Home Birth

margaretclare

Hi all

I was a midwife, have done home deliveries, also my second daughter was born at home - in 1963, before it was 'recommended' that all births should be in hospital and subsequently, a lot of pressure was put on mums to go for the 'hospital' option, but childbirth then became a lot more mechanised under the 'active management of labour' system, a generation of women have forgotten what a normal birth should be like.

Back to that home birth in 1963, my daughter was what's called 'face-to-pubes' (the midwives will understand) and that wouldn't be allowed now. It was wonderful, though. I had an excellent midwife. It wasn't really the done thing in those days to have husband present, certainly not in hospital - he was shut out! He wanted to be there but didn't think it would be allowed, however, at home there was no question - Sister just told him 'Bring my bag in from the car and then get in here and help me!!!'

Because you're in your own surroundings you feel in control of the situation and you usually need much less pain relief because you're not so apprehensive. I delivered babies at home back in the 1970s and it had to be clearly understood that I would call for help if all was not well. With modern communications, comfortable homes with all the necessary conveniences, bathrooms, central heating (which often wasn't the case then!) it's much more of a viable option. I would say - go for it!

Best wishes

Margaret

bobsa1

Just read this thread and want to say how lovely it all sounds. I was high risk with all 3 dd's so not really an option for me but probably the nicest way to have a baby.

Good luck

bumpybecky

go for it Becles

I had my last two at home (in water too) and it is so much better than hospital you're much more in control as it's your space and you'll be much more relaxed. I had LOADS of gas and air for dd1 in hospital but only tens and the birth pool for dd2 and dd3 - and I'm a wimp! I'm convinced that being at home helped me manage the pain much better

joanne0620

I would love a home birth (opinion has dramatically changed since going on a tour of my hospitals delivery suite and post natal ward! :eek: ) but have high BP and am considered to be "high risk"

iwanttosave_2

I was thinking of a home birth for my next one because we would have absolutly no-one that can look after the other two if I went into hospital, not sure if I would be allowed one though.

Good luck what ever you choose beccles

rainbowrisin

I had a homebirth with my second littlie and it was the best thing ever. There wasn't that much "mess" as littlie popped out in the bathroom - I shoved the bathmat in the washing machine and mopped the floor and everything was back to normal. It's absolutely brilliant. I really recommend it. I lay in the bath having contractions with my older littlie dropping bath toys on my back! Best pain relief ever. It was fantastic and the contractions didn't even hurt - honestly. Go for it and enjoy.

Becles

You've sold me on the idea, and I'd love a homebirth now. It sounds so perfect and relaxing.

Husband doesn't want a home birth though, so I'm having it in hospital now.

Dustykitten

For me DS1 was a homebirth and all went really well. I was very lucky to have great community midwives and my GP came out to deliver baby - no mess, really lovely.

Other 2 were a different matter DS2 was too early at 36 weeks so had to be a hospital delivery but all was fine..

DS3 I did start at home but had complications with his position, neck flexed so transferred by ambulance which was really not nice. All was well in the end but not something I would want to do again.

It may have been different if I had had more confidence in the midwife who attended but sadly I didn't - not knocking midwives, every other one I had was great.

I wish you well with whatever you choose DK

clairec79

Margaret, my son was born face to pubes at home as well - I do think had I been in hospital I would have had forceps or a section, so being at home was definately best for me and him (plus he was 2lb heavier than my first 2)

LearningToSave.

hiya,
after a straightforward low risk pregnancy and birth and similar pregnancy with my second i wanted a homebirth but my husband wasnt keen and put his foot down!!
well i've never been so glad to have him disagree with me!! after a good labour and easy(drug free i might add,not even gas and air) birth i heammoraged badly immediately after.....emergency button pressed,siren thingys going off and everyone running in(so im told i was out of it!) like a scene from casualty.
if it hadnt been for my husband putting his foot down i would have died and although i see all the good points of a home birth i now first handedly know the risks.

i had one of the most low risk etc pregnancies and actual births you could get yet i was still in danger.

hope all goes well with your birth - whatever you choose.