Home vs birthing centre

[bonym]

I had originally planned to give birth in a midwife-led birthing centre, however am now veering more to the idea of a home birth. My reasoning being that if I'm not going to have the 'benefits" (!) of being in hospital then surely I am better off in my own, familiar environment? Not to mention that if a hospital transfer is necessary, home is actually 10 minutes closer than birthing centre. Does anyone know if there are any advantages to birthing centre over home?

Am planning to be in a birth centre too. I think that the most important thing is to be where you feel most comfortable and if that's home then that would be the best place. I am going for the birth centre as it has several birth pools and all the associated bits (birthing balls. stools, cushions etc etc) so I don't have to organise it myself. Plus I would like support to establish breastfeeding and if I stay there for 24 hours (or something) I can get that support.

When are you due? Hope it all goes well, whatever you decide to do

Hi beansprout - I'm due in March. I initially chose birth centre as it has a fantastic birthing pool. Only one though, so as I'm really keen on using a pool this time I thought it might be just as well to hire one for home so I'm guaranteed it will be available. The breastfeeding hopefully won't be an issue as I did it successfully last time (although not sure if this guarantees it will be ok this time!). DH is a bit worried that i won't have the same support at home that I would get at the centre - but I don't think this is the case? Can anyone confirrm or deny this?

Bonym.... you will get one to one support in a home birth... much more than in any birthing centre as when a MW is in your house she won't even take a break! Call her when you need her.
My community MW has always been against our local birthing centre as she says it's exactly like home in terms of what you can and can't get and you have less transfer from home than you do from the birthing centre.
If this is your 2nd baby it should be straight forward anyway.

Thanks Pupuce - this was what I had suspected and it is good to have it confirmed - I will probably opt for a home birth on this basis - just need to discuss it with the midwife now!

I had my second DS at home and it was so great. My husband was worried as it is was his first but I managed to persuade him. I had two midwifes,my community midwife and another. They were there all day and just great support. It meant that when DS was born ( on the sofa!) I didn't have to move, it was early evening and I just laid there with dimmed lights and enjoyed every second. No hurrying to get DS weighed, just relaxed and natural and then when I was ready I took a bath while my mum,DH and eldest DS cooed over the babe and then took DS to bed with me. Magical.

I have not had a baby at a birthing centre but have had two of mine at home. First three were born in hossie but the last two were home births. They were fab aswell and labour was just over an hour from start to finsih with both of them. It is so much more relaxing for you and also getting tucked up in your own bed afterwards is great. There is not really that much mess. I got a cheap shower curtain instead of an expensive waterproof sheet like i did the first tiem round. Also the other of my kids were able to see their new sibling as soon as they were born rather than have to wait till visiting time.