Homebirth or MLU

[milkyjo]

Not been on mumsnet for a while, I have a 6 and 4 year old. First birth was in hospital (lots of interventions, oxytocin drip, episiotomy, prolonged pushing, and long recovery). Second birth was at home (planned) but DD came quite quickly and the midwives could not get there in time and DH had to call paramedics, everything was fine and I didn't really feel like I'd given birth (bonus!), although as she came so quickly I did have a tear. It was amazing being able to have a shower in my own house and get into my own bed. I really wanted a water birth but DH could not get the pool ready in time. This time round I really would like a water birth as this will probably be our last and would like a homebirth but something is putting me off slightly, maybe its my other kids being around (we have an open plan house), no family live within 2 hours drive and baby is due in January its not like we can palm them off to friends to go to the park for hours, or it happens early evening and they need putting to bed. My midwife has told me the local MLU is very good and has a pool, it was opened 4 years ago so it is very up to date. If I was to be in labour and as it's my 3rd I know what to look out for my parents could come and look after the kids whilst we go to hospital and it wouldn't matter what time it was. However, the pool room may not be available, and I may regret not having a home birth if everything is ok. Also the post natal ward is putting me off due to bad experience the first time. Do you go to a post natal ward after MLU?

Sorry for life story, just wondering what views are or if anyone else has any experience?

Yes you go down to postnatal after the MLU, although if you have a straightforward birth they often let you go straight home anyway.

It depends where you feel most comfortable tbh. I had my first in the MLU which was great but I hated postnatal. I intend to have my second at home because anything they can do at MLU they can also do at home where I feel most comfortable, plus own bed, shower and way better food! But if you feel you'd be more comfortable in the MLU then it's a great option.

I had my second child at home because I wanted a water birth. I had wanted one for my first too, but although we took in the pool when my waters broke, we never got to assemble it and use it (they thought I would have ages to wait so told my husband to go home and then ignored me. By the time they actually checked me, I was 8cm dilated and not in a fit state to start assembling the pool.

Our local hospital had a pool, but wouldn't let you give birth in it, so I decided to go for a home birth. Best decision I ever made. My mother came to stay a couple of days before my due date (she lived over 100 miles away so couldn't just come at a moment's notice) and on the day I went into labour she took my 2 yr old to nursery in the morning, stayed out and then brought her home about 5 mins before I gave birth. They went upstairs, 2 yr old had a nap, and when she woke up she had a sister.

Much much better than the first experience, and the water pool was great.

I had a hospital birth with my first and home birth with my second. Very similar situation to you as no family within 2 hours. My parents came to collect my daughter from nursery for the home birth and put her to bed. I think I subconsciously delayed birth until she was fast asleep, which made the last stage longer. No tears either time.

I am planning a MLU birth for the third. I'm not sure I could make it all work again for a home birth and to be honest I don't want to have to worry about the other two whilst giving birth. I think I was very lucky last time that I went into labour in the daytime both times and there was enough time for my parents to arrive. I'm not sure I will be so lucky a third time!

Also, with my eldest being old enough to know what's going on, I doubt I could hide what was going on if the children were home.

Thank you for your replies. Just found out the local mlu has a pool in every room. I don't want to get my heart set on it but I missed out on my planned water birth with my second (probably because being at home made us both so relaxed and we thought we'd have loads of time to set up the pool!) and as this will be our last I would really like to try. It's the bit after, on post natal that puts me off. However, like you specky I don't want to have to worry about the older kids. Wish we could all see into the future. I'm only 17 weeks so I still have anomaly scan and plenty of time yet to think it through (with dh of course). I think because he had to get ready to deliver dd before paramedics arrived he is put off by the thought of another home birth.

I went to a stand alone mlu for my first but ended up transferring to the hospital due to meconium and distressed baby. Second birth I was going to the mlu at the hospital due to a retained placenta first time but nearly gave birth at home. Like you, dh had to call ambulance as I needed to push, he had no hope of getting me down the stairs to the car. Paramedics did manage to get me to the birth centre! But no water birth for me either! Midwife said if we have a third she'd recommend a home birth as I have quick, easy labours (first one progressed v quickly to begin with). But I would consider the stand alone unit as it was so nice! Double beds for you to lie in after, a small kitchen, outdoor area. No need to move to a postnatal ward at ours. Can you arra ge to visit the unit again and take a list of questions? Maybe the parents of friends of the dc could be roped in to collect them?