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Childbirth

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

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Original poster

unassisted childbirth in Colorado...info?

17 replies

kyradark333 · 05/05/2015 17:00

Hi ladies! This is my first time using this board. This will be my 5th baby-1st unassisted. I am doing an unassisted birth for multiple reasons: 1. I have always wanted to do a home birth, but have never been able to for fear of loosing my children to child services. 2. My last birth was an emergency c-section due to an accident, and now, the doctors won't even discuss a VBAC because they "don't do that here if the patient has had ANY previous c-sections". 3. I live almost an hour away from any doctor or hospital and have always had very fast labors. Is there anyone here who knows anything about unassisted birth laws or regulations in Colorado? Also, should we call emt's at any point during the delivery? We would prefer no hospitals involved, but I'm not sure about when/how to call it in for it to be considered unplanned per child services. It is nice to meet you ladies, and I look forward to any experience and stories shared!

OP posts:

SophyStantonLacy · 05/05/2015 17:04

This is a predominantly UK based forum, I suggest you post on the mothering.com forums for a USA perspective (also lots of unassisted birthers there).

ispyfispi · 11/05/2015 22:02

I'm afraid I can't help you either but my husband was born at home in Colorado 31yrs ago when home birth at all was illegal! Campaigning by my mother-in-law helped to change things, they were on TV and everything! The midwife was in lots of trouble though ?? I hope you find the info you need. I think I'd contemplate doing the same....

LadyCatherineDeTurd · 12/05/2015 13:53

You want an unassisted birth after an EMCS? I've nothing against either homebirth or VBAC, but cannot believe this course of action is sensible. In your shoes I would want to explore all midwife possibilities before deciding on unassisted. You might be able to get someone to attend you at home, or perhaps go to a birth centre. It isn't necessarily just hospital or unassisted homebirth, there are options inbetween.

addictedtosugar · 12/05/2015 20:51

Can you get independent midwives in Colorado, who might consider supporting a home birth? I ended up with a very nearly unsupported home birth in a 2hr labour (as in 2hrs from first contraction to baby). We had the first of a pair of paramedics make it to me before baby arrived. The second paramedic (same ambulance) got some kit out and arrived after baby. Both paramedics and the midwife they called stayed for a couple of hours to make sure neither of us went into shock. I would be very against free birthing. I was OK. DH was pretty stressed looking after me and a toddler, but everyone was OK. I'm not having another, but would have a planned home birth. A quick google seems to suggest thi s may be possible for you, so I'd investigate that route. Good luck.

Grewupinafield · 12/05/2015 20:55

A home birth is one thing but an unassisted home birth? I think you are being careless at best and neglectful at worst. You had to have an emergency c section last time, what if that happens again and not only are you a long way from the hospital but you won't even have a midwife with you.

Personally I would never contemplate an unassisted birth and I think you need to reassess this ASAP.

Silvercatowner · 12/05/2015 20:57

OPs body OPs choice. Do you really think the OP is going to respond 'well darn, I really hadn't considered the risks.... gosh, I'll book my hospital delivery now'.

Grewupinafield · 12/05/2015 21:00

No I don't think that at all but I'm allowed to voice my concerns

expatinscotland · 12/05/2015 21:02

I would be worried if I had had a CS, tbh.

LaVolcan · 12/05/2015 23:40

We don't really know what she is asking though. We, (I) don't know what the situation is in Colorado. She might be planning to use a lay midwife which might count as unassisted, or she might just mean unassisted by an obstetrician. Either way, I don't think we are the best placed people to help.

WidowWadman · 12/05/2015 23:47

Silvercat it doesn't read as if she's considered the risks.

FatherBiggley · 14/05/2015 04:53

It's not OP's body OP'a choice. She has basically listed reasons why she shouldn't have an unassisted birth. It's so risky in her case it could kill them both.

5YearsTime · 14/05/2015 05:57

This is absolutely your choice.

....and I hate to say but...

As a previous (midwife assisted) home birther who had to make a quick emergency transfer to hospital for post birth complications for Me and my LO please please don't go unassisted so far away from help)

Silvercatowner · 14/05/2015 06:39

Of course it is her body. Who one earth else's is it???

FatherBiggley · 14/05/2015 07:14

Okay, you're right, but she clearly isn't thinking of the risks. Our birth experiences aren't more important than ours and our baby's lives.

LadyCatherineDeTurd · 14/05/2015 08:05

That's not your call to make father. Whether this is a good idea or not, which it's unlikely to be, is a totally separate issue from whether she has the right to do it. Which she absolutely does.

Hoping OP is investigating midwives locally who could help. Home VBAC obviously carries a number of risks, but midwives exist who will do it.

CommanderShepard · 14/05/2015 14:14

Hi kyra - as others have said, this is a predominantly UK-based site so most of us won't be able to advise you.

The only information I can find is that homebirth is legal in Colorado has been legal since 1993, so I'm surprised that you're worried about losing your children.

As another woman planning a VBAC, but with a hospital within less than 10 minutes' drive, I'd never consider an unassisted birth - VBAC or otherwise. The risks of scar rupture may be very small but they are there and a transfer time of 1 hour, never mind how long it might take them to get to you, surely increases that far beyond what is safe.

Can I ask why you're so keen on a home birth? Are there other hospitals covered by your insurance that would 'allow' a VBAC? Else this website might be useful: cfmidwifery.org/states/states.aspx?ST=CO

Skiptonlass · 22/05/2015 18:48

Whilst I respect its your body and your choice, two things from your post spring out at me. I'm going to be blunt. It's everyone's choice, but you also need to be aware of the facts.

Firstly, are you truly aware of the risk level? There are studies showing that the risk of maternal death is 90x higher in unassisted birthing. Rate of foetal death is 2.5x higher. Unassisted after an EMCS is inherently risky. Please consider why you want this.

Secondly, why would child services take your children if you had a home birth? Is there more to this story? Lots of people have home births, that would be no reason to do something as drastic as take your kids.

You're wanting an unassisted birth in a remote area after EMCS and simultaneously asking when you should call emts? Are you sure you've thought this through? If something goes wrong, if your uterus suffers a rupture, you've got very little time to deal with it. Calling out emts from a facility an hour away is going to be too late, even if they've got an airlift facility.

Yes, birth is over medicalised in the USA, but they're not telling you no because they're evil and anti- crunchy. They're telling you no because their experience, and their years of evidence based medicine tell them this is not a good idea.

Please think very carefully.

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