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Childbirth

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

Original poster

Please tell me about freebirthing

86 replies

Beesandbutterflies · 16/10/2013 21:07

Okay, so after my first birth I now am unfortunately dealing with PTSD and a massive phobia of midwives. So considering freebirth.

Could anyone be brave enough to share their experiences with me? And legalities, how did it work afterwards?

I have no interest in being controversial so please no one get upset with me

OP posts:
stargirl1701 · 16/10/2013 21:09

A doula?

PacificDogwood · 16/10/2013 21:10

I didn't want to read and run, but have no practical advice to offer, sorry.

Sorry to hear that you had a horrible experience the first time round and hope it'll all be much more straightforward the next time.

Have you had any treatment for your PTSD or debriefing after your last delivery?

Original poster
Beesandbutterflies · 16/10/2013 21:21

I had a doula for my first birth, but unfortunately she was unable to morph the midwife into someone who gave a crap

OP posts:
Original poster
Beesandbutterflies · 16/10/2013 21:22

I've had an apology from the hospital for the actions of the mw. I can't face counselling right now :-(

OP posts:
Gileswithachainsaw · 16/10/2013 21:24

Could you afford to hire an independent midwife? That way you can see references etc

Beamur · 16/10/2013 21:24

Was your previous birth in hospital?

PacificDogwood · 16/10/2013 21:24

Are you currently expecting? Or do you have 'more' time to look at all your options?

Would you consider meeting with an independent MW or with several to find a person you can trust to be your advocate and truly be by your side from start to finish.

So sorry that you are having to deal with this. V unfair.

stargirl1701 · 16/10/2013 21:25

Give birth in a private hospital?

Can you go elsewhere in the EU to give birth and still be entitled to public healthcare?

A different hospital?

A midwife unit?

Original poster
Beesandbutterflies · 16/10/2013 21:34

I've been told by smw that an independent mw wasn't an option because thy were illegal Hmm

OP posts:
Original poster
Beesandbutterflies · 16/10/2013 21:34

But I really want to talk to people about freebirthing

OP posts:
Gileswithachainsaw · 16/10/2013 21:36

I think intentional free birthing is also illegal.

QueFonda · 16/10/2013 21:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PotteringAlong · 16/10/2013 21:39

NBC webpage

previous mumsnet thread

Gileswithachainsaw · 16/10/2013 21:40

My bad, I think it's legal provided that you don't have anyone in attendance who is acting as a medical accessory

DaftAda · 16/10/2013 21:40

Didn't want to read and run. I seriously considered a freebirth after a traumatic experience with dc1. When I really really thought about what my ideal birth would be though, I realised I didn't actually want to be all alone.

Impersonating a mw is illegal, so if your doula were to assist you, she could be prosecuted (although I think it would be pretty unlikely).. Otoh, your dh/dp would probably be ok. Lots of babies are born at home before any professionals arrive and no one bats an eyelid.

I found an IM I could trust. I now have 4 dc's and some happy birth memories (and now I'm crying). I hope everything works out for you.

QueFonda · 16/10/2013 21:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Branleuse · 16/10/2013 21:44

if youre going to do it, then id suggest still having someone competent and trustworthy with you. Your partner or mother/sister? Do as much research as possible and make sure youll phone an ambulance if necessary.

Do you live near a hospital?

DaftAda · 16/10/2013 21:44

The law is in flux wrt IMs. Problems arose with their inability to get insurance. This is under review, I believe. Crucially, employing an IM is still legal.

DanglingChillis · 16/10/2013 21:47

I don't know if free birthing is illegal or not but it could be very dangerous, for you and your baby. Are you pregnant now? Have you thought about a CS? Or would that be worse for you? Or a homebirth (with a sympathetic MW)? I do think you need to think about councilling to cope with the experience you had before, I have a friend who is still suffering PTSD after a badly managed birth and I know it can be very hard to build up the strength to face councilling but it will help.

Original poster
Beesandbutterflies · 16/10/2013 21:48

Right so maybe a better option is either 1. An indep mw or 2. A home birth with the mws in a different room.

I'm actually shaking at the thought of a mw being that close to me. Would it be possible to 'freebirth' in 1 room of my house and have a lock on the door and have the mw in another room so they are close by but can not interfere with me?

OP posts:
OoozingCervix · 16/10/2013 21:49

www.independentmidwives.org.uk/

not illegal yet.

have a good look before deciding.

Original poster
Beesandbutterflies · 16/10/2013 21:50

I have major trust issues nowHmm

OP posts:
Original poster
Beesandbutterflies · 16/10/2013 21:52

I'm not pg, my dh wants to start trying for no2 and I'm stalling.

I now realise that I can not let this experience stop me from having all the wonderful and amazing experiences another child will bring.

OP posts:
stargirl1701 · 16/10/2013 21:52

There was a birth on C4 where the midwife was downstairs and the mum was upstairs with her DH.

gamerchick · 16/10/2013 21:53

Freebirthing isn't legal. I don't know if you could get into trouble if something went wrong. What would be the point if a midwife next door . to a locked room?

Are you pregnant? You need to address this beforehand.

I read the born free sight a lot during pregnancy and found the story's soothing. But you need to talk to somebody about this seriously.