Low intervention - homebirth

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Hi. Just wondering if any ladies are currently pregnant and planning a homebirth?

I have self referred and noted on my form that I’ll be having a homebirth. I have my first booking appointment in 2 weeks.

Just looking for some positive stories on the process so far and how to navigate avoiding landing on the intervention conveyor belt.

not looking for opinions from people who are against homebirth/haven’t experienced it

You have decided on a home birth before your booking appointment? So like 8 weeks pregnant?!

I think you need to reassess how open minded you’re going to be during pregnancy.
Home birth is a good option for low risk pregnancies which go into spontaneous, uncomplicated labour. There are a million things which could spoil the dream… my advice is don’t set yourself up for disappointment too soon

What does a low intervention home birth look like for you?

I had two uncomplicated lovely home births and I was over 35 years old for both of them.
Good luck!

100% yes! Made up my mind before I even conceived. Home is where I am more comfortable and I am low risk, healthy BMI, no medical issues etc 🤩

Being left alone to listen to my body

So you’re not even going to have a midwife? That’s insane.

Thank you for sharing. I am 38.
How did the conversations go for you during your initial appointments?

I didn’t say that I am not having a midwife. I am happy for a midwife to observe me! I don’t want to be touched, examined etc..

You said “being left alone”?

I don’t think it’s my fault when you said you wanted a low intervention home birth and I asked what that looked like and you said to be left alone.

You really need to readjust your expectations. You might get a low intervention birth. You might not. You can’t tick a box at your booking in that puts you on the right conveyor belt.

Have you had children already? Why can’t they touch? Who’s going to be delivering the baby?

Fair enough, I should’ve been clearer for you!

Low intervention = no touching / hands off / I’ll be guided by my body however I’ll have a midwife present to observe should anything urgent arise

Homebirth = in the comfort of my own home where I feel safest with my husband.

Babies coming out of my vagina so it’s me delivering it lol. Midwife will be present to observe, husband will ‘catch’ the baby as I want the babies first touch to be my husband not some latex glove.

Good luck with that.

is this your first?

Having a preference and a rough idea of how you might like your birth to go fair enough. Being adamant this early on before you know any specifics of the pregnancy or any other potential complications is ridiculous.

I had two and would reccommend.

I asked for people’s experiences of homebirth clearly you haven’t had one so this thread isn’t for you! Bye!

How is the midwife supposed to observe anything useful if she isn't being allowed to touch you?

This. Your expectations are wildly out of proportion here OP. You have no idea how the rest of your pregnancy will go and, usually, the first births are the hardest and are more likely to require medical intervention.

And also this.

it's borderline irresponsible.

unless there’s a genuine emergency, I’ll be having a homebirth. Can’t imagine being anywhere other than home for this.

I went for a home birth with my second. In many ways the labour was a good experience. I had one to one care from my community midwife and I was able to labour at home where I felt safe and comfortable.

Unfortunately it was a back to back labour so quite long. I was too tired in the end to push any more and I was the taken to hospital by ambulance. I had a forceps delivery and was able to then go home with my son later that day both of us safe and well.
Home birth can be a great choice. It doesn't always work out how you think or hope. Child birth is like that full stop. I have had five children and all of my labours were completely different.

There are two important things OP. One that you feel empowered to go for the birth you want. Two that you can build in some flexibility in your thinking to encompass that things can change and you may need to go with the flow ( or have an advocate to do this for you ) ao you get the best care possible at the time if plans have to change. There isn't a right or better way to give birth. The goal is a mum and baby who come through happy and healthy 💕

Define “genuine emergency”.

There’s no harm indicating a preference. If you’re determined to be high risk you’ll be informed of this and will need to consider your options.Not sure what you’re asking, ultimately it’s your choice.

I’d have felt happier at home too but unfortunately my body had other ideas.

I had a wonderful home birth with my second (mine wasn’t low intervention though is the only difference), it was fabulous, contracted at home in my very comfortable surroundings and my little one actually arrived before the midwives so was delivered by my partner (luckily no complications or anything like that). Within two hours of her being born we brought her downstairs to meet her big brother and all chilled at home. It was wonderful