The thread for first time home birthers (or thinking about it) - over here!

[Boobz]

I only just found out I was pregnant 10 days ago, and it is of course early days, but I have been doing a lot of research and am seriously thinking of having a home birth.

I'm a member of my Due March '09 ante natal club thread, but I don't want to go on about home birthing there where the majority will be planning a hospital birth (don't want to bore them!) I'd like to start this thread for all those people who'd like to talk about the pros and cons, planning, expectations and realities of home births, especially if it is your first baby, or first home birth.

Has everyone else's other halves been fine at the thought of a first baby HB? Or did you have to do some convincing?

A

Fearless - have already said congrats on the March thread, but congrats again! Do come back and tell us your story as soon as you can!

Have been having niggly back pain all morning since 6 - and am due tomorrow! I am the most punctual person I know - hopefully baby will take after me and arrive tomorrow - ha!

xx

boobz: I wonder about whether punctuality in every day life is linked to childbirth! I am always early for everything, so not in the strictest sense punctual... and DS was born exactly one week early. I wonder if there is a correlation? You never know...

Oh Fearless! What a positive story - I'm so glad I got to read it before I go into labour myself. I am so desperate for a homebirth and would think I would be gutted if I saw Meconium and had to change all our plans, but you've just written a lovely birth story which shows it doesn't have to be the be all and end all! Well done for such a fantastic outcome - do they know why he might have passed meconium in the first place?

Well, I've just lost my plug! I know that can still mean labour is days away, but I;ve been having periody back pains since 6am this morning so here's hoping we're on our way....

xxxx

THINK I am having contractions - very irregular ones. Need to lean over the swiss ball and breathe through them... but totally not sure...

boobz, it sounds as if it's all systems go! keep posting while you still can! try and get a rest as it could be a while, but sounds like labour is beginning! how exciting!!

Oh god I don't know... they're just so irregular. And I can't imagine this going on for days... but there are so many people on the Due March thread that talk about having contractions for weeks! Feel totally fine between the pains. Now haven't had one for over 10 mins...

Argh. Will be so annoyed if this is a false alarm.

it's your first, isn't it? I would really try to take a nap right now, I know it's exciting but I had 2 days of ctx before the birth, every 7-10 mins, and in retrospect really really wish I'd rested.. but you might go quicker. Also have a good meal, not too heavy but pasta or something... it's definitely starting though if you're having contractions..

Crikey really? Every 7 mins for 2 days? Have asked DH to come home from pub as last 2 ctx were really quite ouchy, but now think I should have just let him stay there. Think I will try to go to bed at normal time and see how we go - if I try and sleep now I don't think I will be able to as I had a nap at 3ish.

Still not totally convinced they are ctx... I thought it would be so much more obvious. There is defo a beginning and an end though.

you might go really fast, a lot of people do, I just got terribly excited and then it took a really long time and I got very tired, ctx started thurs 4 pm and gave birth sat 11.20 pm.. sounds a good plan to go to bed at the normal time. Basically at some point they will get more painful and will be really opening the cervix. have you got tens machine? or bouncing on ball? watching comedy also an option..

my bet is on your baby being here by tomorrow morning 7 am at the very latest!

How exciting Boobz! It does sound like it's starting for you! Keep us posted while you can.

Congratulations TFF, thanks for posting your birth story. Glad it was such a positive experience even if things didn't go to plan.

Do you mind me asking which homeopathic remedies you've been using?

DH came home - we're watching Mistresses on Sky plus and using an online CTX timer. They're still only every 7 mins or so, and completely bearable (although I do have to stop what I am doing) and they are lasting between 40 and 55 seconds (they don't seem that long though when I am in - I was surprised to see how long they were).

Going to go to bed at 11 and see how we go.

Have got tens but not cracked it open yet, and got ball which I am leaning over for the CTX.

xxx

this sounds brilliant Boobz, glad to hear it may well be happening for you - you've certainly put the work in regarding bouncing, walking, curries etc!
keep us posted xx

Ooh how exciting Boobz! Anymore news.....

Thanks for story Fearless, appreciate you've prob got your hands full but would also love to know which homeopathic remedies you used.

Well Done Boobz It sound to me like you a doing bloody fantastic!! you seem very calm

Have you had a bath yet? it should either take the CTX up a gear (at least it always has for me) or settle them down a little so you can rest.

AGH AGH AGHA GHA AGH!!!

Am totally stalking boobz to see how she's doing - really really hope this is it!

xx

Ok so they are definitely CTX. Hurt like buggery but am coping. DH is being wonderful. He's about to fill the pool as CTX are coming every 4 mins or so and are lasting 50 seconds.

Am shaking a bit during each CTX - is this normal??

Bit premature with the pool! CTX slowed right down to one every ten mins so have sent DH back to bed and am trying to get some sleep. Think this is going to take longer than I thought - damn!

morning boobz! hope you were able to get some sleep! things will prob kick off again this morning! thinking of you...

Soooo exciting (i'm a sometime lurker on here) Boobz!!!

Hope things are still going/getting somewhere or that you've got some proper rest?

If you're shaking, first make sure you are warm enough, even if you don't feel cold.
Also have something sugary, sweet tea or glucose sweets. strong orange squash or similar. keep your energy up.

Good luck!

Morning! Still here - baby and I as one! CTX still every 10 mins or so but not as painful as last night so not sure if it was all a false start yesterday. DH taking the day off work anyway and MW coming at noon for normal 40 week check, so maybe things will kick off again in earnest!

Thanks for messages Gem and JKS - a cup of tea is just the order I reckon!

xx

Try and have it with sugar!

then get active, bouncing on ball if you have one. on tip i read is to go up and down stairs (if you have them) sideways, that tilts the pelvis and encourages the baby to move down.
go for a walk round the block if you can face it, etc...

will have to keep popping in to check on progress!

I was sure you'd have your lo this morning Boobz!

Bet you're glad DH inflated the pool the other day. I take it you got away with the piccy...

Good luck for today!