When did you discuss a home birth with a hcp?

[Shellywelly1973]

Thats it really!

Im 24 weeks & keep thinking about a home birth. Had my last two in a MLU but can't book in there again as its my 6th baby.

I can't imagine being on a labour ward. No pool nothing apart from a bed & monitor!

Dp will be looking after our 3 dc so I will be on my own, whereas if im at home, hopefully dp will be around.

When is the best time to discuss this? I know the consultant wont be happy as im 40, 6th baby & underactive thyroid- though very stable thyroid since 12 weeks.

Any advice?

My MW said I could have a home birth right from the start. It's not for me and I have opted for an ELCS but she still try's to change my mind. So in response to you question, I think you can arise it as soon as you like. Have you mentioned it to your MW at all? If not, maybe speak to her.

I discussed it at booking in appointment but I confirmed that I was going to do it when I was 34 weeks and she came out to see me. I think the earlier you discuss it the better so that you can both get organised.

I booked in at 7 weeks but the midwife didn't mention the sctusl birth. I presumed I would lose the pregnancy as hsd happened previously. I met a different midwife at 16 weeks who said I had apparently agreed to be being induced on my EDD & weekly monitoring from 36 weeks...hospital policy for mothers aged 40 & over!

I was rather shocked. At 16 weeks I thought I would have dp with me at the birth. Sadly mil died 3 weeks ago, only 5 weeks after being diagnosed with cancer. My sister moved yesterday so no family in the area or close friends.

Sorry about typos...im on my phone!

We talked about whether I had any ideas for the birth at my booking in. Im thinking of a home birth and the midwife wrote it in my notes

So it appears it should have been brought up at my booking in appointment.

Is it going to be too late to late at my 28 week appointment?

I'm 15+ 2 pregnant with dc3 and discussed it with my midwife at my booking appt and it's in my notes that I want a home birth (but only if I can get the consultant to agree as I'm considered high risk due to BMI). However I was told they wouldn't discuss the birth in detail until 28 weeks when they would come for a home visit. Also I was under the impression you can book a home birth right up until the end of pregnancy if you decide to.

Nope at 28 week appointment is not too late. Technically the day before wouldn't be too late as you can change your mind. I think it's as tick box during your booking appt to discuss how you'd like to give birth but until you are further through your pregnancy you can't really make a proper decision.

I booked mine at my 36 week appt! I'm 40 next year, but my 2nd baby not 6th, but had forceps birth.

Midwife did not bat an eye

I asked my MW when we would talk about birthing options at my 25 wk appt. she said it would be best after I had my classes so I am better informed. She asked if I had any ideas and then she suggested the home birth as an option. I have kept it in conversation and will discuss it with my consultant at 36 weeks. If my placenta shimmies out of the way, I have no more bleeds, and my stats stay healthy, there is no reason I can't have the baby at home (another if) If it comes between 37 weeks and 12 days after my due date.

Lots of ifs, but not completly out of the question. However, I have already started packing my hospital bags, particularly as there is still a chance of "early" labour!

I am 29 weeks on Thursday :)

Does that help! I am not sure it does ;p

Thanks. I won't be going to any classes! Lol.

I feel annoyed that I haven't been asked anything by anyone. Its more than 5 years since I had my last baby. I'm also at a different hospital. It's very conver belt style care. Definitely a big decrease in care.

Im not actually intending on asking- more informing the hospital that I intend to have the baby at home.

it is probably quite good to book later in your pregnancy as you have a better idea of how well the pregnancy is progressing and what risk factors are involved, most areas are very pro home birth now, so hopefully they can help you, its only if there are safety concerns for you or baby that they will ask you to be on the labour ward..you could ring your consultant and ask their opinion? it does seem strange that you havent been asked...maybe they have assumed that you have chosen a different way? xxx

Considering I've had 2 babies in a birth centre, water births, no pain relief & thankfully with no complications. Only with my first birth were there complications & that was due to poor care. I would have thought it obvious I would consider child birth & pregnancy non medical events.

I think my age , number of dc & underactive thyroid were more important factors when I booked in.

I will speak to the midwife at my next appointment.

Hi Shelly,

Tried to reply to this thread on Wednesday but my laptop threw a fit!

Have a look at some of the homebirth stories on www.homebirth.org.uk One lady called Susie was actually in hospital in labour when she changed her mind and decided to go home to have the baby! So it's never too late until LO arrives.

I asked about HB at my booking appt at 14 weeks and was told because I'll be 42 and had a minor PPH with DC3 that the Supervisor of Midwives would want to talk to me. Nothing happened for a bit except my consultant told me 'No way!' and I started to worry I would have to argue my case all the way.

Then a couple of weeks ago a lovely midwife rang me out of the blue. We had a talk about my history and she arranged an appt for me to discuss it all with said Supervisor in 3 weeks time. I'm now 23 weeks. I've been told that while I can insist on a HB, I'll find it much easier if I have the support of the Supervisor as she will fight my battles for me!

Wasn't intending on having any battles. Like you I just planned on telling them I was having a HB, but would much rather do it with the support of the community midwives rather than having them reluctantly attending me on the day so I'm hoping to get this SoM on side.

I was booked for HB with DC2 when he developed a 'heart condition' which had mysteriously disappeared by the time he was born so I'm a bit wary...

But really hope you manage to sort things and get the birth you want. Would love to hear how you get on so please post an update if poss! Lots of luck and best wishes.

Thank you for your lovely reply-appreciate it.

My dp really isn't happy about the baby being born at home. He says its totally impractical with other dc. I want/need a pool but space is an issue. Even our stupid taps can't be used with a hose...

So I will end up at MLU if I don't go overdue, by myself as dp will be at home with dc. I've had 4 out of 5 of my dc in the middle of the night so im really disappointed in dp.

i asked the midwife at my booking appointment but it wasent offically booked in untill week 36 so theirs plenty of time still :)

Dp is the problem-not hcp's !!