Due November 06 - the home waddle

[mygirllolipop]

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Oh they could literally be anywhere I may even have thrown them away ! Don't recall doing that though .....

Morning ladies
Debz I had that problem with swelling - its more of a concern when its only one leg (as mine was) and they will probably do a scan for DVT - I had tp spend 3 nights in hospital with it though because the community midwife told me it was nothing to worry about and put me through to the Day assesment unit, who told me to see my GP to rule uot DVT. By them time I got to my GP in the afternoon he said that he couldnt diagnose DVT as he was only a GP but the unti that asses you were now shot (as people dont get ill after 3pm on a Friday you see) so he sent me to the hospital and the labour ward wouldnt let me go hom until I had been scanned and this couldnt be done til Monday! So dont delay if it gets worse. If its painful and red then get it checked.
Also, NJ - I am having a homebirth too - what did you want to know? I think they are great as you alwasy have the option to go to the hospital at any time throughout the labour if you change your mind. You cant have an epidural though....

Ooops sorry Debz, perhaps you should get it checked out then?! Huh, these bloody proffesionals... no idea what they are doing....!!

Sorry 40weeks, I thought it was only Mygirl who was having a home birth, basically, I want to know is 34 weeks too late (and too much of a PITA!) to ask for one, I know some of the basics about what happens, but any decent links to good info would be helpful. Also, I know about gas and air, pethadine, the pool, and TENS, but is there any other options for pain relief at a home birth? What things would I need to have here? Anything that you think would be usefull for me to know really. TIA

Thanks for that 40 weeks was just begining to NOT WORRY lol ! Mine is only one ankle/leg I will see how it goes then speak to GP this afternoon if it gets worse.

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Sorry Debz, didnt want to worry you and chances are its nothing - on reflection I am glad the hospital reacted the way they did as they werent going to take any chances but its always worth getting looked at as usual pg swelling should be equal both sides, but it could just be down to how the baby is lying against your arteries (as per what NJ was saying, your body fluids and blood get displaced by the baby which causes the oh-so-attractive swelling)
NJ - homebirth for me was similar to MyGirl (although this is first baby so not childcare) but comfort of your own home, not having to trapse off to the hospital while labouring, being treated more personally (as MW is a guest in your home rather than you be on their turf) and less intervention from doctors that cant leave you be if you labour for longer than half an hour -lest induce you, lets break your waters - not for me thanks. I only want intervention of the baby is in distress at which point I will happily tootle off to hospital. But at least at home you can get in the bath to help with pain and your husband can get some sleep if he needs to and it just seems so boring in hospital.
I think if you want a homebirth then its not too late to sort out. Just tell your midwife at your next appt as she will have to come round and discuss it with you and then at 37 weeks they bring round stuff that they will need and leave it with you. They c nt make you do anything you dont want to do - but if you have any medical issues or had a difficult first birth they may be reluctant - but as I said the choice is alwasy there to go into hospital if you decide you cant cope at home. try this link www.homebirth.org.uk/

Apologies to Catty as well then

Thanks for all of that Mygirl, if we decide to go with it, and knowing that we have every right to decide that, then we would fight for it. The only slight worry I have still is that we are a good 20 minutes from the hospital at the best of times (heavy traffic could mean closer to an hour), I know especially because I had no problems at all with my first that the chances are this one will be fine, but if any complications should crop up, is 20 minutes- an hour too risky?

Thanks 40 weeks, no, no problems at all with DS, I was induced but obviously that could happen to anyone, but apart from a few scratches that he caused with his finger nails I didn't even tear or anything, and it was a fairly quick labour for a first timer, it took most of the day to reach 6cm, but once I did, a little over an hour later he was born.

TBH, whilst in labour I don't think it will matter where I am, I was so out of it last time, I could have been on a rocket in space and wouldn't have cared, or remembered!! But the thought of not having to stay in hospital after the birth, and being able to send the midwife home within a couple of hours and then just being able to get on with it by ourselves is very very very tempting for me!

Do I not need loads of towels and things to cover the carpets etc.? Or is that what they bring to you at 37 weeks?

Hi there

I am a "newbie" is that the term. First day at home on mat leave, 38.5weeks pregnant and having a home birth all going well and did same with my first. 34 weeks with your first is prob about right time to decide as ultimately you need to get to 37 weeks and baby be in good position and all your bloods etc to be normal to have a strong case to go for it. I totally recommend it though if you can do it! Remember the community midwives tend to be very experienced and if they are supportive of homebirth as they are round here there is a kind of "not on my watch" attitude which I think means they are likely to spot an issue arising and have you in hospital if needed potentially faster than one would be spotted in an understaffed maternity unit. That's my theory

Hi Purpleluce

Welcome firstly, there is a stats list a little way down the thread with everyones details on if you want to add yours

I don't know how much of the thread you have read, but apart from these contractions and the shows I have had (so perhaps a chance of not actually making it to 37 weeks) I and the baby are perfectly fine and healthy, all bloods and checks are normal. I have no idea what the midwives thoughts are on home births here, they have never mentioned it as an option to me, but then I haven't seen them as often as they would have liked! I just thought actually, I take it that me being Rh neg. won't have any effect on it?

Welcome Purplelace - glad to hear the homebirths are on the up!
NJ you do need something to cover carpets with - the midwife will give you a list of what you need, as MyGirl said, a lamp (so they can put the spotlight on your lady love garden) and we have just bought a plastic dust sheet from a DIY shop to go under the bedsheet so the matrees stays in tact! And the midwife suggested using bin liners wrapped around your pillows and then an old pillow case over the top (in case you are sick or similar) and then a covering for the floor so you arent restricted to the bed. If you had no issues before NJ then I would say GO FOR IT! Esp as you DS can stay home with you too

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Purpleluce again - assume this is what I need to do, slight imposter as due at end of this month but was late last time and assuming same - will be rather surprised and v disorganised if early as only finished work yesterday!

Babies due:-
CattyB due 27th Oct #4 has DS1, DS2, DS3, having a baby, Spott, East Lothian. Prediction 9lb 14oz born on 5th Nov
Youngmum21 due 29th Oct #1
Purpleluce due 29th Oct #2 - St Albans has DD
Mummy2Toby due 30th Oct #2 has DS having a girl - Romford, Essex
Tinasan due 31st Oct #1 having a girl
Dpind due 1 november #2
MeAndMyBoy due 2 Nov #2 has DS (3) 3rd scan 19/08 flavour not known. Warwickshire
Chubley due #3 on 3 November flavour unknown, DS (3) DD (16 months). West Yorkshire
Berthablatherwick due 4 Nov #2 Has DS 22m Flavour not known
TwoCatsOnTheBed due 4 Nov #1 Missed M/c last year
Eeyoreuk due 4th Nov #1 Leicester
Camgirl due 4th Nov #1
Debz99 due 5th Nov #1 having a boy
PinkMagic1 due 5 Nov #2 has DS, having a girl
Zink due 5 Nov #1
Delia due 5 Nov #1 flavour not known. Birmingham.
HopingCat due 6 Nov #1 flavour not known, Preston Lancs. Prediction born 4th Nov, 7lb 12oz
Lebe due 6th Nov #1 having a boy
AussieInLondon due 6 Nov #2 has DD
Crocoonimper due 6th Nov #3 has 4yo twin boys
Emom due 7th Nov #1
Novis due 7th Nov #1
Rarrie due 7th Nov #2 has DD
Welshgal due 8th Nov #1
AwayFromHome due 9 Nov #2 has DD
Spinach due 10th Nov (but will have cs weeek earlier) #2 has DD, having a girl
Jodypops due 10th Nov #2 has DD
Staceym11 due 11th Nov #2 has dd 16mth, having a boy Surrey
Velcrobott due 11th Nov #3 has DS and DD
Mower due 11 Nov #2 has DS having a boy
Jamcrumpet due 12 Nov #1
Mygirllolipop due 13 Nov #4 (a girl) has DD1 (7), DD2 (5), DD3 (1) homebirth, predict 9th just under 9lb
Philomena due 13th Nov #1 having a boy
Tamula due 14 Nov #2, a girl, has DD (age 13.5mths)
Kif due 15th Nov #2 has DD aged 2, having a boy
Schmizaj due 16th Nov
Sighkotika, due 17 nov #1 having a boy.
Fatbetty due 18th Nov #3 has DS1 & DS2 (age 3 and 21 months)
Podglet due 18th November #1, m/c Nov 05, flavour not known, Colchester - Essex. Prediction born
20th Nov 9lb 4oz
Kaybee7777 due 19th November #1 having a boy
Flowers1 due 19th November
Bethbe due 19th November #1 unknown, h/b 140, prediction: 2nd Dec @ 8lb 12oz, Herts/London
m0m due 20th Nov #2
Joules1234 due 20th November
Foghornleghorn due 21st November has DD aged 23 months
CharleeSunnysunsun due 21st November #2 has DS 22 aged months, scan says having a boy
Littlemermaid due 22nd Nov #2 has DS
Hattie 05 due 22 Nov #2, a girl, have dd aged 3
Harrogatemum due 24 Nov #3, has DTs aged 18 months. Harrogate (!)
Frangosa due 24 Nov #2, has DD aged 18 months
saralou100 due 24 Nov #2 has ds 17months flavour unknown Bournemouth, dorset.. predicts born on 30th weighing 8lb 4oz
NatalieJane due 25 Nov #2 has DS age 4, Accrington, having a boy. Predicting: D.O.B. 2nd December, weighing 8lb 9oz.
MommyUpNorth due 25 Nov #4 has DD (5), DS (3), DS (1)
Martinemorris due 25 Nov
amyjade due 30 November #3 Have 2 Dds. Having elective C section at 38 weeks(Flavour unknown)
LadyAnne1sttimemum due 27 November #1 flavour not known, Plymouth, Devon prediction - baby born early and very long in length.
Debbsy 1st time mum due 27th Nov a boy. Staffordshire
Calsworld due 1st Dec #1

NO, DS will either be at school, in bed (if I am quiet enough!) or next door. Although the neighbours have offered to have him, he would absolutely hate to be there on his own, but if we are at home, DH can go and see DS and be there for him if he needs to be, DS will be happy with that, I will relax knowing DS has DH, and I have DH (poor bloke!!) if I am nice and relaxed and there is no screaming like a banshee going on, then DS can obviously stay, but I don't think he would be very happy watching me give birth if I make as much noise as last time - though I am still putting my complete state of mind down to the pethadine and gas and air, and won't go anywhere near them this time, so hopefully I will be able to keep a bit more control.

Welcome purpleuce join in with the moaning we are prone to it on here now LOL 40weeks you didn't really worry me, nothing I hadn't thought of already will keep an eye on it see what happens.

quicky - debz, if you raise your toes towards your head does this increase any pain in your calf?

Back to what you need for home birth - they do bring everything and recommend that you have those plastic sheets. In reality, what hapenned to me last time was that after everything being v slow to 3cm and I felt an imposter for calling mw out suddenly it all kicked off and I went from 3-10 and delivered in 1hr 45! Therefore forget the plastic sheets, didn't have time. The big clue was I glued myself to the toilet and was coaxed off reluctantly to be over the reebok ball to push. As in bathroom - mess wasn't an issue and if there was any the mw's cleaned it all up. They were fantastic. For me, I think the fact i was at home allowed me to tune into my body and get into the right position for baby to turn (she did 330 degree turn to come out - that was a scary contraction) The other thing was, I remember thinking - there is no way I can get myself down the stairs to go to hospital but next time I wont be so silly and will have an epidural (probably a ruder version on reflection!) Anyway - that was transition, I just didn't realise it.

Anyone have any stats on when 2nd births come?

sarahlou just tried it and NO ! is that good ?

I am really coming round to the idea, it is scary, but it seems like the best option for us.

Mygirl I know what you mean about the wait in hospital to come home, I remember the wait very well, and I hated it.

Thanks for the links BTW

no pain is good debz! most likely not dvt

Oh good sarahlou - DP at work til sometime after 2 today so will wait til I know he is on way home and will call doctors and ask advice, just in case they need me to get there to see someone, it's a bit of a trek you see !

debz - keep circulation moving, keep wriggling your toes and turning circles with your ankles, elevate them aswell to reduce swelling!

well mil has just left, thankgod! i can't be bothered today with anyone (including dp and ds) wanna curl up in a ball and sleep for the next 5 weeks until baby is born! i said to dp yesterday i wish we'd had drunken unprotected sex 6 weeks earlier then all this would be over!

welcome to the new people.. our list is growing, but no babies yet!!

Sarahlou am doing the moving of ankles and toes bit but cant put feet up as at work, nothing to put them up on !!!! Might get some funny looks if I put them up on the desk LOL !