Are you curious about what home birth is really like from the perspective of someone who has attended many? I’m very excited to share this conversation with midwife Katrín (some of you might know as Heimafæðingar - ljósmæðraþjónusta), who kindly shared her thoughts and experience as a home birth midwife here in Iceland.
She talks about what matters most to her when supporting families, what partners can expect, and how memories of birth are preserved. I also added some of my own reflections as a doula and photographer.
So grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and enjoy reading!
What would you say to someone with a concern or fear about giving birth at home?
It is really important that you can address your fears and concerns. That way it is easier to provide correct tools to work on that fear or concerns. It is important to get good education about how birth works, what choices you have, how important it is that you have access to good information so you can find out what it is that helps you feel safe and empowered. I also point out where people can access evidence based research about home birth outcomes and safety. I explain how we attend emergency situations at home, what we are capable of doing at home, what equipment we have at home and at what point we transfer to a hospital setting. I also always address that the decision about "where to give birth" should always be taken by the birthing person and her partner (if there is one), without pressure from other people. The best place to give birth is the place you feel safe and secure.
I couldn’t agree more, the best birth is the one where you feel safe. Too often we hear only other people’s stories and opinions, but birth is not one-size-fits-all. As a doula, I see how important it is to work through your own fears, get solid information, and make decisions together with your partner , not your mother-in-law, sister, or friends. And just like the midwife said, it helps to remember there’s always a plan B or C if things change. For some, safety means home, for others it’s a birth center, and for some it’s a hospital with all the equipment. The key is: it’s your birth, your choice, your safe space.
Can you talk about the role of the father or partner during a homebirth and how you support them in their role?
The role of the partner or support person during birth is extremely important. When the partner has good education and access to quality information about the birthing process, they feel safer and more confident. This allows them to stand alongside the birthing person and make decisions together about what best supports her needs and wishes.
If the partner doesn’t understand what’s happening, or if they feel excluded, they can easily become fearful and vulnerable. That can lead to the birth being traumatic for them and may limit how supportive they can be in the moment. But when they are informed, included, and respected, they can provide the strong, calm support that makes a huge difference for the birthing person and role of the partner or support person during birth is extremely important.
That’s exactly why I love when partners also join birth classes. Most dads to be who come to my classes end up feeling calmer and more prepared. Even if they forget some details, they subconsciously remember the main things, and during birth they recognize what’s happening or at least know what questions to ask. It’s those small reminders that keep them grounded. I really believe that when partners prepare together, whether through classes or conversations - they feel more confident and present in the birth.
How do you work with families to capture and preserve memories of their birth experience through photography?
In the weeks prior to the birth I collect information about what the parents want prior, during and after birth. Also about making memories. I tend to ask if the parents have made some decisions about photos or videos. In some cases people have hired a photographer or they have a relative or friend who is coming to take pictures /video. If not, we (midwives attending) always offer to take photos and video during the birthing process if wanted. Then always only on the parents equipment (phones, cameras) not our own. I also do keep the "old way" of keeping records of the birthing process written on paper along with the "new way" of computerized noting. I do that in case of safety, in case of not reaching an internet connection and therefore not being able to note processes through the computer in real time and also so I can give a copy of the "birthing story /process" to the parents afterwards if they want for memories. Few times I have been asked about photographers for births; the birthing experience is owned by the parents and I always encourage them to capture memories and do whatever they want to make this experience as good as can be for them. I find that usually parents have heard of some photographers that specialize in birth settings from someone that has experience of hiring one themselves.
I really love this approach - honoring the family’s choice in how they want to preserve their memories. For me, photography is one of the most powerful ways to remember not just what happened, but also the feelings, the atmosphere, the little details that often fade. And I truly hope to attend more home births as a photographer (and who knows! maybe even together with Katrin) . It’s such a different experienc, more intimate, more calm, and I would be honored to help families keep those memories in a way that feels true to them.
Can you talk about any specific training or qualifications you have that make you well-suited to assist with home births?
Almost all of my midwifery training has been based on working outside of emergency hospital birthing units. I have a very broad and good training. I have a special licence from the Director of Health to provide Home Birth service. I worked along with home birthing, in a midwifery led unit in Keflavík for about 7 years. That unit was at that time very similar to a home birth setting, there was only one midwife working evenings, nights and weekends, so you needed to be very secure and able to provide solo birthing service. To be qualified to provide a Home birthing service one must continuously educate and re-educate. I make sure to take all classes offered to keep my skills and ability as good as can be. I am a registered BSc. Nurse with many years of working as a nurse in Landspitali. I am a Midwife Cand.Obst. and MSc. I also have a dipl. in Public Administration. I have delivered a couple of hundred babies in my career and given birth to five myself.
Can you share any experiences you've had with water birth and how it can benefit the mother and baby during labor and delivery?
About 85% of all the homebirths I attend to are water births. I offer two sizes of birthing pools, without any charge. Most couples choose to get a birthing pool and the majority end up giving birth in water. Mostly in a birthing pool, but also I have delivered babies in the bathtub that is in their house and even in a hot tub. Over 90% of women choose to be in water at some point of the birthing process even if some choose to get out of the water at some point. Being in water during the labour has been shown to reduce pain, stress and increase mobility.
Where can people connect with you to learn more about what you offer (this is where they’d insert their website, socials, email, etc)
- Most people contact me through e-mail: heimafaedingar@gmail.com or
- through messenger: Facebook Heimafæðingar - ljósmæðraþjónusta.
- But it is also possibility to reach me through instagram messages: Heimafæðingar Katrín (@heimafaedingar_ljosmodir) • Instagram
I hope you enjoyed learning about the world of homebirth and the possibilities it holds. It's a unique and empowering experience that can be a reality with the right support. Don't be afraid to dream big, and trust your gut when making decisions about your birth. And remember, with a homebirth, you'll have a midwife who's not only knowledgeable but also fun, making your birth experience safe and memorable.
