Help needed on Midwife Labour Unit 'v' Hospital

[tabsmum]

Hi All

2nd baby due this Wednesday 29th - Dr very twitchy about home birth as baby predicated to be big (9.5-10lb) - he went into long scary story about shoulder displacement and death! Midwife very supportive of home birth and shocked at Dr's comments.

I am still working on Home birth (birth pool here ready and waiting). Got to see Dr Friday if no baby. Really don't want hospital birth - HELP.

Does anyone know much about Midwife Labour Units in East London - I have heard good reports about Homerton Hospital but really would prefer Midwife controlled unit if the need arises.

Hiya

I have been told there are Labour Units controlled by midwifes and not Dr's. Relatively new units sometimes within the hospital sometimes indepent. BBC4 Women's Hour discussed them last week. My experience of Dr's is all controlling and that is what I want to avoid.

Was Homerton a good experience? Do you live in the Homerton area or did you reqest a referal?

Tabsmum - even though you are going to see the doctor on Friday, you do not need to worry about hospital birth as yet. Midwives units care for 'normal' women just like home births. Should you be induced then the medical staff can direct the care you are given. Trust your midwife - if she has concerns then she would advise transfer to hospital. That transfer would be to seek medical aid because labour was not progressing. Big babies come out just like small ones Doctors do not generally have a clue about homebirth. The decision is entirly yours.

Home is the best place to be if that was what you had planned.