Interesting places where women have given birth

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

I heard on the news this morning that the Triboro Bridge was shut down because of a woman giving birth on the bridge. Made me wonder--what are some of the most interesting places you've heard of or dealt with where women have given birth?

Specializes in NICU.

We had a mom deliver the first of a set of preemie twins at home. She was under the influence of meth at the time, and didn't know she had a baby between her legs. The second delivered in the hospital. Luckily they both did well, went home (sadly) a few weeks later. She didn't have custody of her other kids.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I agree with KellNY that there is a difference between "I'm so high I don't care about going to the doctor" and being conscientious (sp?) about taking care of your pregnancy even if you don't go to the doctor/midwife for it. That said, I personally would get prenatal care because I feel like it's best for me and my family.

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I'm kind if interested in unassisted childbirth, but I know the old man wouldn't hear of it. I think it would be great to go rent a motel by the beach and self deliver while you listened to the ocean waves, especially if UC is not nearly as painful as some of those women say it is.

It's a nice fantasy for me, but I'm sure I can expect to find myself spread eagle on a table with my feet in stirrups surrounded by machines...

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A friend of mine was in a hurry to get to L&D, and delivered standing. she was trying her best to hold her pants up and not drop the baby while walking in.

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I've heard of this also, and actually saw a video of it in my Hypnobirthing class.

Unfortunately, I was not that fortunate!

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In 1976 I was 19 years old and only 3 months out of paramedic school when a man ran into our EMS station crying, "My wife's having a baby in our car!!!" I found the patient in the front seat of the family car and, after sending the father across the street to the police station for some help (all our ambulances were tied-up), I found that she was indeed delivering right then and there. Okay ... no problem ... just do what you're trained to do ...... A beautiful baby boy was delivered, and congratulations were being passed around to all. I noticed that the mother was still really "big", but she said that the ultrasounds and exams showed only one baby. Five minutes later she and her husband were blessed with the birth of a second son! Since they only had one name picked out they decided to name the second baby after me! OMG!!!! Have 31 years passed already?!?!?!?

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Specializes in Midwifery, Case Management, Addictions.
Oh my gosh! That's what I always think about with waterbirths! I wouldn't mind laboring in a tub, but actually delivering there? Huh uh. Count me out.

I'm a licensed midwife and RN-C and have attended homebirths for over 30 years. I attend a lot of waterbirths. We simply have each family buy a little strainer (the type used for aquariums) to scoop out any unwanted items-- it's really no big deal. Laboring in a tub is actually very tidy. Often the placenta is delivered out of the tub, but if it arrives while the mama is still in the tub, she just gets out after its arrival.

I love attending waterbirths. The babies are born very gently. (Yes, they're brought immediately to the surface.) Have only had one perineal tear in all the waterbirths I've attended; the moms usually have no perineal swelling, so they appreciate the experience as well.

I have assisted with many waterbirths at the birth center I also used to work for (as an RN). They have large tubs with jacuzzi jets--very much appreciated by the ladies who birth there. At home we use the Aquadoula tub or the La Bassine birthing pool--both very nice, as they have sides that are rigid enough to push against, but soft enough to be comfortable.

Recommend you check out Barbara Harper's website for Waterbirth International: http://www.waterbirth.org/

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Specializes in LTC/Skilled Care/Rehab.

I almost delivered my DD in the car on the way to the hospital. I was in labor for 36 hours, but they kept sending me home from the hospital because I wasn't dilated enough along. I had to resist the urge to push (which was really strong). I am thinking about a homebirth with our next child. I don't know how DH will cope with it though. He might need drugs instead of me ;). We aren't having another kid for a couple more years, so we have a while to talk about it. All I know is that I rather not give birth in a hospital. I would be much more comfortable at home.

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Specializes in ER, Tele, L&D. ICU.

My dad was born during WWII and my grandma delivered him in a bomb shelter in North London. He was her first and she was terrified and did not know what was going on..my grampa had just moved down the shelter to check on someone and he came back and had a son. She said all she remembers is the explosions and screams from outside and here she is delivering her child. My dad assisted with the birth of his brother 3 years later athome.....

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

A question for you who have had or witnessed home births....and maybe this is silly but I have to ask.

How are eye gtts & Vitamin K managed? Can midwives obtain them? Or are they even done? I personally think that whole thing gets overdone *just a bit*. I'm sure that my husband and all 10 of his siblings did not get either and they are all just fine. Anyway, anyone who can enlighten me on the subject, I would be grateful.

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

CNMs can administer both eyedrops and vitamin K. Many parents choose to forego these procedures and the midwives usually cooperate with that request.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I knew that CNMs could do that...I guess I was wondering more about UC or home births with lay midwives.

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