From Hospital Transfer to Home Birth Empowerment
By Theresa Gray, Girl Mama + Advocate
A Story of Safety, Support, and Why I’m Fighting for Midwifery Licensure in Georgia
If you would’ve asked me even four years ago if I would’ve considered a home birth, the answer would have been “absolutely not!” But that answer only would’ve come from a place of a lack of knowledge.
As I received traditional GYN care before and initially into my marriage, I was immediately frustrated by the lack of freedom of choice, the short duration of the visits, and the horrible way in which I was made to feel for asking questions.
I later learned about home birth and began to research. The safety and expertise of the midwives, the nurturing and professional care that comes from hour-long prenatal appointments, being heard and respected for my wishes, and knowing I’d be in the comfort of my own home were all the biggest appeals toward choosing a home birth.
I’ve had two home births—and they couldn’t have been more different.
Birth #1: A Long Labor, a Scary Transfer, and the Power of Support
My first was long, difficult, and came with complications. During labor, my daughter’s positioning wasn’t ideal and her heart rate started to drop. I could see my midwife quickly thinking about how to handle the situation to ensure the safety of me and my baby. At her direction, her birth assistant immediately started some bodywork and repositioning, and within a half hour, my daughter’s heart rate returned to normal and she resumed descending further into the birth canal.
Pushing was long (3 hours!) and extremely difficult—but never unsafe. My midwife continually monitored and repositioned me. She cheered me on and reassured me that I could do this when I thought I was going to give up. I finally received the fruit of my labor (literally!) and pushed my daughter into the world right in my bedroom.
Complications arose after—I hemorrhaged and then my body would not deliver the placenta. After doing everything she could, my midwife said we had to go to the hospital. She never left my side throughout the whole difficult and scary process of a manual removal at the hospital. Thank the Lord I was treated with kindness and respect at the hospital (which I know all too well isn’t usually the case for moms who transfer). My midwife was so supportive and encouraging and helped me make decisions at my most vulnerable time.
When I came home, my home was cleaned by the birth assistant and later my midwife, who rejoined her. My husband was calm and felt empowered to care for our new daughter alone while I was at the hospital.
Birth #2: A Peaceful, Empowering Contrast
My second birth couldn’t have been more different! It was 3½ hours start to finish—12 minutes of pushing—and my second daughter was delivered safely in the birth pool in my living room.
I had a lot of fear during my second birth that the same difficulties and complications of my first birth would happen again. But my midwife spoke truth, encouragement, and empowerment over me the whole time.
I knew that if I did have to transfer again, she would be with me the entire time—even with all the risks to midwives practicing currently in the state of Georgia. In my mind, nothing speaks more to the character of my midwife or her dedication to me as her patient.
Why I’m Fighting for Midwifery Licensure in Georgia
I am fighting for the rights of midwives in the state of Georgia so that I—and every other mom who chooses to have her baby at home—can do so SAFELY.
With midwives who:
Have access to healthcare items
Don’t have to be worried for their careers if a mom has to transfer
Receive regulated training and oversight
This is a fight that deserves to be fought.
For moms.
For midwives.
