushing!) I couldn't have been more impressed with the hospital staff and their respect for my wishes, which most medical staff would have found very unacceptable! They included:
    · No IV/Heparin lock
    · Freedom to move around as I choose
    · Shower
    · Food/fluids
    · V aginal exams only upon my request
    · No Vit. K unless birth is unusually traumatic, or there are abnormal circumstances
    · No antibiotic eye drops/ointment for baby
    · No Hepatitis B immunization for baby
And more. We also ended up with my husband & mother (planned), my mother-in-law, and one of my sisters there for the birth. Although it is the hospitals "policy" only 2 people with the mother, the nurses never said a thing, and when asked they said it was no problem!

Kyrie was never taken to the nursery, except in the night to be weighed, and she was brought right back to me. All exams/evaluation were done right in my room. We did have a very difficlut time breastfeeding the first few days; she didn't want to latch on, had a hard time latching, and would scream every time I tried it. All of the hospital staff was very supportive, brought me a pump to use, and never once suggested that I use formula, a bottle, or that the baby might starve if she didn't get someting to eat!!! Kyrie did much better nursing once we got home, and it's been fairly smooth sailing from there.

While I had a wonderful hospital delivery, I can't help but think how much more comfortable we would be, delivering in the comfort of our own home, own surroundings, (own bed!!!) and so on. Now if only I could have a midwife there!!! I would love to see the laws change. (Before my next pregnancy would be nice!) Since my Mom delivered 9 of us kids at home, home birth is a "normal" thing to me...if only everybody saw it that way!!!

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