Home Birth

funky-footprints

a student with a little knowledge is better than just me & my husband at home alone !!!!! Im going to hospital !!!

DLL67

I had a home birth with my 2nd it was wonderful my little boy slept upstairs while I gave birth downstairs on the sofa. My OH wasn't keen at first but eventually changed his mind. No pain relief - it couldn't have been better. Unfortunately wasn't able to have my 3rd at home due to medication I was on. Consultant being too cautious! Midwives would of been happy for a home birth but felt unable to go against what the consultant had said. 3rd birth went fine no probs - just wish it had been at home!

Doozergirl

Becles wrote:

I've had two hospital births. The first birth was ok, but the aftercare was poor. I had to stay in for 2 days and nobody had the time to explain things to me...

That's why I'm not keen on a hospital birth and would rather stay home where I'm more comfy and relaxed, and have my own midwife who is just there for me as I think I'll get far better care than I did with the other two.

And you're not sure what to do?!

My first birth was very similar to yours. I don't think they believed that my labour could move so fast so I was left without pain relief. After the birth I was begging Doozer to just take me home as I was ignored. As baby Doozer wasn't latching on they insisted on keeping me in for 3 days; Doozer of course thought they were doing what was best for me, but in reality they were just trying to meet breastfeeding targets but no-one had the time to help me. :mad:

Second birth was my way and it didn't even occur to me to use pain relief (no martyr, it was pretty quick too!) and just perfect and baby Doozergirl started munching straight away. No coincidence I think.

It was me that said to ask your midwife to come and talk to hubby. It did work for me. You've done this before and you know how it shouldn't be, so give yourself the opportunity to allay his fears and make that decision for yourself.

Becles

I know what I want to do if it was just up to me!

But I need to consider what he wants to do as well which is where the problems start. Once he's made his mind up, there's no changing it. He goes silent, won't discuss things and just says do what you want. If I do what I want to do, I'm ignoring his wishes and doing what I want and I might lose his support, so it's easier to put up and shut up and go along with what he wants.

I already feel awful because I'm going to breastfeed against his wishes, so I think it's probably a good compromise to give birth in hospital, so we each get one thing we want.

themaccas

Hi Becles, I've been reading this thread with interest. At the end of the day you need to give birth in the place that is right for you and if that means hospital as you'll feel more relaxed knowing OH is happier then you will probably labour better, do they have a birth centre, a sort of 'half way house' low risk unit That might be a compromise. As far as breastfeeding, that is another thing althogether. They are YOUR breasts and there is no better start you can give your baby. Don't give in on this one!

Gingham_Ribbon

Several of my friends have had successful, happy home births for their babies. ALL rate it as a very good experience. The hospital births have mixed stories.

I was set for a home birth and got induced by accupuncture after having him turned from breech by reflexology. both worked and I went into labour at home and had a birthing pool which was the best form of pain relief I had the whole way through. You can labour in the pool and come out for the birth itself.

My blood pressure went sky high and the baby got distressed so I went into hospital. Most hospital admissions from home birth aren't emergencies and there's no reason to be concerned that a trip to hospital could endanger the baby. They will send an ambulance if necessary.

He was posterior and 10lb 4oz, so he was 'stuck' and after pushing for a while I had a section. (36 hour labour, I was not upset about this!) But because of his position, the epidural didn't work and a spinal (which goes in further) didn't work either so I had him under general anaesthetic. Not exactly the intervention and drug free experience I'd hoped for. However he and I were both fine (after a while) and it was all worth it.

It wouldn't have been different at hospital and I'm glad I had much of my very long labour somewhere I felt safe and comfortable. As long as you're prepared to change your plans if there are difficulties then why not? It's cheaper for the NHS, easier for you and much much better all round if you feel happier at home than in hospital.

clairec79

But funky at home you'll have a fully qualified (experienced) midwife there - as the community midwives (locally at least) aren't allowed out until you have a years post qualification and aren't taking staff off labour ward anyhow - win, win situation

pavlovs_dog

i must admit GR, im surprised to hear they were happy for you to have a HB, given your asthma.

are you planning on doing the same for junior ribbon?

Gingham_Ribbon

pavlovs_dog wrote:

i must admit GR, im surprised to hear they were happy for you to have a HB, given your asthma.

are you planning on doing the same for junior ribbon?

There was nothing to suggest that labour would make it worse, and like any time I have an asthma attack, I can go straight to hospital and be treated for it there. So my asthma consultant, midwife and obstetritian were very supportive. In fact, they all thought it was a great idea as I would be calmer at home and that should prevent any stress related symptoms.

I am likely to go for a planned section next time as I had a section last time so home is out of the question for me. I wouldn't risk a placental abruption at home and don't much fancy my chances of a vaginal delivery since 1 in 4 vbacs end in a further section.

The asthma is my main consideration in going for the planned section to be honest. I needed a general last time and that is very scary for someone like me. I don't want the same thing to happen again.

Doh, I didn't mean a placental abruption. I meant that I didn't want the scar to split open. Been reading too much about birth lately. My head is full of this stuff!

funky-footprints

clairec79 wrote:

But funky at home you'll have a fully qualified (experienced) midwife there - as the community midwives (locally at least) aren't allowed out until you have a years post qualification and aren't taking staff off labour ward anyhow - win, win situation

well perhaps if they had chosen to make all my previous appointments on time or at all, i would have some faith in them !! but seeing as they havnt, i realy do not trust the fact they i will get 2 within 10 minutes of calling. I am going to hospital !!