Can anyone tell me more about home births

[mrsm22]

Hi all, I am pregnant with my second baby (12 weeks on Monday) and would really like a home birth this next time. My midwife is very for the idea and years ago my mum had one with me too. I don't mean to sound silly but can Abilene who has had one share their pleasant experience? I think it sounds great but would like to know how or what you plan if you do have it at home, for example are you up in the bedroom with midwives around you or can you get up and walk about, eat when you want etc? Is it also true that you can be stitched at home if necessary?

Hi Mrs. I had both of mine at home. I gave birth on my bed (best place as I had prepared it with water-proof undersheet and all that), but obviously could go where I liked - I was my house!. I spent some of my labour time in the bath, which was very comforting and got out in time for the pushing bit.
I don't know about the stitching - I didn't need any, but I suspect they can. The midwives can provide everything except an epidural (I didn't want one), but I ended up only with gas and air. They could have given me Pethadine if I had needed it.
I thoroughly recommend it, especially as your midwife is supportive. Having said that, I only live 10 mins drive from a hospital so knew I could get there if there had been an emergency. Maybe it would be different if you are far from the hospital.

Two of my three were born at home and, all being well, this one will be too. I loved them! Yep, you can eat, drink, sit, walk, whatever makes you more comfortable. My midwives both times (two different countries) were very quiet and hands off. Very much in the background except when the babies were crowning. And it was lovely to be able to snuggle for as long as I wanted, then have a bath, then be tucked up in my own bed. Particularly with the older DCs, they went to bed and when they woke up the next morning, they had a new brother or sister! DH was much more comfortable in his own space. He could go off and make himself some food if he needed to.

One piece of advice though, I designated a week following DC3's birth to staying at home in PJs. As you're at home, it could be very tempting to potter and get all the jobs done. Don't! They can wait and you'll never get those first few days back. I was doing the school run for Ds1 the day after DS2's birth and really relished the week after DD's birth.

As far as I know, you can be stiched at home.

Thank you very much for sharing, both of your experiences sound great and as long as all goes will on my pregnancy I will definitely be going for home birth this time. I'm about ten to 15 mins drive from the hospital, so not far. I wanted one first time but my husband was a bit worried with it being our first time. This time I've got to go for it.