Auckland HomeBirth Community holds birthing at home and physiologic birth (regardless of place of birth) at its heart. We collect articles from diverse authors, including our own steering committee, community members and guest authors. In this category, we cover a range of topics on pregnancy, birth, the 4th trimester, human rights and other interesting birthy topics. If you are wondering what you need for a home birth, we recommend starting with the Home birth supplies article.
Society expects “good” mothers to pursue maternity care, agree to medical interventions proposed by healthcare professionals and to sacrifice whatever is necessary to avoid any risk to their unborn children. When women do not conform to this standard of behaviour, they may be vilified and considered reckless or deviant.
There are times that birthing in water may be desired but due to various circumstances, isn’t possible. In this article, we discuss the intensity of labour and birth and ways we can cope with and mitigate some of that intensity. Before we get to the actual methods and practical things you can do, it’s worth … Read more
To me home birth is a philosophy, not confined to the walls and roof of a whare but much more, it is a way of being that frees you from the confines of a Western society. Home birth is a philosophy, because you don’t have to give birth at home to have a home birth, it is a practice that is holistic, culturally safe, strength-based, whānanu capacity building, grounded in practices of whanaungatanga (reciprocal, responsive and responsible relationships).
We are a fly on the wall at the first appointment a pregnant mother is having with their midwife or obstetrician, their LMC (Lead Maternity Carer). Among other things, we watch the expectant mother given a pamphlet or other information that explains her three main choices for the place they would like to give birth, … Read more
