Shortly before I began dating Tristi, I read Arthur Janov’s book, “Imprints: The Lifelong Effects of the Birth Experience,”and began to understand why having children at home, without drugs, might be helpful to them and their mother. I didn’t necessarily agree with everything Arthur had to say, but his book did open my mind to the possibility that many children don’t need the full hospital interventions that often happen in America. According to Dr. Janov, babies born without drugs, whether at home or not, tend to be less irritable, and grow up with fewer psychological issues.
When I asked Tristi what she was looking for in a husband, she told me that she wanted to marry someone who would support her in having home births and in homeschooling. I was surprised by this, but because I had been prepared somewhat by reading the book, I was willing to give it a try, and I proposed. Obviously, she said yes.
How did Tristi’s desires work out for the Pinkston family? She has successfully given birth at home to three of our four beautiful children. The fourth one had to come Cesaerean because he couldn’t turn upside down in the womb, and that’s okay. Child #4 has been worth the pain, suffering, and health problems that came with being cut open, then sewn back up again.
So how did I deal with the home births? (And yes, I was at the hospital birth, subject of another future blog.) I’m kind of fortunate. I don’t get sick or queasy at the sight of blood or wounds, so attending live births is not hard for me, if they are Tristi’s. My college degree was General Science, so I’m pretty familiar with the Biology of the whole process. I’m not into contemplating attending the live births of other families, so I doubt I’ll ever witness any. We had a very good midwife, and she knew what to do, so, other than catching, then holding the babies, and getting food, ice, and drinks to Tristi, my involvement was minimal. My biggest difficulty has always been staying focused, which is a problem for me if something lasts more than thirty minutes.
What would I recommend for other husbands? Learn all you can about the birth process, take notes, and mentally prepare yourself. If you’re the type to get queasy, be ready to count, organize, or do something left-brained, so you can keep your focus and your cool. If home birth is a choice you make together, and you prepare yourself to be supportive, it can be a blessing and a wonderful experience, as it has been for us.
Related Blogs:
Let’s Talk about Who’s Catching the Baby
Who Will Be Present at the Birth?