Home birth via Kingston hospital?

[Ntinyn]

Hi, we've recently moved to the area and I've referred myself to Kingston hospital after becoming pregnant. I'm thinking of having a home birth - has anyone had one at Kingston and have any experiences to share?

This is my second pregnancy, my first was uncomplicated and the I had a vaginal birth using gas/air and pethedine, DD1 born within 3 hours in a midwife led unit in central London. No issues, home within a few hours.

I keep getting told that this birth 'likely' to be even quicker (but who knows right?!!!), we don't have family around us so by the time I arrange for the closest person to come and care for DD1 (at least one hour drive assuming they can leave immediately and no traffic), and call DH back from work if that's where he is at the time (c. 1.5h travel) I fear I may end up with a car park birth. Thinking things will just be more relaxed if I'm at home the entire time not worried about childcare / transport.

We're only 10 min drive from the hospital so if I have any complications not that hard to go in. But of course I worry for the health of my baby, those 10 mins plus ambulance call out time could be critical. Anyway, as ever, I'm pregnant and overthinking everything - would appreciate some home birth stories, negative or positive even if not via Kingston hospital.

[RolyHan]

Hello Ntinyn,

I've actually just transferred out of Kingston Hospital because we've moved out of the area. I don't know about home births, but earlier in my pregnancy we went to the hospital a lot with some suspected complications. I just wanted to say that the team at Kingston were great. I know 6 women who have given birth at Kingston in the past month and they have all sung their praises.

Whether you end up with a home birth or not, you're definitely in excellent hands!

All the best!

[Ntinyn]

Ah thank you for taking the time to reply. That has made me feel better already. Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy RolyHan x

[vallinnapod]

Hi ntinyn. Very similar to you. I had DC1 when living in a different part of London in a MW led unit. Easy and uncomplicated water birth. DC2 I had a home birth via Kingston. Couldn't recommend it more highly. I would say the antenatal home appointments are a pain, no specified time but the birth and follow up were faultless.

DC3 is due and am planning the same again.

I would caution that I was told second children quicker etc and DC2 was not!

[natashakt7]

Hi ntinyn,

I have also just registered for a home birth via the team at Kingston. I won't be meeting them until 34 weeks (I'm due March 2017) but already found them so supportive!

Did you go ahead with the home birth?

Natasha :)

[Ntinyn]

Hi, I'm under consultant care and have remained low risk throughout. I have my (hopefully) final consultant appointment this week and getting the sign off for HB, I've raised it for a while now at every appointment and they've been incredibly supportive saying they see no reason why not.

Have appointment with HB team next week for home visit planned... Now I understand what vallinnapod is saying... You have to call at 8am to get an idea of what schedule they have. They seem really lovely on the phone.

I'm hoping to still go ahead. I had gas and morphine with DD1 and second degree tear, and have been told can only have gas at home but they would administer local anesthetic for any stitches.

[TheLegendOfBeans]

Kingston's post-natal team are the absolute best you could hope for. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Not helping your predicament but just wanted to cheer for Kingston :)

[natashakt7]

Good luck and hope you can go ahead with your plan. They certainly gave me complete confidence in my decision to plan to have the baby at home. (which was a lot more reassuring than friends and family who all seem to be very opinionated on the subject!)

[Ntinyn]

The majority of mums I meet also sing Kingston's praises.

Yes I agree, friends and family are another kettle of fish... We mentioned it to in laws and my parents this weekend and it did not go down well. I'm not even mentioning it to certain people!

[natashakt7]

Yes, I have decided to keep it private for a little while longer (which is awful seeing as it should be being promoted) but don't want a thoughtless comment to knock the confidence in our decision. Really hope the next few weeks go smoothly for you and you get sign off :)

[vallinnapod]

Good luck. I'm 36 weeks now and am continuing to have a positive experience with the HB team. Including borrowing one of their birth pools. They ask for a donation of £25 - considering we hired one for £90 last time round!

[vallinnapod]

PS - I got lots of eye rolls and 'isn't that a bit third world' ( thanks Dad) last time round! I think because I have had one before people have just assumed I am doing it again

[divadee]

Why do people feel the need to criticise a home birth without knowing facts?

I can't comment on Kingston, but I'm planning a home birth (28+5) and the downright rude comments I have had including my age (39), how I'm risking my babies life for my own wants etc.....

I wouldn't mind but I have been consultant led, and he has finally signed me off for a home birth and says if I get to 37 weeks then he thinks there won't be any problems he could foresee bar my cervix not dilating (have had multiple LLETZ treatments so could go into pre term labour or could have scar tissue that stops cervix from dilating). Midwives are aware of this and said they won't let me labour for hours and hours without progressing they would send me in for a c section.

I just hate the negatives comments around home birth from people who have no experience of them!