How common is it to transfer during a home birth?

[amitymama]

It seems everyone I know who has attempted a home birth has transferred. Granted, most of them were first-time mums so that might have had something to do with it (not knowing what to expect, midwives more pushy to transfer since they have an 'unproven pelvis', etc..) but it's really getting me down. It's made me feel that I should prepare to transfer and then be glad if I don't but I don't want to go into it thinking that way. On the other hand, I don't want to be really disappointed and feel silly if I do end up going into hospital.

If you had to transfer do you wish you had considered the possibility so you weren't so disappointed or do you believe that 'keeping the faith' is important?

turtle23, i sympathise... 36 hours at home, just me and tens machine, with 9lbs back to back ds2's head wedged sideways and thus not able to descend(transverse arrest i believe they called it!). eventually waved the white flag and transferred to hosp for c-section. but like you will try for home birth again if there's a baby3. maybe felt a bit disappointed but i did give it my best shot...

amitymama, i had my first baby at home, it all went so beautifully, no interventions, or tears, just partner, independent midwife and me camped out in our bathroom with a single candle...

yes a bag was packed, but we were blessed not to need it... our independent midwife was such an angel - totally 100% belief in my ability and power to birth at home...

finding support from doula or independent midwife would really help you in your home birth quest.

good luck
x

I'd heard that transfer rate is higher among 1st time mums too because of needing stronger pain relief (you can't have epidurals at home etc)

I'm hoping for HB for my 1st baby but will pack a bag in case - and also as others have said so everything is in one place at home anyway (DH won't remember where anything is!)