Home birth - opinions ?

[thelittlesausage]

Hi

I am considering a home birth using a pool and Hypnobirthing . I live a 10min drive from the hospital.

This is my first baby.

What are people's thoughts/ experiences - both good and bad?

Thanks in advance :)

So we are having a homebirth. We are also very near to the hospital and have done a hypnobirthing course too. I’ve bought a birthing poool and completely understand that if it goes tits up that i’ll Need to be transferred.
However, the midwifes that have been round for my home appointments have said that in our area this only happens 20% of the time with first time mums. The appointments have been great, less rushed and better care than at my doctors surgery and the type of midwife you seem to get is so on board with having a calm positive birth. My husband and I have been really impressed. Our hospital also runs antenatal class for those who are preparing for homebirth.
The only thing I would say is that the financial outlay is more as you need to buy or rent your own birth pool and have towels and waterproof coverings for furniture etc..
they bring everything else like gas and air and resuscitation equipment.
The midwife said I could get a prescription for Pethidene if I wanted it... I’m not keen but might have it on standby in case it gets too much.
You will get all the scaremongering peeps telling you it dangerous but if you live near a hospital it’s no more dangerous than being at a birthing unit. In fact the recent study shows you are far more likely to have a less complicated birth. We shall see... I’m being sensible about it and I wouldn’t risk the health of my baby or mine for that matter.

It's obviously completely up to you when weighing up the pros and cons but personally, for a first baby, I wouldn't.

I think it can be a shock to a lot of first time moms, myself most definitely included, how unpredictable labour can be and how much not to "plan" it can go! If you need instrumentation to help baby out for example, even 10 mins away it's going to be difficult to get out of the house and to the hospital when you're pushing.

Either way, I'd be prepared for a back up plan just incase, for example, your waters break and you don't experience contractions for 24 hours. In that case you'd have to go to hospital anyway as you'd need to be hooked up to antibiotics. I set my heart on a certain type of birth naively and it went so far the other way.

Whatever you decide and however baby arrives, good luck.

Had both mine at home - first one I was aged 36. Also 10 mins from hospital. All fine. I was aware that I could have needed to transfer, but my midwife said that usually it happens when the mother herself asks for it, e.g a long birth where she's tired out and wants intervention. Go for it, it was s great experience!

Tried to have my first at home, transferred after 40 or so hrs due to failure to progress beyond 7cm. Was a great experience and when it was time to transfer I knew we had done what we could and it was the only option, I had a wee cry but it was easy to accept. At home all I needed was tens and showers/baths, the pain was all totally manageable. Being in hospital was a lot harder and I’m just awaiting my second baby arriving, hopefully at home this time.

We are about 15m away from hospital and my midwife went through all of the common things that could go wrong and how they would handle them. She said that the majority of them would be managed in the same way, for example if you had to be rushed for emergency theatre, it would take a similar amount of time to get everyone ready and scrubbed up as it would take you to get there by ambulance.

Like pp said, some people will give you their worries, and that’s fine you’ve asked for opinions, but I would advise that if you decide to go for it, try not to come into contact with people who are really worried about it. When you are pregnant you are particularly sensitive and for any birth to go well you need to feel secure, safe and confident. Often people mean well but just need to vent their own fears rather than supporting you. This time we have not told MIL we are attempting a hb again as her anxiety was very difficult to cope with last time.

I'm 37w with no 3 and planning my first home birth. My rule is - if I need to be admitted for any monitoring etc before the birth I'll change my plan. Dd1 had reduced movements and dd2 a racing heart beat. Dd1 needed o2 after birth and dd2 had meconium! This one is behaving so I'm so ready for home!

The weirdest thing I've experienced, is just how against it everyone is. I just ignore them, my body, my choice!

I had a homebirth with a pool for my first. I was low risk with no complications, and live less than 2 miles from the hospital.

I had quite a long labour, 24 hours of early, 8 hours of active and then then close to 3 hours of pushing - lots of hospitals will move you from MLU to delivery at 1.5 hours and intervene after 2, but I was coping and the baby was fine. I have no pelvic floor damage, so feel like I probably avoided what would have been unnecessary intervention. I had two midwives at that point, so was being very closely watched!

I’m also planning a home birth for my current pregnancy. We now have a dedicated, case loading homebirth team so I’ll meet all 4 midwives beforehand, all appointments are at home and I won’t see endless different people like I did last time. Hugely appealing.

I think the main thing is accepting that you may need to transfer, and making sure that home birth is right for you. My main reason was knowing I’d be more comfortable after a horrible night on the ward under observation. While feeling comfortable won’t prevent every problem that can arise during labour, evidence shows that it goes a long way.

Your body, your choice. But please don’t listen to the bollocks that midwives spout about being able to get to theatre just as quickly. It’s just not true. If you’re in hospital and you need a category one section you can have baby out in under ten minutes, sometimes quicker. In many areas you’d be really lucky to get an ambulance that soon, then you have to get to hospital, get to labour ward, get checked in, be assessed and get to theatre. Statistically home births are safe, and it may be absolutely the right thing for you, but you need to have a king hard think about the worst possible outcomes and whether or not you’d blame yourself for your choice should the worst happen. Shit happens wherever people give birth, just be sure you’re ok with the potential consequences of your decision. I think it’s slightly different for a second or subsequent birth if the first one was straightforward.

Had an amazing first birth at home. Provided you’re low risk and have a back up plan, it’s a wonderful option - I felt relaxed in my own home with all my things around me and you really can’t beat sitting in your own bed after.

I would not have a home birth due to all the mess. There was so much blood everywhere when I gave birth in the pool at hospital. When I got out it was everywhere- all over floor bathroom (had a shower straight away, put a pad on). This would definitely put me off.

Also I needed help establishing breastfeeding - I wouldn’t have got that at home.

Sorry- should have said I needed sustained support for establishing bf over a couple of days- not initiating it. I wouldn’t have been able to breastfeed without it.

Your choice and I think home births in theory are a wonderful idea but I wouldn’t personally risk it.

That’s purely me projecting because I’ve had two deliveries that were life or death and it all happened very rapidly, that ten minute drive to hospital could have been the difference between me and the baby surviving or not.

I think every woman should make the right choice for them, your body, your baby, your choice.

I'd push back on the idea that they could do a section in the same time frame as if you were in hospital though, I can't see how that can possibly be the case.

When I was in hospital (big bleeds due to low lying placenta) they told me in the event of an abruption or haemorrhage they could have the baby delivered inside 8 minutes. I really can't see that being possible with a home birth.

I planned to have a home birth but my waters broke with meconium in them and I was whisked away to hospital in a taxi and put on a drip to induce labour. It wasn’t the birth I planned as I was hooked up to monitors and stuff but I was fairly philosophical about it (and completely high on gas and air.)

I actually had a great labour and was out of hospital very quickly. My home birth midwife said I would have done fine at home, which was annoying as this was my one and only baby.

If you’re fit and healthy and you want a home birth you should go for one. I guess don’t set your whole heart into wanting one and be prepared for plan b. Ignore the naysayers. Chances of things going right are much higher than going wrong. There aren’t enough positive birth stories out there.

I wanted home birth with my youngest (now 11m) I was given the go ahead and had all the pack and house ready. My waters went and then contractions started. Rang hospital. Short staffed. Only one on call midwife. Had to go in. Was gutted. Don't want to ruin it for you but keep in mind you may find yourself in a position like I was. Hopefully not though. Good luck

I'm hopefully having a Home birth. I'm 39+1 today with DC3. My midwife has been amazing and really reassured myself and my DH who was particularly anxious.
She explained with Home birth that if there is an inkling that something is wrong they will call for an ambulance to transfer. They won't let things wait. I'm really hoping I get my home birth but the main thing for me is safe arrival of my baby. So will be fine if we end up in hospital!

I haven't even considered it (first baby) as if something traumatic happens I don't want it to be in my home as I'd never be able to escape it.

I planned for a home birth for my first, with hypnobirthing. I too live very close to hospital.

It didn't work out for me as my heart rate was high so I had to be transferred to hospital, but that was after doing the first 7 hours at home with the midwife, which were lovely and relaxed. To be honest though, once I got to hospital (after initially being upset about the transfer) I still had a really relaxed birth.

I'm glad I tried for a home birth and will definitely try again next time.

I planned a home birth for my first but unfortunately I had a minor abdrubtion to my placenta at 38 weeks so had to go in to hospital. I still used all the active labour methods and my hypnobirthing though and (other than them having to monitor the bleed, which wasn't serious) I had a very relaxed, speedy birth. I was gutted I didn't get to have a home birth but these tho t's happen. I'm planning another home birth with baby number 2 (due in 4 weeks) so hopefully this time round it'll go to plan, as I now live in Austria, where CS rates are ridiculously high in hospital as it's all consultant led (not midwife led like in UK) and they get bored of waiting! I'd rather avoid major stomach surgery if it's not actually needed! My sister in law had both of their daughters at home with no problems. Whatever you decide, just be prepared for things to not go to plan (Just as you would be in hospital). Good luck, whatever you decide.

I had a home birth for my first at 39 years old.

I was considered low risk throughout my pregnancy and I live 5 mins from the hospital. Crucially for me, I also had an extra scan at 36 weeks so baby's position was known (or at least heavily indicated as optimal ie not breech or back to back, engaged correctly).

I was looked after by a home birth team of midwives with continuous care although initially I planned to go to hospital to MW-led suite with my one of my MWs accompanying me (that’s the care model based on continuity of care that was available to me - South London hospital). This really worked for me as I went from being quite birth anxious to really engaging with my body and the process through coaching and support. Did the hypnobirthing exercises which helped immensely.

As it happened, my labour had a slow build up so my midwives told me to stay at home until I get into active labour. Once I did though, the transition was fast and by the time one of them made it to to the house, I was ready to push and DD made her appearance in 20 mins. I had meconium in the waters too but baby wasn’t distressed so we just got on with it at home.

Didn’t have a pool but spent most of my time in the bath. On reflection, I wish I had a pool because water was the only place where I felt remotely comfortable.

The thing that made a difference to me was that my trusted female friend was there. First of all she acted as relief for DP (my labour lasted 2 days and 3 nights from first twinge and losing the plug to birth) so it was a marathon. Additionally, when DP was trying to get me to tell him the intensity of my contractions so he could put it in an app that counted them, she just knew where I was at without asking because a. She’s a woman so a phrase “like a bad period cramp” made sense to her b. she’s given birth too. And was a sensible calm influence throughout. And she filmed the moment of birth which is the best thing ever! If you have someone like this you could have there with you, I’d recommend it heartily.

Didn’t have a pool but spent most of my time in the bath. On reflection, I wish I had a pool because water was the only place where I felt remotely comfortable.

The thing that made a difference to me was that my trusted female friend was there. First of all she acted as relief for DP (my labour lasted 2 days and 3 nights from first twinge and losing the plug to birth) so it was a marathon. Additionally, when DP was trying to get me to tell him the intensity of my contractions so he could put it in an app that counted them, she just knew where I was at without asking because a. She’s a woman so a phrase “like a bad period cramp” made sense to her b. she’s given birth too. And was a sensible calm influence throughout. And she filmed the moment of birth which is the best thing ever! If you have someone like this you could have there with you, I’d recommend it heartily.

Ps. There was one point at which the MW on duty went AWOL due to crap NHS phone issues and labour ward was offering an ambulance. Couldn’t think of a worse thing than being moved at that particular point (DD’s head was making it down the birth canal by then) so the transfer although available seemed like a total nightmare. Thankfully the MW resurfaced swiftly - thanks to my female friend who did all the communications with hospital in a proactive and assertive way (not sure DP was up to that especially by that point) so double thumbs up for an additional birth partner there.

I had a lovely home birth for my first. To reassure you about one of the points made by a pp, there was honestly no mess. The midwives put down absorbant sheets and pads and clean up. My house looked no different.

My feeling is that if you are healthy and everything is going to plan, it is a shame to make a decision based on an absolutely minuscule risk of needing emergency surgery with zero warning. There are almost always some indicators that things aren’t going to plan, and then you’d be transferred. Even in that hugely hugely unlikely instance that there is a sudden emergency, the chance that the 10 mins travel will be catastrophic is even more minuscule. It’s a personal choice but generally in life we don’t live with rare, absolute worst case scenarios in mind. If we did we’d never take our babies in a car, for example. Of course, it’s about what makes each woman feel most comfortable, but that’s just my personal perspective.

You’re really close to a hospital, and if things aren’t moving or there’s any problem, you’ll be transferred. Home birth is a very safe option in the UK.

There are loads of great things about a home birth. I felt relaxed and comfortable, which allowed me to labour without panic. I felt that being in a more relaxed environment allowed things to progress naturally. I also didn’t want pain relief - particularly epidural - due to the link with slower labour and the increased risk of intervention. Being at home, pain relief isn’t really an option, so you just cope. If I’d been in a hospital there is no question I’d have demanded all the pain relief going, in the heat of labour! I was glad not to have the option. I feel that the care you receive at home is more personal and focussed. You will have one or two midwives with you throughout your active labour. They don’t leave and they aren’t splitting their time with other patients. Their focus is you, and they are there the whole way, which can be very different to a hospital set up where staff are in and out. Because it’s your home you will possibly feel freer to pace and walk and be active. You can have things set up how you like, don’t have to share a bathroom with other women (I know not everyone does in hospital, but some do), and will generally be more comfortable. All things that I appreciated and that helped my labour along, I believe.

I loved it, would recommend it and would do it again given the option.

As others have said, I think you have to keep an open mind that plans might change, as they often can, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be hopeful that you’ll have a problem-free birth. Be realistic and don’t go into it thinking it’s the only way - hospital might end up being best for you and baby on the day. But lots of women have straightforward births, and approaching birth with positivity and without panic can only be a good thing.

Good luck!

Your choice ultimately but I wouldn't, ever, especially not for a first pregnancy. A woman died at a previous hospital I worked at delivering at home. Not worth the risk to the woman or the baby imo, ever. Fine if everything goes normal and to plan but when shit goes wrong in childbirth it can go wrong very quickly.

I had a fantastic home birth with my first and planning a home birth with my second. Hospital birth would be my nightmare. I live within 5 miles of three hospitals (closest is a major city hospital with large neonatal intensive care unit). There is no sharing your midwife with another mum. I didn't opt for a pool, but I could have done.

The birth place cohort study (a huge research study done in - I think - 2012) is a really useful read about the relative risks/safety of place of birth choices. For a low risk primip, birth at home is statistically as safe for the woman as hospital, and only marginally more risky for the baby (the numbers are still extremely small). For subsequent low risk births it is safer for both.

It’s also important to remember that midwives will transfer at the first inkling of a problem developing - the vast, vast majority of problems have something that preceded them. They won’t take any risks and will advise an early transfer.

Ultimately being in a place that you are comfortable and relaxed will help the physiological process of labour and mean that interventions (which bring their own risks) are less likely to be needed. If that’s what you want to do, then go for it and enjoy!

*2017 not 2012. Oops!