Home birth?!

[Mammamia2016]

Didn't have the smoothest birth with DD1 , forceps delivery and lots of infections etc after which meant I was ill for months. It all seemed to stem from being in hospital, labour was going great at home, got to hosp and they persuaded me to let them pop my waters, eventually they had me pushing for 3 hours until they realised my cervix hadn't come away. I'm now considering a home birth, thought about it the first time round but was too nervous ! DD1 will be about 18 months, has anyone successfully home birthed with such a young child around ?

Yes. I've given birth at home twice, the second time with a 4 yr old and a 20 month old in the house. They slept through the whole thing.
My experience of home birth was entirely positive. Like you I went to hospital first time round and although it was fine things really stalled at hospital and I was kept on my back the whole time, which I didn't want.

I would say plan child care for your dc just as you would for a hospital birth then you can see how it goes when labour starts. Either keep dc in the house or enlist the prearranged child care.

Hi there,

I had a homebirth after a long hospital labour that ended in a forceps delivery. I opted for a homebirth for similar reason as you stated above i.e. labour was fine at home but stopped completely in hospital and they encouraged me to push even though I had no urge too.
I had a 20 month old at the time she slept through the whole thing. I think it's very common to labour at night, we had a contingency plan in place though.
I also enjoyed my homebirth and look back on it with very fond memories.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

I had an uneventful hospital birth with my first, but decided on a home birth with my second. Best experience ever and I'd opt for home birth every time. Talk to your midwife and let her know you're interested in a home birth and she'll be able to help you reach the best decision for you.