Sahar Mace Homebirth

My name is Sahar. My husband, Troy, and I are expecting our first child in March! I have attended the hospital births of two of my sisters and a very close friend.  Home birth was an easy choice for our family. I did not go into my first appointment at Mother to Mother knowing much about home birth, I just knew I wanted to know more about how I could have the birthing experience I pictured when I closed my eyes. To say that I have faith in what my body can do is an understatement.  I truly believe that women’s bodies are so unbelievably resilient and strong. We are able to create life, bear it within our bodies and then birth it into the world… it’s wonderful and beautiful. I have always felt that over time it seems that woman have almost been convinced that they can’t solely trust their bodies to perform what we were created to do and I want to not only encourage myself, but others to take back their bodies and HAVE FAITH IN THEM!

The hospital births I attended were of course very beautiful, but I witnessed a lot of pressure to move forward quickly rather than allowing the time needed to progress in their births. I do believe that there needs to be some medical intervention in certain cases, but mostly I want to be supported with a combination of both medical and emotional support in my pregnancy. I have been so blessed to have this feeling of love, support, and an intake unbounded knowledge with the midwives at Mother to Mother, I am learning more and more about birth than I ever thought possible. I was shocked to learn about how safe home birth is, how much knowledge and experience the midwives have, and how much they can do at home! The fears that I may have had in the beginning about a cord wrapping around the babies neck or tearing were laid to rest. I feel stronger than I have ever felt and more in tune with my body then ever before, not just because there is this wonderful life inside me, but because I am being educated and nurtured in a way that empowers me to take control of my choices and understand them better. Troy and I are so humbled about that fact that we will be able to catch our own baby, in the comfort and safety of our home with the loving support of our midwives. Unfortunately, even with all the advances in the medical world, home birth has not gained the same support from insurance companies that hospital births have had, leaving the mother a large financial burden. I don’t want a financial obstacle to come in the way of my natural birth.

Homebirth Safety

“Homebirth is a safe and gentle option for mothers and babies who are low risk.  Scientific research proves over and over again that homebirth, attended by a qualified midwife,  is as safe as hospital birth for low risk mother and babies. In fact, homebirth is safer than hospital birth when you consider the lower rates of unnecessary cesarean and other medical interventions. Mothers who birth at home have higher rates of successful breastfeeding, less postpartum depression, and more satisfaction in their birth experience. Babies who birth at home are not separated from their mothers or held apart in nurseries. The Dreamcatcher Scholarship Program is a way for me to take control of my birthing experience. I plan to raise (Insert intended goal) in order to have the best possible birthing experience.”