Being a bit messed about over birth plan - what would you do?

[devoncreamtea]

Hi, I feel like a total whinger, and have started lots of threads about this birth, but feel so unconfident about 'choices' this time.

So I have GD diagnosis, which has never come to anything - normal blood sugar throughout, no big baby etc....but consultant would prefer me to be induced around due date as hospital policy.

Have negotiated with her - agreeing to sweep next week and then to discuss induction if no success there. HOWEVER, have now had birth chat with community mw who doesn't see GD as a problem as all fine, but does think I am at risk of unassisted homebirth due to fast labours...so she advised me to have a managed birth. THEN on Friday evening had phonecall from mw's saying basically no worries with homebirth, we've got you in with the neighbouring health trusts mw's as they are likely to have someone near you on call. SO all fine. THEN another phonecall later from neighbouring mw's saying no way, the same concerns exist re unassisted birth as there mw's are just as spread out. This mw also said if I planned a hb she would have to say it was 'medically unadvised' - this time due to the risk of pph....!!!

I am reeling from all the information and feel utterly unable to put a plan in place with any confidence. Right now I am feeling that I will just follow consultants advice as at least she has been consistent and clear with me. I am worried about being unassisted, worried about all these so called risks they keep flagging up and worried about induction.

I am 39 weeks so not exactly blessed with time! I have birthed well previously, but this time have no confidence in body, despite nothing actually being different....

Any help welcome, I am tired of thinking...

Why does she think you have a higher risk of pph?

This is news to me, but she said after a 4th baby the risk increases - this is number 5. Never had a heavy loss before.

How do you feel about cutting the MW out of the loop and sticking with the managed birth option with the consultant?

I don't know! I think I am leaning in that direction - she has been clear and respectful in our meetings and I don't feel like she is panicking, which I did feel was happening with community mw's.

It is the fear of the unknown in that instance I guess, as I've been lucky enough to have very straightforward pregs and births previously. Many kind MN posters have shared their induction experiences with me over the last weeks and they have been positive, which makes me feel reassured - but of course there is still the concern that because baby won't be completely ready to come it may require a bit of intervention.

The consultant has agreed that the GD is not a big issue in my case - no meds or anything - and has said I don't need continuos monitoring and I can use water - she said there is no reason why I shouldn't be treated as a 'normal' labouring woman, but that she would rather manage the proceedings!

If you haven't seen it already, the www.homebirth.org.uk/ site might give you some more information about the different issues that are being suggested, whether you're still considering a hb or not. Do you have a plan as to what you'll do if you go into labour tonight?

thanks red I've looked at site. Yes, my default plan is get to hospital as soon as I feel any pains/waters go. If it is all very fast and I really can't get in car - 999 and they will come out and alert mw's. I don't think I will labour before due date, all others have been over...