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Childbirth

Anyone homebirthed?

112 replies

JuniperDewdrop · 04/11/2004 18:06

My friend is hoping to with her second and is getting a bit of stick from some people. Has anyone got any really happy stories I could pass on?

OP posts:

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BigGayDad · 13/02/2005 00:07

DW had a homebirth with dd2. However, it wasn't a planned home birth!! DD2 delivered almost by me, ambulance men turned up 5 minutes before touchdown!!

It went relatively smoothly, although the bathroom carpet needed changing!! Given that it went smoothly without any planning, I'm sure that with planning it should be fine.

mummydreamer · 12/02/2005 23:33

I had a wonderful homebirth two years ago which culminated in the speedy but calm arrival of my now energetic two year old daughter. I'm expecting another baby in seven weeks and am aiming to repeat the homebirth option. There's nothing quite like being tucked up in your own bed, cuddling your baby and surrounded by all you hold dear.

The midwives involved were all highly experienced and confident about homebirth and gave me the courage to believe that I could birth my way and in my time. Incidentally, I wasn't against going into hospital if I had needed to but all went well at home. Not having a "immovable" birth is probably the best advice I could offer.

Good luck everyone

Titania · 11/02/2005 13:08

I had a wonderful homebirth a year ago today!!! waters broke at 9am, contractions every 5 minutes straight away. ds2 born at 1.36pm. (so this time a year ago i was laying on the bed squeezing him out!!!! lol) everything cleaned up and midwives gone by 3pm and we were all cuddled up in bed together. I would do it all again tomorrow.........

MANDYJ · 11/02/2005 12:51

Hada home birth 14 weeks ago today on 5.11.2005 at 2.10pm my ds was born. weighed a healthy 7lbs 8oz. Very calm, happy baby. It was a wonderful experience, very relaxed. I had a wonderful midwife who thoroughly supported my decision to have a homebirth. She likes doing homebirths (in fact does not do anything else) so I was very lucky in that she did not try to put me off. Ds was my first child. I would recommend it.

JoD · 10/02/2005 17:46

Thanks MickJ. I have been listening to the rainbow relaxation CD and saying my birth affirmations every day without fail - but always in the back of my mind thinking 'is this really going to be worth it?' Have not been so good at practicing with DH though and really, really must get going with this. Will let you know how I get on x

Mickj · 05/02/2005 22:50

Oh and Midwifeodette - what an excellent thing - I wish I had access to such a thing. Had so many obstacles put in the way, the midwife even told me ut that there may not be midwifes available. But they have to provide you with two and if not, you can hire privately and actually bill the NHS. All the time I had to be gentle but firm about my wishes but she had informed the nightshift just before my due date that I will probably be turning up for an epidural at the hospital anyhway!!!! It turned out that 2 Team Leaders turned up on the night, neither of which I had met and both were brilliant and quite surprised by the effectiveness of the Hypnobirthing we were doing. They quietly let us get on with it and took notice of the birth plan I had scribbled the night before.

Good luck with your support group - it will be lovely for new mums to feel they are not alone and be able to relax with their wishes and make new friends.

Mickj · 05/02/2005 22:39

JoD - The very best of luck - keep practicing the tapes with your partner if you can - I have to say I kept thinking is this working for the weeks and days leading upto the birth, but as soon as the contractions started, we started the visualisations and it just seems the most natural thing to do. We kept the music going throughout and it really helps. Keep us posted!!! xx

midwifeodette · 04/02/2005 18:22

I am a midwife and a mum of four Kids. My two main passions are homebirths and waterbirths (both if you can!)

I have started up a homebirth support group in North West London and also in South East London.

Anyone interested in our support group can call for info. Very informal homebirth chat over coffee and biscuits!
Odette 07906 166 949 or 0207 388 4098

JoD · 04/02/2005 18:08

Hi Mickj. I have 4 weeks to go before the birth of my first child. I too have been on a hypnobirthing course and also plan a home waterbirth. Thanks ever so much for your posting as it has made me feel so much more confident.

Mirage · 04/02/2005 15:10

Wow-that sounds lovely Mickj

Mickj · 03/02/2005 20:43

I had a homebirth for my first baby 11 weeks ago. I have to say you almost have to audition and even though I was told by the MW's that they promote and encourage it, I knew they were reluctant. I am not entirely sure why, but thought that if I was my DS, I would quite like to 'arrive' at home, by an open fire and in a quite and relaxed environment. I was very lucky as I only live about 10 mins from the hospital, so if anything went wrong... But I have to say, it was lovely. I hired a birth pool and went on a Hypnobirthing Course, because, lets face it, I needed all the pain management I could get. But it all went well and was 8 hours from start to finish. I think being at home relaxes you entirely, you feel safe and uninhibited and if you just resign yourself to the fact that you are at home, you just get on with it. One thing that really helped me and which is something that is never taught, is the physiological aspects of birth. That is just why you are having contractions and what they are doing to help your baby come out. The Hypnobirthing course explained all of this and it all made such sense so that instead of tensing up and fighting it, you went with it and didn't fear it so much. I will definitely have my second at home, with any luck, and try and avoid the pain relief again. My DS is the calmest little fella, so happy and only cries when he's hungry! But, at the end of the day, its what you feel happy with - whatever, good luck and all the best.

Mirage · 01/02/2005 20:24

Sallie-I wanted a home birth too & have tested positive for GBS.The hospital told me that I couldn't have a home birth because I'd need 4 hours of antibiotics during labour.I pointed out that the reason I wanted a homebirth,was that dd arrived in 4 hours,so the chances of me making it to hospital in time this time around,with 4 hours to spare are virtually impossible.But they wouldn't budge.

However,I saw a new midwife today who was lovely.She said that despite the GBS,I would still be able to homebirth if I wanted & she & her team would back me up 100%.[SMILE]Her theory was,that as I wasn't going to make it to the hospital in time for 4hours of antibiotics anyway,I would be better off at home,especially as it is safer at home than hospital anyway.She said that all the hospital would do after the baby was born,would be to observe it & that is what the midwives at home would do routinely,so no difference there.

I am so relieved.I had a recurring worry that I'd be forced to go to hospital & end up having the baby at the side of the road en route.

It may well be worth asking around & seeing what other midwives ect say.I was surprised that the attitude of the hospital & my new midwife differed so much,but it is well worth asking!Good luck.

gish · 20/01/2005 20:33

Make sure you get tested again at 37 weeks Sallie, I would have ECM test too as well as NHS one.

secur · 20/01/2005 13:44

Message withdrawn

Sallie · 20/01/2005 13:33

I would like a homebirth this time (No 3) and it might make sense as dd (no 2) came quickly (3 hour labour) but have tested positive for Group B Strep....anyone know if this completely rules out homebirth for me?

weightwatchingwaterwitch · 19/01/2005 21:46

Oh that's lovely mckenzie, glad your dh was reassured. Looking forward to hearing about it!

mckenzie · 19/01/2005 21:40

got one of those already hewlettsdaughter so will defintely have that on stand by also. thanks for the tip.

hewlettsdaughter · 19/01/2005 21:35

Instead of a hot water bottle I used one of those wheat and lavender bags you can heat up in the microwave - it was fantastic!

mckenzie · 19/01/2005 21:28

thanks for the tips. The torches are all in place and I will add hot water bottle to my list now.
I hope I dont have a imilar situation to your experience though Amanda3266 - that sounds a bit too scary!

Amanda3266 · 19/01/2005 20:30

One homebirth I attended years ago was right out in the country during a storm and.....there was a powercut. The Dad didn't havea torch in the house or any candles. My colleague who'd just arrived went back to her car to see if she had a torch in the boot (she didn't) then - talk about a knight in shining armour - along came a police car with a solitary policeman driving - she flagged him down and he came in with a fantastic torch and ended up staying (but covering his eyes all the time ). The baby arrived shortly after. Very memorable.

Mandy

motherinferior · 19/01/2005 20:23

You'll need a torch (we didn't have one and the midwife stitched me up using an anglepoise!)

PLEASE get a hot water bottle. I found mine an amazingly good form of pain relief for my aching back in my pre-pool hours. I honestly don't think I'd have lasted at home without it.

unicorn · 19/01/2005 20:22

really pleased for you mckenzie.
Hope everything goes well.
I had an emergency homebirth, and it was fab!!!!!
( We had to change hall carpet afterwards tho!!)

A few thoughts....

get lots of dark towels..
covering for mattress(or birthing area)
keep the heating and hot water on..
get someone in, to supply the 'helpers' with constant tea and toast (that's why they boiled kettles in all those films!!!)
and get as much help as you can, other than dh (would personally advise a woman friend who has been there done that etc.. they are incredible in times like this!)

xxxxx

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mckenzie · 19/01/2005 20:16

I just wanted to say thanks again to all those who posted messages of support and tales of their experiences when i was trying tog et DH to agree to a homebirth. He read all your postings, came with me to see the midwife armed with lots of questions and has now agreed. The birthing pool is booked and paid for so there's no going back now. He's nervous but I'm dead excited. I cant believe I'm actually looking forward to the birth! Fingers crossed it all goes to plan. Any tips for what other bits and peices i need to buy/get ready gratefully received. A friend suggested a couple of cheap shower curtains to protect anything in close proximity. Will I need to have somewhere to go to lay down if necessary if the midwife wants to examine me?

Dophus · 24/11/2004 15:39

Problem solved.

GP had referred me to Royal Surrey which is midwife run. I feel altogether much happier about going there than I did about going to St Peter's.

ArtyJoe - Frimley wouldn't accept me either - they're not accepting late bookings.

Maybe I'll persuade DP for homebirth for no2!

motherinferior · 24/11/2004 13:52

let me do that again

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