Gordon's Birth Video

Gordon Cedar Campanelli's birth

Keep in mind that this is a video of a birth - labor, birth and breastfeeding - so if this is going to make you uncomfortable I suggest not watching it.  You will see body parts and bodily fluids.  

In contrast to the sensationalized and over dramatic depictions of birth common in American media (women hooked up to machines and IV's, laying on their backs, bed bound - screaming, while the doctor "delivers" the baby), I found natural childbirth to be a peaceful and empowering experience.  I wanted to share our experience as an example of a safe birth in the comfort of home with the loving support of a midwife. 

Birth Plan

-Soft lighting and music in birthing room - NO TV or radio 

-No phone calls or messages during labor- literally- phones OFF

-Don't tell anyone Amber is in labor - no posting anything on facebook - I'd like to wait until after the baby comes to make any announcements 

-Natural methods only – NO medical interventions or medications 

-Do not tell Amber how open her cervix is or check her “progress” 

-Nobody is to speak (except Monica) unless spoken to by Amber – quiet at all times, this is very important - we had a talker at Ella's birth and she drove Amber crazy

-If the door is shut nobody is to come in 

-Amber would like Monica to make suggestions for positions or techniques that might help 

-We may ask everyone to leave at times so we can be alone, just Mark and Amber

-Everyone is to use calm voices and make no extreme facial expressions, stay calm and Amber will stay calm 

-To birth in an atmosphere of gentle encouragement without coaching.  Calm, low tones, free of “pushing” prompts

-NO vaginal exams to avoid premature release of membranes and infection

-To allow natural birthing instincts to facilitate the descent of the baby, with mother-directed breathing down

-Use of oil and hot compresses - NO episiotomy

-Videotaping and pictures allowed at any time

-Anyone we want is to be allowed in the birthing room 

-Mark will receive the baby 

-Mark is to announce the sex of the baby

-The baby is to go directly onto Amber's chest from the water -skin to skin- Mark will cover baby with a towel or blanket at this point

-Nothing is to go into the babies mouth or nose - the breast should be the first thing in the babies mouth

-Mark will cut the cord only after pulsation has ceased (we will decide when to cut the cord) 

-Keep the vernix on - no rubbing or bathing of the baby for several days - we'd like the vernix to fully absorb 

-Mark and Amber will be the only ones to touch the baby for as long as they say

-To have all after birth procedures to be done while Amber and Mark are touching the baby 

-The baby will NEVER leave Mark and Amber’s sight 

-Allow necessary time for natural placenta delivery

-Immediate breastfeeding to assist in natural placenta delivery – NO formula or pacifiers!  

-For male baby we request NO genital mutilation(also known in America as circumcision)