Anyone homebirthed?

[JuniperDewdrop]

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?

[Mirage]

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.

[Mickj]

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]

Wow-that sounds lovely Mickj

[JoD]

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.

[midwifeodette]

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

[Mickj]

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

[Mickj]

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.

[JoD]

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

[MANDYJ]

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.

[Titania]

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.........

[mummydreamer]

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

[BigGayDad]

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.