Think we've decided on a home birth, please reassure me or tell me the risks

[MumOfBaby]

Not yet pregnant, but we're trying, and had such an AWFUL hospital birthing experience last time that we've decided to do it at home.

We're noth nervous about this.

I'm nervous because I had to have 2 shots of pethidine last time so what if I can't cope without this time (although last time I had horrific prostin pains).

If I refuse induction, which I want to, will they stop me having a home birth?

What if there are complications? Am I risking the baby's life by being at home?

DP is worried because he's not sure of the risks.

We're getting a birthing pool and putting it in the kitchen, what would we need to put in the front room? We might laminate the floor, and if not then I guess shower curtains can go down. Do I put down quilts or a mattress or what?

We're trying to sort these things out early so that I'm not terrified when I get pregnant because of last time.

Try the homebirth website here for all the stats your heart desires. It is as safe, if not safer than a hospital birth for a normal, straightforward, low risk birth.

They cannot 'stop' you having a homebirth. It is your right. They can advise but it's not a case of being 'allowed'.

There are many things you can do to prepare for coping with the pain. You will have gas and air available and some areas (not ours) can give pethidine on prescription I think. Not sure if this is still accurate. The water will help and being at home, prepared and hopefully more positive will allow you to manage your labour better. A doula or independent midwife could help or I found hypnobirthing very good.

The practical side is up to you and what makes you comfortable. Shower curtains/plastic sheeting is sensible if you're planning on labouring out of water and you can cover them with an old duvet/sheets/towels. If you deliver in water, the mess will be completely contained and dp can deal with it afterwards. You can deliver the placenta in water too.

Remember with complications, there are nearly always warning signs that develop slowly. You and the baby will be well monitored. The baby's heartrate will be checked. If any complications arose- unlikely- you will have at least one trained midwife there at all times (unlike in hospital) who will be watching for any small signs. My one piece of advice here is be sure that transfer is feasible (if you're hundreds of miles, a ferry and a helicopter away then it's not so straightforward).

Does your hospital have a mlu if you're too nervous?

And have you dealt with the last labour? You can review your notes if it would help.

I have had two very successful homebirths and for me personally they were the best things I have ever done.

To be honest there is not much mess. I put a quilt I brought for £4 at asda on my living room floor as I have laminate so I had something soft to kneel or lay on. I also had a couple of plastic sheets ut never used them. I also got some of the pampers care matts to sit on to protect the sofa etc.

I never used a pool as my labours were always very quick.

You can refuse induction but after 42 weeks they will probably want you to go in everyday to be monitored.

Have you thought of having a Doula to support you?

To find out more about homebirths take a look here

As long as you live within about 30 min of a hospital I would go for homebirth.

I would be much more concerned about ending up with a forceps delivery or c-section if you go to hospital. Also I would personally avoid pethidine also as it is not really good for you or the baby.

Here are the government's NICE guidelines on childbirth:

www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/CG55/PublicInfo/pdf/English

It is also worth contacting AIMS for advice.

I had a homebirth for about 20 hours only using a pool for pain relief and it was fine. I went to a class and learned breathing techniques and used these during the painful part of the contraction which wasn't very long.

I got stuck at 8CM and so decided to go to my local hospital at that point. It was a calm decision and the transfer was no big deal really.

When I got to hospital I got an epidural, oxytocin, CFM the works and so the baby ended up in distress (which happens often when all of this is used.) At that point I ended up with a C-Section.

A C-Section is labour is often referred to as an Emergency C-section but very few of them are true Crash Sections where they use general anesthesia.

I am due in a few weeks now with another baby and still contemplating hiring private midwives for a homebirth as there is still such strong evidence, even for a VBAC that it is a safer option with better outcomes for you and your baby.
Good luck XXXXXX

I had a traumatic birth with number one (suffered postnatal PTSD) but with my last 2 enjoyed wonderful homebirths.
The midwives can still give you pain relief (injections, gas and air) also the water works well as analgesia

Most community midwives are really supportive and will talk you through the pro's and con's but as the others have said, do stay open minded that you might have to go into hospital.

i'm almost 9 months...doing the whole OB and in the hospital thing but i'm starting to have second thoughts about a home birth...never thought i would! i'm gonna try and do it natural this time so i figured why even have the baby in the hospital where i have to be concerned about their every move. am i too late?? would a midwife even meet me this late in the game?

Ribtrotter - it's only too late to book a homebirth after the baby's born!! I booked mine at about 38 weeks.

I would also recommend a doula. I hired one for my hb and she was worth every penny. She visited me in the weeks prior to my due date and talked me though the pros and cons of hb vs hospital birth. I was very confident that a hb was definitely the right thing for me. Dh had concerns at first, but the more he spoke to the doula the more convinced he became.

Pain relief if an individual thing. The mws brought gas and air with them, but I never felt the need for it during labour but was reassured by the fact that it was there (I used it to deliver the placenta though!). The pain I felt during my hb was completely different to the pain I felt during my previous induced hospital birth. I felt quite in control of it. I believe the water helped me immensely.

I think the more research you do into it the more confident you'll become with your decision.