Rica Peralejo explains why she wanted to give birth at home
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@ricaperalejo
Actress Rica Peralejo has addressed the concerns of some netizens after she recently delivered her second child at home without medication.
Peralejo’s post of her home birth last June 9 drew mixed reactions online. While some congratulated her for the successful birth of her baby, some netizens spoke of the risks of having a vaginal birth after cesarian (VBAC) at home.
One commenter named Marlou (@dokiemarlou) told Peralejo her post might encourage more mothers to do the same thing.
“Yes, vbac is possible, but there are criterion to follow.. and definitely not at home! (Not only will it endanger their lives, but their child’s lives too.. neonatal sepsis/ Asphyxia from prolonged labor etc),” the commenter wrote. “Am afraid your post might encourage them to do the same.. Remember, not all patients know the risk…”
The concerns of the netizens prompted Peralejo to talk about how she prepared for giving birth at home. As per Peralejo via Instagram last June 15, she has always wanted a vaginal birth after delivering her son Philip via cesarean five years ago.
“Did I always plan to do the birth at home? No, but I was very clear to want to labor at home,” said Peralejo. “Why? Kasi hindi ko kaya ang feeling sa ospital. When I last labored there, nailang ako and nahirapan pakinggan ang aking katawan.” (I could not handle the feeling in the hospital. When I last labored there, I felt uncomfortable and had difficulty listening to my body).
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Peralejo said she sought an OB-GYN who was a supporter of vaginal birth after cesarean. She also decided to seek a midwife so she would have a professional healthcare provider who would monitor her vital statistics while she labors at home.
“As the pregnancy was progressing, and I was preparing for labor at home naisip ko what if I actually give birth at home?” she said. “But talking to my doula helped clarify my thoughts. That we can have home, hospital, water or dry birth naman talaga but it really all depends on how I fare as the due date is nearing.”
It was important that Peralejo was fit and healthy, and had no complications such as bleeding or low amniotic fluid to achieve the gentle vaginal birth she wanted. Throughout her pregnancy, she said she kept in touch with her immunologist and listened to their advice regarding her treatments to be on the safe side. She also followed her OB-GYN’s advice for check-ups and scans.
Preparation is half the battle indeed and Peralejo added she made use of her time to educate herself.
“I also used the time to inform myself of the risks — both of home and hospital births,” she said. “Kung akala ng madami na sa home lang may risks, hindi po, sa hospital meron din…” (If a lot of people think there are risks involved in home births, there are risks too in delivering in the hospital.) JB
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