Thinking of having a home birth.

[Lizbiz89]

I'm pregnant with my third baby and I'm thinking of having a home birth. My 1st was induced at hospital and I had far too many interventions than I actually needed. Ended up with forceps and episiotomy. My second labour was completely natural and I didn't realise I was properly in labour until I left for the hospital. I ended up having him 45 minutes after arriving and it was all quite traumatic and fast. Given how fast my last labour was I would ideally like to be at home this time around. Has anyone got any experience of home birth? Would love to hear your experiences.

Hello, I've had 3 home births and highly recommend. My babies were all born quickly too and so I would not have made it to hospital.
I felt completely safe with two midwives in attendance and it was the most comfortable natural experience...nothing better than a bath in your own bathroom straight after!

Thanks @Whatshouldmynamebe321 . Do you have any tips or advice? I don't think I'd have the pool as I'll bath before if I need any pain relief. Would much rather be at home than in that much pain rushing to the hospital.

So, my other children slept upstairs which was a plus! I bought plastic decorating sheets to spread on the floor and a bundle of towels to hand. Other than that plenty tea and biscuits for everyone and enjoy! My midwife said my births went so smoothly and quickly due to being in such a relaxed environment in my own home. I paced about and then gave birth to all 3 kneeling on the floor...whereas in hospital I was forced to be on a bed on my back which was not comfortable. I found the home births allowed nature to take charge.

I had a wonderful home birth with my first and I'm planning a second now.

We rented a pool which was a great no fuss service from barefoot birth pools.

There's nothing like it, would recommend a 1000 times over.

My first labour was only 4 hours so I don't think I'll be leaving the house even if I wanted to for the second!

I had a fab and very quick homebirth with my second- would thoroughly recommend it. Do have a think about how quickly the MW can get to you though- DH nearly ended up delivering DD!

We lived in another country at the time and the norm there was to have a late scan for undiagnosed breech- was pleased to have this and would do it again if I ever had another (which I won't as am too old, sadly).

I had births 1 and 3 at home. 4 should have been but he passed meconium so we had to go in. It’s brilliant having your own stuff around you and being tucked up in your own bed afterwards.

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm pretty set on having a home birth (obviously depending on what happens down the road) but I'd much rather be in my own environment as I don't do well with hospitals. Plus the very fast birth I had last time. Definitely much rather get into my own bed after as well!

It's worth considering carefully how quickly you can access the hospital if need be.

DC2 was a straightforward pregnancy and expected to be an uncomplicated delivery. Luckily I had chosen to give birth in the birthing centre within the hospital rather than at home, because I needed rapid medical intervention afterwards.