Late decision to try a homebirth?

[Downbytheocean]

I am 36+3 with ds2 and think I now want a homebirth. I did a second natal hypnotherapy course at the wkend and feel that it would be the right thing for me. I previously thought MLU would be the best place ad I wouldn't be able to relax at home, however now I think I'll be much more comfortable at home and I won't be so panicked about someone coming to help with ds1 (mil is on holiday until 38+2 and I've just realised how unhappy I'd be leaving him with anyone else). So, to anyone with hb experience, have I left it too late to get organised? I'll look into hiring a pool today and have a mw appt tomorrow morning. Mw seemed supportive when she suggested it at last appointment 3 wks ago as I was concerned about not being able to use the only pool at MLU.

Do you want a heated pool? Because you can buy a big paddling pool inflatable pool for the price of hiring a rigid one with a heater. Eco born or Birth pool in a box will dispatch relatively quickly.

And I would say it's never to late to decide you want to stop at home - even in labour!

I didn't have my homebirth MW check until I was 37wks.
Although I didn't want a pool, if you think you've left it too late to hire one, they're almost the same price to buy (or you could try eBay).

Not at all too late. And you can always transfer if you don't want to stay home so its worth giving yourself the option by booking. A hb and deciding on the day. I'd planned to labour at home with a mw until I wanted to go in.

Not at all too late! I had a home birth that couldn't be confirmed til 38wks cos of breech oblique babe! In the end everything happened so quickly (4hr labour) that I didn't use my pool so I have a brand new unused pool you could buy from me if you like- I could post tomorrow so you would have it ready by Saturday- its a birth pool in a box and has been blown up once to check it - in the hope we would get to use it! Definitely try for home birth- ours was the most calm and relaxing birth I could have hoped for and consequently we have a super calm happy babe!

Thanks for the encouraging words. So I will go to my appointment tomorrow confident that its not too late for a homebirth. Brilliant, am excited for the first time about this labour!
Kiwiclaire I think I would want a heated pool, is this an option with yours? If so PM me the details as I would like to do a bit of research today about types of pools and may be interested. Thanks

Kiwi, does the pool come with everything needed?

I'm also looking for a pool ASAP.

Kiwi, I've found a heated pool to use so hopefully you and starlight can work something out for your pool.

Do it. I had both my DC at home in a birth pool in a box. Was fantastic! I couldn't recommend it more.

MWs only reccommend HB if you have no pregancy problems or other health issues and some other things and if you are between 37 and 42 weeks. So it might mean your DS will need someone else there to entertain him though as you need to concentrate on you. My Mum came and took my DD away while I had DS.

I hope you have got all the info you needed today. And you can always change your mind as cravingsleep says. Good luck!!

'So it might mean your DS will need someone else there to entertain him though as you need to concentrate on you.'

That didn't read very well. What I meant was you need to concentrate on you so (depending on time of day/night) you may need someone available to come and help distract DS1. My DD got all worried for me when I was in labour so we sent her off on an adventure with Grandma.

Although if you do have problems or are considered high-risk, or are over 42w, you can still choose a homebirth regardless

My mw was great and said three times 'ooooh exciting' so am all set, just need to focus on my natal hypnotherapy now and try to stay calm. must remember it could be up to 42 wks!

Brilliant news- so pleased you have it sorted!

Starlight mine is not heated and doesn't come with hoses etc as DH decided to rig this up himself but has pump to blow it up. PM me if you'd like more details!

Good luck!!!! Its all so exciting!