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Main Page Site Index Getting Pregnant Pregnancy Parenting Pregnancy and Parenting Journals Fertility Nutrition Pregnant Moms Morning Sickness Women's Health Child Health	Francis Andrew McKenna's Birth Story By Nancy M. McKenna       Francis Andrew McKenna was born at home May 1996. His home birth was planned, even though 'dad' was unsure. The third of 3 boys, all of whom were born with the help of a midwife, Frank was the only homebirth.      On the first contraction, we called the midwife, who lives 71 miles away. After a while, I told my husband "I hope she gets here soon, he will be here in about 20 minutes".      Twenty minutes later, Frank was born. The midwife was 10 minutes late. My husband did a great job helping: he got my hot water for hot compresses (helps streaching), boiled the umbilical tape, and helped Frank into the world & helped wipe him off.      Giving birth at home was great: I got to labor sitting cross legged on my bed, and just leaned back on my hands to 'pop' Frank out. No back labor, no machines strapped to me no one walking in & out, no worrying about how the other children were doing.      Only 1-1/2 hours labor. Frank was at least 11-1/2 pounds at birth. I did not tear, either. (The midwife's scale put him there, but 3 days later he weighed in at 12+ pounds at the G.P's office when he went to be circumcised.) I would reccommened home birth to anyone: but get a certified Nurse-Midwife to be safe: they are better trained than most OB's. If you need help, look up the local midwife association or check NAPSAC. Search the Birth Stories Match All Terms Any Term and show results in Standard Form in Compact Form Hint! Enclose phrases in quotes. For example "home birth" [ Return to Section Five Birth Stories Index ]