birthinginstincts.com

WHY HAVE A HOME BIRTH

Benefits of Home Birth

Easier to relax in the comfort of your own home
Undivided attention by caregivers
Family members or friends may be present if desired
Laboring woman maintains control over everything impacting her labor and birth
The woman is not only allowed, but encouraged to eat, drink, walk, change positions, make noise, shower, bathe, etc.
You can labor and birth in whatever position is most comfortable to you
Caregivers come to her, no worries about when to go to hospital
Significantly reduced risk of cesarean section

WHY HAVE A HOME BIRTH

Home Birth Safety
The World Health Organization has said that there is no proof that hospital births are safer than home births in the developed world. Most of the research on home births in the developed world has found that infant and maternal mortality rates are the same, if not better, than hospital rates. There is also significantly reduced chance of a woman having a cesarean, induced labor, or of the need for forceps or a vacuum.

A study done in Denmark in 1997 found that women who gave birth at home delivered babies in better condition with fewer problems; the women themselves experienced less stress and there were fewer medical interventions needed in home births compared with hospital births.

WHY HAVE A HOME BIRTH
Benefits to Baby

Bonding is enhanced
Significantly higher rates of breastfeeding success
No risk of baby mix-up
Reduced chance of trauma due to vacuum or forceps delivery
Newborn exam occurs on mother and baby’s time, not at hospital’s convenience

3D (three dimensional) ultrasound is a miracle of modern technology and can allow you to view an image of your baby while still inside.

Home Birth by an Obstetrician

It is important for you to recognize the inherent lack of guarantees in life and in birthing. Any birthing environment, whether at home, birth center or hospital presents a distinct set of risk factors. Nothing can guarantee a perfect birth outcome regardless of where it takes place. Despite all the best planning, preparation, good health and your strong desire for an out of hospital birth experience, not all births can occur safely there. Having said that, my staff and I want you to have a joyous outcome and are totally invested in helping you achieve a safe and nurturing birth.

Latest News

Print Media News - A new and revealing book which I highly recommend by my friend Jennifer Margulis was just released on April 16th. "The Business of Baby" shares its insight into how parents should make decisions on this life changing subject. In the interest of full disclosure, I am biased as I am cited numerous times in the text. Check it out at amazon.com. I also had a letter to the editor of the American Journal of OB/Gyn (AJOG) accepted for publication. Despite being limited to 400 words I am glad to have the opportunity to respond to a recent opinion piece by an ACOG ethicist who is very anti-homebirth.

Simi Valley Story - Simi Valley is just one of many communities hostile to the legimate, evidenced based option of VBAC. Worse, some OBs often skew their counseling in an unethical manner. In her first pregnancy, this mom was told they "suspected" her 1st baby was too big. (If I had a nickel for every time I have heard that one). Not knowing any better, mom had a schedule c/section without labor. Her too big baby was 7 pounds, 12 ounces! No shame and no apology from her physician. I guess his intentions were good, or were they? Fast forward 2 years to pregnancy #2. More informed, she sought out VBAC options but nothing suitable in local hospitals. She sought care with me for a home VBAC. Again, trusting in the normalcy of labor she endured 4 days of prodromal contractions and finally got active. About 8 hours later she was holding little Esteban in her arms with dad and grandma and doula Jaci right beside her. She has my respect for her persistence and conviction. We both know that the best way to avoid a VBAC is to avoid the first c/section. She would like others to know this from her experience and challenge the often unethical status quo.

Dr. Stu on WSLR radio - What's up with the breech was the topic on live radio in Sarasota, Florida today. I was a guest along with 2 other practitioners experienced in breech delivery. Take a moment and listen in at: maternallyyoursradio.com Thanks

Twins in Santa Barbara - We want to celebrate the trust and joy of a fantastic couple who gave birth to twins last weekend at their home in Santa Barbara. Mom was born at home herself and gave birth to her first baby at home back east. Dad was on board from day one. After moving to Santa Barbara they became pregnant with twins and their desire to have a natural birth was not welcomed by the practitioners at Cottage hospital. Well aware of their options and the risks and benefits of both hospital and home birth they decided that their home was the best choice for them. We met and discussed the need to meet certain milestones and remain healthy. We were highly motivated and excited when labor started Sunday afternoon. Baby A came pretty quickly head first but baby B remained transverse and was delivered breech. What an amazing couple, fantastic birth team and unforgettable evening. Once again when choice is restricted despite supportive medical evidence women will seek out reasonable options and Birthing Instincts is honored to assist them in doing so.

Raining babies and good fortune! - Friday is here at the end of a very busy week. 3 beautiful and different out of hospital births and a wallet lost and then returned made for an exhausting yet rewarding experience. Honored to attend the water birth of a head down baby girl in Santa Monica on the same night as the arrival of baby Kenny frank breech at the Santa Clarita Birth Center. Then 2 days later another new client gave birth to her frank breech baby on all fours in Venice. One more breech out there in Burbank to go. I love that the word is getting around that for some families a vaginal breech birth is a safe and realistic option. I just hope there is enough of me to go around. Seems to be raining upside down babies lately. On a different but no less uplifting note was how my faith in mankind was renewed for the moment by a young man named Alberto. Leaving the Sanctuary on Wednesday to attend the birth in Venice I must have dropped my wallet while getting into my car on Inglewood Blvd. near Venice Blvd. I realized it was missing at 3:30AM on my way home. Searched high and low with no luck. While accepting the annoying fate ahead of me of replacing and notifying everything and everybody I was encouraged to say a prayer to St. Anthony by my dear friend Beth. Not 30 minutes later Alberto called my office to report he found my wallet. I met him near the Sanctuary Thursday afternoon where he returned it intact, cash and all, and refused a reward. I know he will be rewarded in so many other ways and his honesty inspires me to pay it forward. Thank you Alberto, Renee, Molly, Angela, Monica and Sheila for a most amazing week.

Testimonials

" Most hospitals in the United States have banned VBAC without scientific justification. I had already had a C-Section before moving to California. I was misinformed by my previous obstetrician that all my subsequent deliveries would have to be by C-Section. I found out that was not true after my third C-Section and I refused to go under the knife again. Through perseverance I found Dr. Fischbein who was willing to give it a try at a “Birthing Center” because Ventura County is very hostile to VBACs.
On that special day my husband and I drove from Oxnard to Santa Monica. Calling an emergency vehicle to transport me to the Birth center was not an option because emergency vehicles will only transport to hospitals; where we knew I did not stand a chance of being allowed to deliver vaginally. We were instructed by my doctor to head out when my contractions were twenty minutes apart, but my labor which started on Thursday, was on and off for the following four days (Thursday through Sunday).
My obstetrician, Dr Fischbein, recommended for me to see an Acupuncturist to help induce labor, which I did for three days.
Suddenly on early Monday, Labor Day September 3rd, 2012, in the morning between 1:00am and 2:00am my contractions became only two minutes apart.
Baby Luke was born at dawn and shortly more than an hour after my husband and I arrived at the “Santuary Birthing Center” in Santa Monica. He weighed 9 pounds and was my biggest baby.
We researched and found out those Hospitals and Insurance Companies made the decision solely for economic reasons without any scientific data as evidence. My decision not to go under the knife again broke the myth that vaginal delivery after three c-sections cannot be achieved and shows women that it can be done with minimum risk to both mother and newborn. AA "
read more...

Akosua & Fred

" My first pregnancy was anything but a pleasant experience. I had initially planned a home birth, but at 28 weeks plans changed. After measuring 7 weeks ahead of schedule, an ultrasound revealed my son had a complete intestinal blockage and I was in preterm labor as a result of the fluid buildup. Further testing revealed my son had Down syndrome. The next 2.5 months were full of almost daily hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, non-stress testing, ultrasounds, specialists, and stress! At 38 weeks, my baby was still breech and due to the high risk nature of my pregnancy, I ended up with a C-section.

Three months later, I found myself pregnant again with baby #2. After moving from VBAC friendly Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA, I was shocked to find out that VBACs are banned at every hospital for about 100 miles. I called many midwives and birth centers in Ventura and Santa Barbara, and each highly recommended I call Dr. Fischbein.

From our first appointment with Dr. Fischbein, my husband and I instantly felt at ease. He thoroughly explained the risks of a home VBAC and patiently answered all of our questions. My husband and I instantly knew going with Dr. Fischbein was the right decision.

The remainder of my pregnancy, I received excellent care and support during my prenatal appointments. Appointments focused on maintaining a healthy pregnancy, which is a stark difference from the usual OB model, which tends to look for pathology only. Topics included managing stress levels, maintaining good nutrition, maintaining a healthy level of exercise, and preparation for my home TOLAC (trial of labor after cesarean).

On a Sunday evening at 41 weeks I went into labor. Dr. Fischbein kept in contact with me every 1-2 hours through the early labor process. Once active labor began, Dr. Fischbein and his midwife Karni showed up. Throughout the labor process I felt completely supported and comfortable with my birthing team. When it came time to push, Dr. Fischbein’s gentle and confident coaching helped me navigate what felt like an impossible task. In the end, I had a successful VBAC of a 8 lb 15 ounce healthy baby girl in the comfort of my own bed.

I cannot express how thankful I am for Dr. Fischbein and his midwife Karni. Having a home vbac is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. It would have never been possible without their support. I highly recommend Dr. Fischbein to anyone looking for a positive home birth experience. Additionally, his willingness to take on cases such as VBACs, breech deliveries, and twin births makes him a valuable asset to the birthing community. You can read Allison's entire birth story at: http://theateam-holms.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-home-vbac-of-baby-annabelle.html
"
read more...

Allison & Adam

" Dear Dr. Fischbein, What an absolute gift it was to have your help with the delivery of our precious Keoni. You gave us the confidence and peace that made the birthing experience absolutely magical and, in fact, quite romantic. We will forever remember this special time with a deep satisfying JOY in our hearts. Thanks again for everything! With love Renee, Michael, Jonah & Keoni Taylor "
read more...

Renee & Michael

Photo Gallery