Home birth - help with research.

[MissMI5]

Hi everyone, I am thinking about having my second child at home. However I would like to do some research first so I can make an informed choice. Can anyone suggest any books, websites that cover everything I would need to be aware of from serious issues such as 'what if the baby isn't well?' down to the silliest practicalities? My midwife is keen on home births and would be helpful, however I would like to hear the pros and cons from those who have actually been through it.
Thank you in advance for any help you are able to offer.

[somanymiles]

I don;t know about website but Penny Simkin's book "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn" is very good at giving a balanced view. Also Henci Goer's "The Thinking Woman's Guide to A Better Birth". The research shows that home birth is safe for an uncomplicated pregnancy but I do think it comes down to where you feel most comfortable. Don;t be swayed by interfering well-meaning relatives. You are the one giving birth!

[Flisspaps]

This site covers nearly everything you'd ever need to know about home birth, and join the Yahoo! Homebirth group to ask questions about anything not covered there!

[ZuleikaD]

I think in some areas there are NCT homebirth groups too. Might be worth checking out.

[Celia1978]

There's a Facebook group and website called 'Homebirther and Hopefuls' which has some good info.

[Celia1978]

Sorry, 'HomebirtherS and Hopefuls'!

[ICompletelyKnowAboutGuineaPigs]

There is a book called Home Birth A Practical Guide by Nicky Wesson. I found this really helpful. I also really like the Homebirthers and Hopefuls website & FB page.

I would also recommend a local HB support group - you can find a list of some on www.homebirth.org.uk, plus it has some good info on 'what if I was at home and x happened?'

[pansyflimflam]

I have had four hbs. You can all the research you like, the facts and figures are all out there and hbs compare very well with hospital for safety etc as long as an uncomplicated pregnancy etc etc. Fundamentally it is about whether you think mentally you can cope with pain etc as these things are limited at home births and when I speak to other people about it this is the first thing they say. It has not been an issue for me and asking your Midwife about transfer times and stuff is important so you have that in your mind. Also how your DH feels too and how worried he would be about it - they tend to have strong opinions about it. Depends whether you are a panicky sort or not as the mental bit of it is really important.

Sorry I am not a support group person, other people's experience means little to me not because I don't care but because it is almost irrelevant to my personal situation.

I have had one hospital birth because it was 36 weeks but all others have been at home, one in a pool and all have been amazing and I can highly recommend.