Home Births

[horseshoe]

Has anyone had any experience of home births??? Can you tell me about it and what it was like?

I have not but fully intend to when I have my fourth .

Here is a few stories and information homebirth.org

hi horseshoe, there are plenty of homebirthers on here - I've had a hospital birth and two subsequent home births. They were both very different - my first home born baby arrived very quickly and before the midwife had got there, I ended up delivering her myself. It was all a bit much really (particularly as the baby didn't look too good - she turned out to have Down's syndrome and a serious heart defect) but still a lot better than a hospital birth. I went into physiological shock though an hour later and had to transfer to hospital, but I discharged myself and went home a few hours later.

My third labour was more standard at 3.5 hours long and this time with a midwife. My ds managed to turn the wrong way (op - 'face up') just before the seond stage but I got him out eventually. He was 10lbs.

There are tons and tons of homebirth stories and UK-specific homebirth info at Homebirth.org.uk

Not me I am afraid but BUMP anyway! I am sure you will get lots of great stories and advice from the many MNetters who had babies at home.

Good luck!

hi there, I had a home birth with dd2, using an independent midwife. However, she came rather quickly (dd not the midwife!) and in the event dh had to deliver her on his own - so my experience is only half-relevant. One thing I really liked, in contrast to a hospital birth, was knowing that i was already where I was going to give birth - I didn't have to make a decision about when to go to the hospital (which was something I found quite stressful about dd1 - I really wanted to be settled, at the place where she was going to be born, so I could just get on with it, as it were). I liked being in my own space. I felt much more in charge because of that. also no need to worry about dd1. afterwards was lovely too - the midwives were brilliant - tea all round - ran me a bath, did all the clearing up. Perhaps the only thing you need to be a bit careful about is the temptation to get up the next day and just carry on as normal with the everyday chores. But all in all, for me, it was brilliant - it was a straight forward birth and I managed pretty well with no pain relief at all. I would certainly recommend it.

I had one with DS and it was fab!! Would do it all again tomorrow!!

Let you know sometime in the next couple of weeks

I had a home birth with ds2,dd1 and dd2.Hated my first sons birth in hospital and at home was a fantastic experience in comparison!

Had homebirth with my third child after a traumaitc birth in hospital with dd. Was totally wonderful and I felt so much more relaxed and in control with a totally competent midwife who I trusted implicitly. She filled me with confidence and I would totally recommend homebirth to anyone who feels they can have one. No pain relief was necessary - I just concentrated on what the midwife was advising me and got through the pain (which I was worried about) without interferance. The more relaxed you are, the easier it is to cope with the pain imho.

Hi. Yes I have had 4 children and 3 home births. Absolutely fantastic, completely recommend it. So much nicer and more personal.

My history 2 sections
2 vaginal births in hospital
1 home birth
bloody fantasic. the difference it has made to me post birth cannot be underestimated. No depression atall. All the other children bonded so well with the baby.
One of the best things was being able to be in charge of my birth experience. I dictated what happened and felt so in control.
Then after baby's born you can have a bath in your own bathroom, climb in to your own lovely soft, clean bed and have the best cuppa in the world from your own cup!
If you get the chance Do IT!

I had a hospital water birth for first child. It was OK but caught an infection. This time round I have a home water birth planned - I'll let you know how it goes in about 2 weeks time!!

I had one (my only delivery) with DD and would recommend without hesitation - although I don't have a hospital birth to compare it to. It was calm, comfortable (with inflatable pool), I was able to relax more because I was in familiar surroundings; and as others have said, it is wonderful to be able to have a bath in your bath afterwards and cuddle up in your bed.

Also I wanted the choice - and I decided that if I aimed for a homebirth I could always change my mind at the last minute and go into hospital, whereas if I had aimed for a hospital birth I wouldn't have been able to do the reverse. IYSWIM.

I also like the idea of being to say to DD in years to come "THAT is the house where you were born." (bit romantic, but I think it's nice for her to trace back).