General information
Name:
Ilana Shemesh’ birth cabins
Address:
Moshav Yashresh 53
D.N. Emek Shorek 76838
Phone number:
08-9231719
052-3388954
E-mail:
shemesha@zahav.net.il
Website:
http://www.birthathome.co.il/
Tour:
Call for a private appointment.
The cabins
How many cabins are
there?
2
What is their condition
and size?
They are 30 m2 and 20 m2 big.
They’re nicely decorated and very spacious with double
beds. No medical equipment.
Is there a toilet and
bathroom in the room?
Yes.
Is there a stereo set or
television?
There is a cd player with music, you can also bring your own music. There is a kitchenette
with fridge, microwave, toaster oven and kettle.
There is no tv.
Accessories for labor and
birth:
Birthing
stool, hanging rope, birth balls, massage tools, aromatherapy burners and oils.
How many women does
Ilana care for at the
Same time:
1.
How many people are
allowed in the room
with you?
As many as you want, more than 3 is not recommended because
the place is too small. Kids are allowed.
Are doulas allowed?
Yes, they are more than welcome.
Does Ilana give
You a standard heparin
lock?
No.
Does they have
intermittent monitoring?
Yes, by handheld fetoscope/Doppler,
not with a monitor device.
What other standard
procedures does
Ilana
perform?
She will measure your blood pressure, listen to the fetal heartbeat, and will perform
infrequent vaginal checks.
Is eating and drinking
allowed?
Yes.
What are the available
methods of pain relief?
Only natural, physical or herbal methods are available,
no epidurals.
Is Ilana trained
in natural methods such as
reflexology?
Yes, in
acupuncture.
What positions can you
deliver in?
All.
Is there a mirror?
Yes.
Does Ilana perform
standard episiotomies?
No.
Does Ilana cut the cord
immediately?
No, she will
wait until the cord stops pulsating.
Do you get a standard
pitocin shot after delivery?
No, it is only given when truly necessary.
Does Ilana take the baby
away
for check-ups?
The baby is never separated
from the mother.
Do they have a goy for
Shabat?
Sometimes, but no guarantee.
After the birth
When can you
Go home?
From 3
hours after the birth until a maximum of 24 hours. You can stay longer at extra
cost.
What is the average
Duration of the stay?
6-12 hours after the birth.
Is there a lactation
Consultant?
Ilana will
help with the breastfeeding, and will refer to a lactation consultant if necessary.
Are there special
Meal options (glatt,
Vegetarian)
You will
have to arrange your own meals.
WiFi internet:
No
Bottom line
This is a great option if you are low-risk and you don’t want to give birth at a
hospital. It can also be a good alternative for giving birth at home.
Ilana's place is like a mini garden of
Eden
, in my personal experience. It is a cabin ensconced in blooming trees and wild
flowers, and it holds a memory for me that I will never forget; to be nursing my
2 hour old little girl, outside in a chair, surrounded by this beauty.
I went to have my baby there, and showed up in active labor. When I entered the
room, it was immediately warm and welcoming. I felt at once free and peaceful. Free
to let go of the contractions I had been holding with tension because of the hour
ride it took to get there from Be'er Sheva, and peaceful because of Ilana's manner,
and because of the room itself. I took off the layers I had on, and got onto the
bed, which was made up with flowered sheets, and felt very "homey". Upon discovery
that I was dilated to 4cm's, I decided to get into the Jacuzzi bath. It looked so
inviting and spacious. It was wonderful, and the warm water took the edge off of
the contractions. The whole time, Ilana's presence was there, but silent. She sat
at her desk, and my husband & I rode the contractions, with me in the tub. It
was very comforting just knowing she was there, and we were free to be however we
needed to be. When it came time that I told her I needed to push (there was only
one internal exam when I first came, then she relied on me to say when it is time
to push), I was helped by Ilana & my husband onto a sitting position onto the
bed, and she put a wedge pillow behind me for support. The morning was just breaking,
and I heard birds outside, and the sun starting to fill the pretty room. I pushed
with all I had, and after a short while, my little baby girl was born, only 2 hours
after I arrived there. It was pure heaven. I nursed her immediately, and the cord
was left pulsing and placenta inside for about a half hour, until I felt the urge
to push again. After the birth was complete, Ilana stayed for a while, then my baby
& I and my husband were left alone to be together, with the comfort of knowing
we could ask Ilana to come when we needed her. When we were ready (about 2 hours
after birth), she came back and weighed my daughter- 4 kilo! I had no tearing, and
felt great. I took a shower; in the hospital one can't shower for quite some time
after birth, so this was such a nice welcome change. Then we dressed me and the
baby, and we went outside to sit and be with our daughter more. It was truly devine!
We stayed there for about 4 hours after the birth, then went on our way. Of all
my births (this was my 3rd), this one stands out as the most perfect, most peaceful
one. And, who knows if it's related, but my daughter was the easiest baby- always
so calm and happy. I feel it's related. A peaceful, calm, quiet birth is the way
the Maker intended it to be, right?
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