Homebirths at 38?

[doesntplaywellwithothers]

Hi all, forgive me if this has been asked before!!
I had a wonderful homebirth experience with my dc2, in 2007. DH and I are now seriously talking about having a third, which is exciting, but I will be 38 by the time baby arrives (if we conceive in the next few months), and am a little bit concerned that my risks may be higher, perhaps making a homebirth a bit less safe.
I have always been a huge advocate of HB...but am really having a wobble in this case. My previous two pregnancies were extremely easy and straightforward, and both labours/deliveries were a little difficult (both babies were back to back), but not intolerable, or 'risky'.

So...just wondering if any of you older home birth ladies could just give me a little heads up about your experiences...I know that every person/pregnancy is different, but it would be helpful to hear your stories.
Thanks!

My age never occurred to me. I was 37 when I had my last baby. Or 38. Something around there anyway. It was the perfect HB.

The only thing my age has buggered up is my memory!

I'm 38. Just had a home birth.

Was as stress free a birth experience that I could hope for. Obviously giving birth is never exactly fun but it was fantastic to be at home. DH could potter about, attend to the other children, I felt safe, private and calm. And hopping into your own bed with tea and toast cannot be beaten. And a clean toilet.

Go for it!

Ha..yeah, me too, Oh!! Thanks...I don't know why on earth I am second guessing this time...there was no hesitation when I had my daughter!!

Cngratulations, Winky!! Yes...I get the strangest looks when I tell people how fabulous my birth experience was with dc2...but there was just nothing better than being in my own bed, and having a shower in my own bathroom after she was born!
I guess I'm just old and silly!!!

Had a fantastic home-birth with DS when I was 43. Never even thought that age might come into it, other than make me more bloodyminded forthright about what I wanted

Good for you, feetheart!!!
Ok...feeling much better now, thank you all!!

Hmmm ... all fine if no complications, but having always wanted a home birth myself and ended up with baby in distress, I wonder. Isn't it most important to have a healthy baby and mum. I think what matters it the outcome rather than the process, the birth is the start not the goal IMO. Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide on.

Not at all convinced a home birth automatically leads to a baby in distress. Lots and lots of babies born in hospital are distressed too.

Read this book for no nonsense guide to the risks.

Certainly no distressed baby at my homebirth - DS didn't even cry, just gurgled and looked around. He's still really laid-back at 4

Yeah...my homebirth was so much 'safer' than my hospital one...less interventions, much lower BP, faster pushing stage. It's why I really want a homebirth again if I manage to conceive...I don't know why I had it in my head that my preganancy will be riskier, just because I'm older. I guess I need to wait and see what happens, and decide when I am actually pregnant!!

I'm not an older mother (31 when I had DD as home breech baby), but found the www.homebirth.org.uk website very informative - you might find this page particularly relevant.

Good luck TTC and making your decision

Thanks, Tangle...I love the homebirth website...I read it lots when I was planning my daughter's homebirth, so will definitely revisit it now.

I have to laugh a little, DH and I aren't even 100% sure we're going to try for a third and here I am stressing about where the heck to have the little darling!!! Broodieness makes me insane, I think...