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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Outdoor homebirth?

99 replies

FutureNannyOgg · 04/02/2012 09:42

Just rattling an idea around in my head. I was at our HB support group the other night and someone made a joke about not having room for a birth pool unless it went on the patio (they were due in March, so not really very practical).

I am due at the end of July however, and actually, the idea of setting up a little bower in the garden (with a gazebo or something for shade and privacy) really appeals. Very much a pie in the sky idea right now. I am not sure where we will be living when baby arrives, and if it would involve suitable outdoor space that was isolated, not overlooked etc.

Anyone ever done anything like this?

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littleducks · 13/02/2012 10:17

If it was private enough and warm I would consider it, ds was born in th hallway! I didn't need a kettle or plug nearby..... And had to go downstairs to use the toilet but I was fine, i am a loud labourer though, tend to go silent and glazed
Eyes!

Mishy1234 · 13/02/2012 10:18

Absolutely, it sounds like a wonderful idea!

Privacy would be a real issue for me and also noise. It does carry a bit outside...

pinkmagic1 · 13/02/2012 10:28

Only if you have no imediate neighbours, otherwise far to embarrasing!

anniemac · 13/02/2012 10:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AnonymousBird · 13/02/2012 11:08

SIL had her birthing pool on their decking at the back.....

WoTmania · 13/02/2012 11:25

Temperature and weather permitting I'd go for it. I'm feeling quite broody actually...

teenyweenytadpole · 13/02/2012 11:31

Sounds lovely to me, although it can sometimes be chilly in July at night...need to think about how to keep the water warm, and how to keep baby warm as soon as he/she is out of the water. I had a home waterbirth indoors but with the patio doors open onto a lovely roof terrace (not in this country, somewhere hot!) and it was nice, best of both worlds really.

WaitingForMe · 13/02/2012 11:39

Maybe I'm weird but I don't see the noise of giving birth as much different to house renovations or a party. You let your neighbours know your plans, apologise for any inconvenience and get on with it.

Not that I'd do it myself. Our chickens roam free and are very friendly and inquisitive

historyrepeats · 13/02/2012 11:48

I think its a great idea if it appeals although I'd prefer indoor but at home.

herhonesty · 13/02/2012 12:13

Noise would be a major factor for me, so depends how close your neighbours are.

andisa · 13/02/2012 13:47

My home births were both indoors, all cosy and private and around things I liked - for me outside would just be too exposing, I like my privacy but I did walk around the garden until the last stages of labour and enjoyed the tranquility of the greenery!

Be open to a change of mind. I wanted to stand up holding the banister for my daughter's birth and moved away form the cosy set up in the front room. As for privacy, the local curry house knocked on the front door, very near my birthing place, just afterwards ( thankfully) promoting their special new deal!

All was lovely though. Good luck.

Original poster

FutureNannyOgg · 13/02/2012 13:52

I'll be in a notoriously hippyish town, so my concern with potential neighbours is less them being offended, and more the risk of a drum circle forming around the house in honour of the Great Mother Goddess, that would be simultaneously mortifying, hilarious and rather sweet.

OP posts:

anniemac · 13/02/2012 13:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

QueenMaeve · 13/02/2012 14:38

I think it's a lovely idea. I think a beach would be even nicer. We actually don't have close neighbours so might start hiring the garden out for labours?

bronze · 13/02/2012 15:17

I so would.
Dependent on where it was of course.
I would have at out old farmhouse as it was in the middle of nowhere.
Biggest worries would have been being joined by some ducks and warmth, especially at night.

It sound slike a lovely idea

mathanxiety · 13/02/2012 15:21

Never a beach. There are those horrible black flies that bite your ankles there, and it would be a bit unsettling if the tide came in and upscuttled you...

Original poster

FutureNannyOgg · 13/02/2012 15:35

I think I would quite like a beach, if only because a tropical beach was my "safe place" to visualise when I was having DS, so it would be a lot easier to do the visualising.

OP posts:

bronze · 13/02/2012 15:38

sand... everywhere... ugh

Original poster

FutureNannyOgg · 13/02/2012 15:45

Though if you are on a beach, you might as well go the Black Sea lagoon route like in Birth as We Know it

OP posts:

Original poster

FutureNannyOgg · 13/02/2012 15:46

Oh, I forgot about sand.

OP posts:

TheCatInTheHairnet · 13/02/2012 16:08

A beach?!!!!! A beach full of sand?!!!!!! And a newborn baby?!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy Crappoly

I am also slightly giggling at the idea of birthing in a hot tub on the deck. With the next door neighbours leaning over the fence for a chat and a cup of tea.