HOMEBIRTH!!!

[kdinas]

I have alot of issues with being in hospital generally, and have decided that the best thing for me would be to have a homebirth.
I have had one vaginal birth and two c-sections.
After my previous c-section, I was told by community midwives that they would definately not attend any future homebirth because I have had two c-sections.
I have had a look at "unassisted birth" websites, I don't think this is what I want. They are all a bit 'hippy chick'for me.
I have already got off to a bad start, with one midwife actually shouting at me, that I would have to have an elective. At that point I marched out.
I am definately sure I want to have a homebirth. I really think there is no other option for me and this baby.
Any advice from those that have domne it?
How do you go about arranging it?
Do you have to inform the obstetrician and the hospital midwives?
What do I need?
Kay,xx

[kdinas]

or even advice from those who have DONE it.

[scienceteacher]

You have to take into account the reasons for your c-sections - are these likely to recur? Would a different kind of midwifery protect you from these events?

You do have the right to be attended by NHS midwives, but may be under pressure to great for you to handle to give birth in hospital. In that case, you may be interested in hiring an independent midwive who is used to VBAC.

[shazronnie]

i had a homebirth with DS2 and it was great - I felt calm and in control (mostly)
My midwife was v supportive but I was a low risk pregnancy.

[alicemama]

You must be determined if this is what you want as you will find many, many obstacles in your way. I didn't manage to have my homebirth and booked into a small community birthing centre instead as I couldn't cope will all the hassle I was faced with when I was 38weeks and had 2 vile midwives.
But there are plenty of people on here who have succeefully had homebirths and I'm sure will be able to give you loads of good advice.

be prepared from the start! and good luck with your pg and birth

[milward]

If you have to go to hospital - how about a doula. I had support in labour & it really helped me through.

[MissChief]

had 1 homebirth and 1 attempted homebirth and really recommend it! Dont' be put off by unassisted birth websites - IKWYM about hippy-ness around home birth but needn't be that way, mine wasn't! you have access to gas & air, water, pethidine for pain relief so from that POV not so different from hospital. Your midwives will tell you what you need - basically just plastic sheeting, old towels (!), sieve, angle-poise lamp, mirror, torch from memory. Everything else, they provide and they also clear up afterwards. Let me know if you want more info.

[MissChief]

hadn't previously had c-section, so diff position from you but I honestly had no obstacles put in my way! Fully supported by GP and midwife team on the NHS not privately..maybe I was lucky..

[wilbur]

I have had a homebirth after c-section (only one though and I had a vbac in hosp after that, before having a homebirth for third). I hired an independent midwife as the hosp could not guarantee me a mw (I live in the overlap between two hosps) and it was a hassle fighting for my right to a homebirth. After two sections, you will have a lot of opposition to your plans so if you can afford it, pay for an independent m/ws and they will deal with all the hassle for you. I know of someone who had three sections, had never delivered vaginally and who had a homebirth for her 4th! Above all, make sure you do lots of research and that you have the best support possible when the time comes. Good luck!

[Laura032004]

I would suggest that if you haven't already done so, that you join this \link{http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ukvbachbac/\yahoo group}

Description
A UK discussion group on vbac and home vbac for interested mums, mums to be, midwives and anyone else with an interest in avoiding unnecessary c-sections.

[kdinas]

I have looked into the whole issue of independant midwives, and at a couple of grand a pop, I don't have the funds for it.
Also, the way I see it, I have the right to a NHS midwife, why should I have to pay. Feeling very bolshy today!
The reason fro both my revious sections, was failure to progress, both times continuously monitered, tied to a bed, not 'allowed' to go to the loo, not allowed to eat in labour. They gave me other reasons as well, but it was essentially due to failure to progress. The last time, the midwife and doc, tried to force me to have a hysterectomy, while I was in labour with induced contractions and no epidural. .
I think I could avoid all these problems with a homebirth. Then be in my own bed, use my own shower, watch my own tv, have a nice meal, my hubby and kids could see me in comfort, bliss....
I don't see why I should be treated like a criminal just because i am haveing a baby. Or like some sort of backwards wierdo because I am on my fourth child!
Sorry for the rant, not aimed at you, just at my healthcare trust. How ironic, health care trust. I certainly don't trust their 'health care'.....

[Laura032004]

Your NHS MW's will have no choice but to attend you - it is your right to have a HB.

I am planning a HB after 1 c/s, but people on the yahoo group I've linked to have had them after 3 & 4 c/s's.

I have arranged mine through my NHS CMW, but I do think I've been very lucky, in that they are being very supportive. I know a lot of people do have to resort to employing Independent MW's, which is a shame, as not everybody can afford / is able to access them.

If you use an IM I don't think you have to inform anybody. To arrange my HB I just mentioned it to my MW at one of my AN appointments. I did have to discuss it (well, didn't 'have' to, but chose to) with my consultant, but that was mainly due to issues with the baby's kidneys, rather than my choice to have a HVBAC.

I haven't been asked to get anything, but have been advised to get something protective for the floor. I think everything else is in the birth pack I got yesterday.

The ladies on the yahoo group will understand exactly where you are coming from, so join it, even if it's just to read the messages - almost everybody has the same issues.

HTH, and good luck :)

[scienceteacher]

If you want the option to have a homebirth and only have the choice of your NHS midwife, then you need to communicate with her your wishes very early on. Doctors, in general, aren't supportive of homebirth, and if your doctors are in this category, then it is best to keep them out of the equation for as long as you can - be economical with the truth.

IME, most midwives are fans of homebirth and they will only put obstacles in your way if they are being pressurised by the medics or are genuinely concerned.

However, if a very non-specific failure-to-progress is the concern, then there should be no reason why you can't labour at home with a very open mind to either birthing at home or in the hospital. Then the chances are that being on your own turf, and adopting natural positions, that you won't be setting yourself up for FTP. You can easily agree up front as to what criteria will prompt you to go to hospital - and if you need to go, you need to go.

[slinkstah]

i had to fight for a long time to have a homebirth, all because of 1 previous cs 9 years ago and 2 vaginal births later.
the drs weren't keen at all and the midwifes i all talked too just blantantly refused!
in the end i found out that it was the consultant midwifes decision not drs or anyone else. The wonderful surestart midwife told the consultant midwife to call me and after a long chat with her she agreed to support me although it was completely against her recommendation.

i know its the law that they have to support you but it really didn't feel like it.
anyway i suggest by-passing the drs/community midwifes etc and going to the boss midwife as its her decision.
if i had known that earlier i would have been able to transfer to low risk community care with the same midwife as i would have for the HB alot earlier than 35 weeks.

good luck and don't give up!