Home Birth?

[Moominy12]

Hi all. Just after a little advice as I haven't a clue of the procedure etc.

Currently pregnant with my second and really want a home water birth. My first labour was perfect, no problems and also a water birth with just gas and air. I did have 3rd degree tear which was horrific but it's part of the deal most of the time! 😫

How do I go about organising a home water birth? Is it expensive? Or a nightmare to sort?

@Moominy12 You can talk to your midwife about it. You normally have to buy or rent a pool (somewhere like this www.birthpoolinabox.co.uk) but some trusts rent them out, or you can buy them 2nd hand (just buy a fresh liner!!)

Because of your previous 3rd degree tear, you will probably be advised to give birth in hospital, just in case it happens again. If it did happen again and you were at home, you can transfer into hospital (via ambulance) for access to theatre and drs. Remember that it is your choice where you give birth, don't let anyone pressure you into one or the other.

Good luck!

I had one for my first, planning another for my second!

It cost me about £90 to hire a pool, and I bought a TENS machine second hand for £25 and new pads for £10, but that was pretty much it. They gave me a list of things I’d need (old towels, bucket etc) but really only used one towel.

It was very easy to organise for me, but our area are very supportive and encouraging of home births. We now have a case loading home birth team so I get all my normal midwife appointments at home, which is brilliant.

Definitely worth looking into if it’s an appealing option for you.

Did anybody have gbs+ for their home births here? Or were you not aware of having it?
Trying to consider my options for upcoming birth