Where to find neutral info about giving birth and the drugs they offer you and baby.

[shouldIbecrossaboutthis]

I'm only in my first trimester, nearing the second, but I have a lot of time on my hands at the mo as have Hyperemesis, and lying still is the only think that stops the sickness!

This is something I am going to have to look into, so I thought why not do it now and kill some time!

I am after a pros and cons list really of all the different ways you can give birth and all the different drugs you get offered.

Really, in an ideal word, I'd birth at home in a pool, but I know a lot of first time mums get taken to hospital anyway for slow progressing births. I would prefer this option as a) I really really am scared of hospitals and b) I'm guaranteed a pool, which I feel would help me a lot. My choice has nothing to do with whale music and joss sticks. I live 0.8 miles for the hospital.

There is a MLU at my local hospital and I think on paper I stand the best chance of a good item there, but they only have 1 pool .

Realy I'm just after some advice to help me make the decision. My midwife says have a home birth, but I need to be sure (by looking at facts and statistics) that I am not prioritising myself over the baby.

Sorry this so long, I ramble! Thanks!

If you are close to the hospital and low risk pg then I don't see why not. I opted for hospital first time because I thought I might end up screaming give me the drugs! (Had fab water birth there!)
Second was another hospital birth. Planned home and water but bleeding followed by rapid delivery put paid to that.
I would talk to your MW and plan. Remember babies can be awkward and the best laid plans and all that. I personally feel that the more relaxed you can be then the easier labour should be. (How can you dilate if you are scared?)
Congrats on the pg and hope the hyperemesis eases soon!

I found Ina may's book really good www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156
and one called Gentle Birth by Sarah Buckley www.sarahbuckley.com/

Juju sundin 'birth skills' has some good advice about ways to cope with labour pain- mostly about staying active. I had no birth plan at all with DS. I would have loved a pool but they didn't have enough staff on, which seems to happen a lot unfortunately! If at any point during a home birth the midwives were concerned about you or baby believe me you'd be in hospital fast! I think you should ask about the number of first time home births that end up transferred to hospital at some point during or even after labour to help yourself understand the likelihood of that happening.