Ocean birth how-to…
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Because there is no “guide book” for ocean births, I’m sure I’ll have to amend this list as I go along. And maybe you think I’m crazy for bothering to offer what I’m finding. But I decided the other day when the midwife fairy reached out to me with her own resources that I needed to stop whimpering about the lack of resources and shift gears to focus on the resources that ARE available and make them apparent to others who may be interested. So, if you are interested in an ocean birth, here goes…
Much of what we are doing to prepare for this delivery is coming from our own minds, hearts and instincts. It is a series of unexplored paths which we are choosing to intuitively head down. There are, however, a list of things that we need to consider, research, and purchase to plan for this ocean birth. Remember, I’m no expert, but it helps if both you and your partner can have these things clearly addressed before the big day arrives.
- -Read and research as much as you can about ocean births. Know that even though this is considered unconventional, it DOES happen in other parts of the world. Check it out (click here).
- -Watch some of the YouTube waerbirth videos. It’ll give you a sense of what it’s like, the different positions you can put your body in, and how the baby will enter her new environment. I’m not choosing a link, because a) i don’t have permission to use their video with my blog and b) the videos can be VERY intense experiences to watch, and it is up to you to decide how deeply you want to explore this visual experience.
- -Be sure those present for the birth are all on the same page. You don’t need anyone to suddenly lose their cool or not feel prepared when you are in the midst of active labor. You might feel comfortable along the ocean’s shallows or out in the open sea, but be sure those you invite do, too.
- -proper prenatal care. Some women choose to forego this altogether, but do know that most midwifery state law requirements include a series of simple test and check-ups before they can sign on as your midwife. Unless you are thinking about unassisted birth, which is a whole ‘nother path…
- -I’m not a big proponent of any sort of extra medical tests, but genetic tests (click link) do give you some sense of assurance that your little seabean growing within is unlikely to need any sort of special medical and/or technical intervention when s/he arrives. They aren’t always accurate, and can often offer false positives which can lead to more stress and create that endless circle of fear fear fear (and thus create tangible physical problems). Even still, I’m glad I changed my mind and got them (though I opted out of the amniocentesis), because the good results help me feel clear that this birth choice is a healthy one for her.
- -your health: is your diet what it needs to be? Are you getting enough exercise? Have you learned anything about aquanatal (click link) preparation?
- -locations: is the water clean? Free from strong currents and boat traffic? How far from shore are you? What is the accessibility to get back to land should you need to adjust your plans if there is weather or complications?
- -if you are using a boat, does it have a platform? Is the captain qualified, reliable and trustworthy? Will s/he be available for you and your needs at any time you call?
- -radar. What’s up with the weather? Check your local weather (click link) on the internet, if possible . My fellow is a weather fanatic, and I’m certain he’ll be on top of this. Who will be that person for you?
- -back up plans. If there ARE complications, what are your other options? Can you do a home birth? A water birth there? Do you have a pool? Can you order or rent a portable one (click here)? Where is the nearest hospital should you need one?
- -is your car packed with everything you need? (what exactly you’ll need, I’m still figuring out….i’ll post this as I discover it myself).
It goes without saying that time of year and warm water play a big part in the ocean birth element. I’m fortunate to live along the calm waters of the Florida Keys, and that this new person is expected to arrive in September, when the water is quite warm. Still, it also happens to be the height of hurricane season. This, I think, is the most challenging part of choosing this path. I have no clear idea as to what day she’ll decide to arrive (if it is actually day…it could be night!), and if the weather will support this idea. Part of the lesson, I guess, in keeping open to the process and going with the flow….
Logistically speaking, I still haven’t a thorough concept on how this will work out. How can I when I’ve never done it before? But here’s what I do have, gathered in my corner:
- a partner who supports me in whatever birth choice I desire;
- a prenatal care provider that knows of my intentions and has helped guide me with prenatal care for both my body & baby’s that best support that choice;
- a midwife willing to travel down to be part of the experience, an assistant to back her up or come in her place should she not be able to make it;
- a captain with a pontoon boat and a platform to take us out to deeper water should that be where we choose to go;
- e. coli test kits coming my way to be certain the water quality is safe;
- and an endless amount of coves to explore on both the Gulf and Atlantic sides of Summerland, Sugarloaf & the Torch Keys. Something will show itself soon, I’m sure.
It also helps to have a clear idea as to WHY you want to go this route, and to be especially clear and solid about it. People, particularly those who love you and tend to worry, will question you. Yesterday we went out with our friends up the Keys to explore some locales. Unfortunately, the winds, unusual for this time of year, made it too choppy to really be able to do that. We snorkeled over some coral heads, went to some shallows on the edge of their harbor, had some good talk while storm clouds formed over us. The question of just why I want to give birth in the sea came up. “How do you feel right at this moment?” I asked, as we sat in the shallows, watching stingrays swim around us, the clouds form, their dogs paddle back and forth between us and then run happily about on the little island. “Isn’t this one of your most favorite places to be?” They agreed, yes, it was. “Well, I imagine if I have the choice to create the most expansive environment where I feel safest, most relaxed, most open, and happiest, then being somewhere similar to where we are now would be it.” I think they finally got it. “And the dolphins?” They asked. “They aren’t the focal point,” I explained. “But it would be really something if they made themselves visible during the delivery.” There really is no describing what happens to human hearts and the energy field when surrounded by these creatures. (My best offer is to spend a week at Wildquest (click link) to find out).
As it stands now, we have clear communication with our midwife to prepare for a water birth here at the house. This we can plan clearly and easily. If the weather, the time of day, the locations, my sense of sanity and the physical well-being of the baby and me are right, we will move forward with the ocean birth. While I am frustrated by not knowing where those locations are, I am reminding myself to keep the flow of energy positive and vibrant so that one will manifest. I’d like to have more answers, but part of writing this blog is so that I can discover them as I go along….
Tags: ocean birth guide, how to prepare for an ocean birth, water birth, dolphins, YouTube, genetic tests during pregnancy, weather, aquanatal exercise, waterbirth accessories, swimming with dolphins, retreat programs
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