don't want a hospital birth :(

[VirtualFairy]

I was told today by my doctor that i had to have my baby at st mary's hospital in london or in chelsea and westminster hospital if they could fit me in (which is apparently doubtful). i don't want a hospital birth - i hate hospitals but she seemed to imply i didn't have a choice. i would like to go to a birthing centre but have been told that my doctor does not refer to the birthing centre i had in mind even though it is closer to my home than the hospital is. Do i have any choice, can i refer myself to a birthing centre? what rights do i have to choose my own care- i am nhs patient not private
thanks for any replies

Angela also has a really good section on her website called "You can't have a homebirth because....." which lists the common reasons women are given for advising a hospital birth. Helpfully, she lists all the research which either backs the reasons up.....or refutes them.

Fantastic website for anyone considering a homebirth.

Mandy

Yes, even though midwives work for the Trust, they as professionals, are in the main more interested in working for you and your baby. It would be a sorry sight to see a midwife refuse a home birth on her own. It would most likely be the trust which would try and put the kybosh in. I would venture to say that midwives generally would cherish a homebirth more than a hospital birth.

Oh I loved being a midwife and especially homebirths - they are just so special. It's the one thing I really miss.
Now I have to make do with surfing Angela's excellent site, reading the radical midwives articles and keeping in touch with AIMS.

The last homebirth I ever attended took place in a field!!! PLanned by Mum who had birthed all her previous babies in the same spot (yes okay she was a bit of a hippy but - hey - why not).
It was also oddly enough the last birth I attended before leaving midwifery - talk about going out on a high.

Mandy