Can I be refused the option of a homebirth because there isn't a midwife available?

[pobletsmum]

I am 29 weeks pregnant and still at the stage of exploring my options. I have boked a doula to be with me at the birth, assuming that I wil go ahead with a natural birth (still considering elective C-section after traumatic 1st birth). Last week I broached the subject of homebirth with my midwife. She was very supportive of the idea, but felt the need to tell me that there's a small but realistic chance that I might not be 'allowed' a homebirth on the day. If I went ino labour during the day, the community midwives would definitely be available to attend the birth at home. However, if I went into labour at night, there might not be a midwife available to come to me. Our hospital is very short staffed (aren't they all?), and at night there are 2 midwives at the hospital who are allocated to cover homebirths (I think this might be for the whole county!) and if one is sick, or is covering someone on delivery suite for some reason, I might be forced to go to hospital to give birth. I can kind of see the logic in what she was telling me, but I'm not happy about it. When pushed, she estimated that this happens to approx 1 in 10 ladies having homebirths (sent to hosp for staffing reasons, not medical problems).

What are your experiences of this? Does it sound normal? Can I do anything to insist on a homebirth (short of staying at home without any mw, which I would definitely not do)?

My issues around this birth are mostly anxiety-related, so as far as possible I want to plan my options, although I will be ready to change my mind at any stage. I don't want to plan a homebirth if it might not be an option. Of course, if I needed to go to hospital for medical reasons, that's a totally different matter.

I hope this makes sense and that people will be able to help, or at least give opinions.

Thanks

Wow, I never expected to have so many responses. Thanks again to all of you.

I am taking on board all that you have said. I guess that one factor that will keep creeping in is that I will be worried to kick up a fuss. Whoever it is that would have to speak to the hospital (if this situation arose) would still be fighting for MY cause. I am too worried about being thought of as a trouble-maker. Maybe I don't feel strongly enough about having a homebirth to upset the applecart. I feel more sad for those women who really, really have their heart set on it but can't.

I have quite a while left to go so I don't feel the need to rush my decision. It's all good research though.

With ds2 I was booked for a home birth but on calling the hospital in established labour was told that none were available so I would have to go in.

I wasn't prepared to do this and could feel that things were moving quickly so was told to call 999. The paramedics who attended were brilliant - a midwife finally arrived 35 mins after the birth.

I'm booked for another home birth in January and wouldn't hesitate to stay at home and call paramedics if it came to it. My midwife is very eager though to make sure we have a good system set up so that the "once in a blue moon" scenario of no midwives doesn't happen again.

I think this happens (certainly used to happen) reasonably often in East London where I live.

If it is any comfort to you (1) I think it is marvellous that you are having a doula - I had one with my DS3 and she was great and (2) I had a very traumatic time with DS1 and although I didn't have a homebirth with DS2, I had a very straightforward, non-medicalised hospital delivery which was great in all but one respect - you can have a good experience even if you have to give birth in hospital.