Home birth and plus size

[Emilyjane11]

Hi ladies,

I am 24 and have a bmi of 35. I am 6ft tell and weight 18 stone just to put that into context.

I really would like a home birth, for many reasons but mainly because im practicing hypno birthing and feel like I would benefit from being in my own comfortable environment where I can be quiet and really have the birth I desire. I also have a bit of a fear of hospitals,due to a very bad experience a few years ago which wasnt pregnancy related.

What I really want to know is if any of you bigger women have been able to have a home birth. What difficulties did you face when asking for one and what was the out come?

Thanks in advance x

What's the maximum recommended BMI for home birth? I think provided you have no complications you can reasonably fight your case for a home birth provided you're not much over the guidelines. Don't forget, they can't force you to have your baby in a hospital, it is your decision

As regards the fear of hospitals, you might manage to avoid it altogether, but you might be setting yourself up for an ambulance ride in an emergency by attempting a risky birth at home. Maybe going to hospital calmly when you are ready, as usually happens, would do more to help you to feel relaxed and in control of the situation? Do you have other children? The success rates for home births for first time mothers (ie those that are not sent into hospital) are lower than for people who've managed vaginal births before. It's a lot to think about, so discuss it with your mw as soon as you can, so you can make an unhurried and informed decision.

They can't force you to go to hospital to give birth but they can be... Persuasive.

Different hospitals will have different policies about what BMI cut off they will have to be happy with your choice.

It's also not just about your bmi but your age (good), health? Fitness? Diabetes? Other pregnancy complications?

Hi am 37, bmi 33, and was offered home birth., declined but still told me am low risk despite age and bmi. You should be fine xx

The cut off is 35 at my hospital and was told if I dont put much weight on ill be back to midwife led care. I have my first consultant appointment on Tuesday Shall I bring it up with her? Health wise I am absolutely fine apart from an under active thyroid which they are still investigating, levels keep going low to normal, low to normal so I dont see that being an issue at this stage.

I feel very fobbed off by my midwife I am 20 weeks and I am yet to meet her, I have seen others but the one who im told to call is never available to see me, do you think I need to explain what I want to my midwife as soon as? I.e call her?

Thanks

It's a shame you're not getting to see your midwife, it really helps to see the same person at appointments and build some sort of relationship with them. I think you should talk to the consultant and every midwife you can about it, their advice will all help. I don't think you need to call her about it though, the decision can't really be made until you're further along. Toward the end of your pregnancy you'll have very regular appointments and you'll have more of an idea how you're doing and any complications. Normally it's not until 37 weeks (if my memory serves me right?) that they start offering a home birth because if baby comes early you have to be near a special care unit.

Thank you very much for your advice xx