Wilmar's experience supporting birth at home (United States of America) || Homebirth across cultures USA + Australia + Guatemala

Birthing at Home: A Podcast

Today is a special epsiode where I chat to Wilmar in Texas, USA where we talk all things homebirth and birth culture in the context of Australia, the USA & Guatemala, where he was born and lived until 2002. Wilmar is dad to 4 children, all born at home. We connected via a podcaster group, and I couldn't not have him on the podcast!
For those who don't know, Guatemala has a very high homebirth rate, and also a high maternal mortality. Wilmar himself was born via c-section, and grew up believing homebirth was only for those too poor to access healthcare. I found this fascinating considering in Australia, homebirth is very expensive!
It was a very thought provoking episode and I hope it makes you think about homebirth in a global context and the issues and challenges that exist in well resourced versus less resourced countries.
CHAPTERS
00:58
Guest Introduction and Birth Culture in Different Countries

03:12
Personal Journey and Decision to Have Children

05:07
Cultural Differences in Home Ownership and Family Planning

06:52
Education and Access to Healthcare in Guatemala

08:44
Home Birth Rates and Healthcare Privileges

10:36
The Influence of Colonization and Religion on Birth Culture

13:26
Socioeconomic Factors and Family Planning

14:24
Maternal Mortality and Complexities in Guatemala

17:38
Changing Perspectives on Home Birth

20:18
The Emotional and Intimate Experience of Home Birth

23:08
The Impact of Home Birth on Self-Perception and Trust in the Body

26:07
The Importance of Informed Choice and Advocacy for Home Birth

28:26
The Supportive Community and Joy of Home Birth

32:55
The Lasting Impact and Cherished Memories of Home Birth

39:42
The Empowering and Transformative Nature of Home Birth

46:03
The Symbolism and Emotional Connection to the Home Birth Space

49:20
The Legacy and Awareness of Home Birth in the Family

50:11
The First Memories

52:03
The Importance of Connection

54:24
Going for the Best Experience

57:53
Exercising the Privilege

58:22
The Joy of Home Birth

01:05:53
Perception of Home Birth in Texas

01:09:04
Keeping an Open Mind

01:12:26
Examining Your Why

Support the show