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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Baby has turned, have been 'signed off' by consultant - now I have no reason NOT to have a homebirth and I am nervous!

83 replies

Enid · 16/03/2006 09:46

So I finally saw the consultant yesterday and he told me the baby was a good size, low and now headfirst. He said I seemed very healthy and should have no problems with a homebirth - to enjoy it and he wouldn't see me again unless any complications arose.

So now after having a few weeks thinking I may have to have a c-section I am back in the homebirth arena - and petrified!

Positive homebirth stories please, especially ones that happened after a traumatic hospital birth...

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

chipmonkey · 17/03/2006 18:12

Have a homebirth because you can. I can't, ever. and

PrincessPeaHead · 17/03/2006 21:40

mine were 3 hrs and 5 hrs bozza. only in the pool for 45mins and an hour and a quarter respectively, but still worth every penny!

lockets · 17/03/2006 21:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Bozza · 17/03/2006 21:52

Yeah but pph you probably have your head screwed on better than me. I spent the first two hours tidying up in anticipation of visitors later in the day.

emmared1980 · 17/03/2006 22:24

I had my first in hospital (just) and the birth was fine it was afterwards that was the problem! I had him at 9.30am they then forgot all about my dinner it was noisy/boring and at night to get any sleep would have been a miricle! My second birth we decided to have at home and it was the best desicion by far. The midwives came and we were all very relaxed and happy everything went to plan. No mess even though I was sick and at the same time my waters broke! 2 pushes after that she was born no pain relief/stitches etc. It was lovely to get into the bath and into my own bed. My little boy slept through everything so in the morning there was a new baby sister for him to meet. Am expecting No3 in 11wks and will definatly be having another homebirth all being well.

PrincessPeaHead · 18/03/2006 10:29

yup, you are officially a nutter, bozza

Original poster

Enid · 18/03/2006 15:04

yes a homebirth [nervious emoticon]

dont know why I am nervous as have had no drugs apart from gas and air in either of the other two labours

am dithering over which 'toys' to get - ball? pool?

I have loved all these stories and they have really helped to make my mind up, thanks everyone!

OP posts:

PrincessPeaHead · 18/03/2006 18:42

ball bollox.

why would you want a ball when you are trying to squeeze a bowling ball out of your nether regions?
what earthly use is it?!!! never worked that one out myself...

wilbur · 18/03/2006 18:47

Arf at bozza tidying up for visitors.

Original poster

Enid · 18/03/2006 18:50

lol

have no idea what you use a ball for

but people seem to like them

OP posts:

wilbur · 18/03/2006 18:52

Ah pph - I love my magic ball. Sat on it in labour for dd and ds2, sat opposite the bed/sofa with all the cushions piled up so I could slump forward into the cushion wall between contractions and then sit up and, er, swivel, when contractions came. One of the probs I had with ds1 was being exhausted from being up for 24 hrs and trying to stay on my feet, so ball good for keeping upright without getting knackered. But then I loved my tens machine too, but my sister ripped hers off and threw it across the room.

Rhubarb · 18/03/2006 18:54

you lie over, it supports your belly. you can rock on it too and it helps the pain. i gave birth lying over mine, it was very comfortable.

Original poster

Enid · 18/03/2006 19:09

yes your earlier post v convincing about necessity of ball rhubarb

OP posts:

spidermama · 18/03/2006 19:17

I had a traumatic hospital miscarriage followed by a really fantastic home birth, then a tougher home birth (but still medically uncomplicated) then a piece of piss homebirth for child 3 then a easy home miscarriage and a tough but fine home birth with number four.

I've never had a hospital birth but I had the misfortune to witness my sister's. I've loved having my babies at home.

\link{http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0553381156/qid=1142709235/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-0565193-3141413\This book} is full of inspiring birth stories.

I also found Sheila Kitzinger and Janet Balaskas very helpful.

Just imagine sitting with your new baby in the bath straight after birth with candles all around. Magic!

There's also a great thread somewhere from a couple of months back when someone asked what do they need for a homebirth. Very uplifting. I'll try to find it.

Socci · 18/03/2006 19:19

The great thing about a home birth is that you will have the same midwife with you throughout your labour - even if you have to go into hospital (at least that's how it is where I live). My first hospital-managed labour was very traumatic and I was so upset. Every time I even saw a film where someone was giving birth I cried. My second labour was much easier due to an excellent midwife who helped me give birth rather than offer drugs. It was less painful and less traumatic. I had tried to have a home birth but went into hospital half-way through due to a rise in blood pressure. However, I hardly had any contact with hospital staff because the midwife I had at home stayed with me.

spidermama · 18/03/2006 19:22

\link{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=1365&threadid=108180&stamp=050919181036\Here's the thread.} Great stuff.

pepperrabbit · 18/03/2006 19:27

The ball's really useful for before the birth as well - I'm sitting on mine now and it's good for backache! Though sudden movements do lead to plunetting to the floor - and DS really really just wants to bounce it round the room...

purpleturtle · 18/03/2006 20:07

IMO the pool and the ball are essentials. Pretty much all you need, actually. Sit on the ball till the pool is ready. Get in pool. Out pops baby.

Bozza · 18/03/2006 20:45

The ball costs next to nothing so you might as well get one just in case IMO. I think mine was less than £10 from Argos - a gym ball rather than a birthing ball. DS nearly demolished the coat stand, mind you, when he decided it would be a good idea to throw this ball that was bigger than him down the stairs.

I think my tidying up was a belated attempt at nesting. Apparently as soon as DH woke up to the sound of me dropping DS's finger paints loudly onto the kitchen floor (they were in a cardboard box and the bottom fell out) he figured I was in labour.

Heathcliffscathy · 18/03/2006 20:48

argos £15 reebok ball v useful in late preg early labour ime. :)

enid, home is just a nicer place to be all round....all love and luck....x

Original poster

Enid · 18/03/2006 20:52

oh god am going to have to clean my bedroom and bathroom

OP posts:

spidermama · 18/03/2006 20:54

You can set your feller to work cleaning when the contractions start. My dh did his own version of labour frantically cleaning the entire house while I was contracting. It was great.

Original poster

Enid · 18/03/2006 20:55

actually he'd love that

is very anal

OP posts:

chipmonkey · 19/03/2006 23:58

So Enid, will you do a Hunkermunker and post on MN whilst in labour? Give us a blow by blow account?

Original poster

Enid · 20/03/2006 09:39

god no

hopefully will be too fast and furious for that

OP posts:

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