Am I completely bonkers to be even vaguely considering a homebirth????

[HRHQueenOfQuotes]

Given that DS1 was a CS due to waters breaking, baby in "possible" distress - didn't even have braxton hicks with him, let alone proper contractions. (although TBH I slightly suspect they were busy, I was a young(ish) 1st time mum and I was an 'easy' otion for a CS........).

DS2 again waters broke before anything else happened. Did have some braxton hicks and a whole night of false labour pains. But then was induced and had the most hellish labour imaginable (to me anyhow).

I was actually given 2 shots of pethidine and the 'maximum' number of allowed epidural top-ups...........only the first shot of pethidine worked - and I think the physcological effects of thinking I was getting painrelief and then it not actually happening was worse than the pain IYKWIM. I then had a ventouse delivery (didn't really have much chance of pushing him out on my own as I'd been strapped to the monitor all nightt (due to it being a VBAC and concerns about rupture esp as the pain relief didn't seem to be working) and was lying flat on my back (great birthing position hey ).

For the delivey itself I was wheeled into theatre, incase the Ventouse didn't work and I had to be given a GA for an EMCS, had an episiotomy (sp) and 3/4th degree tear and then was stitched up with no extra pain relief as the local they'd given me for the episitomity had worn off and "I'd already had too many drugs pumped into me".

The consultants that came and went (I think there were 2 - but may have just been one) were AWFUL. I had specifically mentioned and had in massive letters at the top of my notes about my Vaginismus (which - touch wood - now seems to have just about gone). Therefore would internal examainations PLEASE be kept to an aboslute minimum. I also remembering DH telling him this as well - so it wasn't like he just didn't bother reading my notes.

Anyhow, I had a LOT of internals each one resulting in me literally screaming in pain - as (fair enough they may have been nessecary) but he made no effort whatsoever to be a little more gentle (I know it was just him as the MW who was with me most of the night did one or two (after him) and it wasn't even half so bad). He also had the bl**dy cheek to tell me to stop screaming!!!

So - the short of this waffly story is.

DS1 - CS
DS2 - induced and heavily assisted delivery.

Am I totally mad to be considering having this one (presuming it's hopefully a 'sticky' baby - still early days!) at home????

[sleepfinder]

I had my first baby 4 wks ago. It was a completely normal, complication free pregnancy, for him and for me.

I had a hospital birth with a midwife. She didn't clamp my umbilical cord properly and it snapped back inside- causeing an enormous "bleed" - and they had to send for a doctor to stop it.

My GP told me that if I'd attempted a home birth without a doubt I would have bled to death - due to the error of the midwife and the inability to get to a doctor quick enough.

I'm clearly not dead, but very glad I never considered a home birth for this reason...

[HRHQueenOfQuotes]

sorry you had to go through that sleepfinder.


Have to say though - as each day goes by I find myself thinking even more that a HB is a good idea !

[Toady]

Go on book a home birth, if you change your mind mid labour, ask to go to the hospital.

[cat71]

Would definitely recommend a homebirth - dd2 born quickly and calmly in hired, heated birthing pool at home after dd1 long and stressful hospital birth. Also worth bearing in mind that you can ask not to be examined unless absolutely necessary, which I did second time around (didn't know I had the option first time!).

[charleymouse]

HRH
I had a hb first time round and can definitely recommend it. I managed with warm baths, paracetomal and a TENS machine.
Talk it through with your midwife and book a home birth with the proviso you can change your mind as and when you like.
I think the fact you are in control and in your own surroundings make you a lot more relaxed. I think given your previous experience it is more likely to be relaxed at home than in hospital.
Look at the VBAC threads as I know nothing about that I am afraid.
Good luck whatever you decide.

[queenceleste]

Given the national stats if you're youngish, and the preg has no significant complications - then you're hugely sane to consider it. although to succeed you need a midwife or midwife team behind you 100% - not always easy for NHS teams for all sorts of reasons. But I have friends who have had amazingly wonderful home births with independent midwives.

good luck with whatever is possible for you.

[UCM]

If I have an epidural during vaginal birth (hoping for vbac), do they have to use tools to get the baby out. I know this sounds ridiculous but it just struck me whilst reading the breath baby out thread that if I can't feel anything down below, I won't be able to push etc so how will baby come out???

[UCM]

Shit sorry, meant to start a new thread.