How old is too old for HB

[gailforce1]

One of my work colleagues has announced she is pg with long-awaited first baby and we are alldelighted for her. She is very, very keen on a HB providing, goes without saying, that all proceeds normally. However, she is just 39 and will, therefore be nearly 40 by due date. If NHS turn her down do you think an IM would take her on? Your stories about older first time HBirthers please...

NHS can't "turn her down". It can recommend what it likes, can't "turn her down" though.

I have no experience but at the age of 42 and with my second pregnancy the midwife has actually suggested a homebirth - my first was a very quick labour and the midwife was concerned I might not make it to the hospital.

To be honest I don't think I have had any special treatment due to my age other than some additional tests (at my request).

Her age shouldn't be a big factor - I'm 39 and planning a homebirth for next month. The subject of my age hasn't even been raised.

how old is too old?

when you stop producing eggs, I suppose. that is unless you don't want IVF treatment.

I had a home birth at 39.

there is no cut off age and if they tell her that there is (or any other reason why she can't have a home birth), they are trying to obstruct her from having a hb.

tell her to visit www.homebirth.org.uk and have a read.

Thank you for your responses.
Flybynight - may I ask if it is your first? As I am wondering if this will be something that will be raised.

I'm not a first timer, gailforce. This is my 4th.

There have a look at this thread here though. And as foxytocin says, the homebirth site is always a wealth of information and support.

39 isn't too old. Around here they actively encourage homebirths for the low risk mothers and 39 would not be considered old in this neck of the woods.

Loopymumsy - thanks for the stats. I am so shocked that ony 17% of first timers in hospital give birth naturally. ~Is any research being done into this? Surely this reflects very badly on maternily services? Anyone else aware of this stat - Ihave never seen it mentioned before - has it been kept very quiet?!!

Umm, not exactly quiet. I can't think of anyone who I personally know who had a natural birth in hospital the first time.

In fact I only personally know 2 people who had natural births the first time - my mother and my MIL. And guess where they gave birth?

What is the definition of a natural birth though? My first birth was a hospital one, no epidural, no instruments, no episiotomy no G&A. I elected to have a managed 3rd stage. Pretty natural, really. I suspect the managed 3rd stage rules me out as a "natural birth" though as its not physiological.

Does gas and air count as natural birth?

Just 17% have natural births? Gosh, I knew it wasn't great, but I didn't realise it was sooo low.

I had my first at home (and second due at home in 12 weeks) - good luck to OP's friend - HBs are fab.

I had a homebirth at 2 months off 39. age not ever even mentioned. was actively encouraged. was amazing and lovely experience. 39 here ( NW3) not considered any where near old.

Numbertwo, if you happen to pop back, would you mind helping me out by answering a question?

See, my last birth 8 months ago was an accidental HB because it happened so fast, I was wondering, just in case I go for dc3, what I should do (we're 50 miles from hospital) I had two nights of mild pains, nothing I couldn't sleep through, then next day once my waters popped it all happened in under an hour. Did you have any warning, any mild pains in the previous nights? How long would you reckon your labour was?

Thanks,

OP, I'm sure long as your friend is in good health she can have a HB, best of luck.

No one in the ante-natal system turned a hair when I said my preference would be for a hb for a 1st baby at 43. They just supported my choice.

And my colleague (mid 30s)has just given birth in hospital to her first with no intervention, not even g&a, after a short straightforward labour. She waited at home for ages, and was only in hospital f 1.5 hours before her baby was born

Seashore - I had a bit of warning as my waters popped in the morning, I went in but the hospital sent me home. I guess I had niggling pains from around lunchtime, put the TENS machine on, started to really feel it by teatime, went to hospital (on the phone they were still telling me to stay at home at this stage), and got there about 45 mins before baby was born. I would say that my labour was 12 hours from waters popping but only about 7 hours of contractions. This time I'll be going in at the first sign and staying there - even if it means hanging around the cafe and hospital grounds for a few hours.

OP, I second what someone else said, around here 39 wouldn't be considered old and certainly wouldn't warrant any special treatment.

Thanks Numbertwo, it's interesting how sometimes it can be so fast, I wouldn't have been able to get to a hospital even if there was one very nearby, my contractions seemed to outwit everyone, even the doula, then suddenly ds was here! Best of luck with your next birth, it usually gets faster each time!

also 39 and planning a homebirth next month actively encouraged by my midwife. For my first baby aged 33 (different hospital) my homebirth request was actively discouraged mainly due to disinterested and overstretched midwives. I dont think age alone has anything to do with NHS support for homebirths though achieving one can be minefield for lots of other reasons - good luck to your friend