Planning for an unplanned home birth!

[ToastedSesame]

My first labour was 4h total so I'm freaking out that my next one will be shorter. I'm 29 weeks so a way to go yet but my midwife has advised I choose the MLU which is 11 mins from my house rather than the moan hospital which is 25 mins.

My DH does not drive (I do) which further complicates matters so I've decided to prepare a little bit in case a home birth is on the cards.

Can anyone advise what I should have ready? I've got two cheap shower curtains that I can put down and I've asked family to donate old towels. Anything else practical?

Any advice about mental preparation also welcome!

Sorry I can't really offer any help other than say I'm in a similar situation myself. My first one was born within about 6 hours from first contraction, I drive but my husband doesn't, hospital is a distance away.

I've arranged it so I can call my FIL at any time and he should get me in about 30-40 minutes, plus getting to the hospital is another 30 minutes. I'm just hoping an hour or so would be enough.

Don't fancy a homebirth, I needed lots of stitches and was close to having an assisted birth.

Shame my local hospital was downgraded, no idea how women without family help can deal in these situations.

I had 2 homebirths - both planned. I had a pool and gave birth in there.
Didn't need much. A few towels and then just the usual stuff you need for a birth. Snacks etc.
I would highly recommend it, you can get into your bed after with your new baby - goodluck x

I have had a home birth. It was lovely. Mine was for the same reason. Dc2 we only made it to the mlu with 2 minutes to spare. They recommended home birth for dc3 as they didn't think I would make it to the mlu.

Pack two bags. One for everything baby needs. I.e. nappies, vests, hat etc. Then DH can just grab it when baby is born and bring it over to you where you are holding the baby.

Second bag is for you. Big pants, maternity pads, comfy outfit. Include pyjamas, phone charger and snacks just in case you have to be transferred to hospital.

GET A SOFT DARK COLOURED TOWEL. This is after you have washed after given birth. You do not want a rough towel on your tender private parts and you will bleed so you want it dark.

Strong bin bag or I used old vacuum pack bags. You don't want it to break. I made a nest of shower curtains with old duvet on the top. I have birth and afterwards dh scooped it all up, chucked it in the bag and straight in our black him outside. Tag me if you have any questions. If I remember anything else I will post again

Thanks so much for the replies!

oh @Smurftastic really similar! I don't fancy a homebirth either as DS1 was in distress a lot, I lost 2l of blood and he was a forceps delivery in theatre with a spinal block. BUT I am genuinely scared we won't make it to the hospital, so I feel if I can get to the MLU at least they can transfer me by ambulance if needed. Homebirth is my last resort in this case.

@Namechangedzzz Really helpful tips, thank you. I didn't consider the rough-ness of the towel but you are right. Did your midwife (s) manage to get to you before baby came? I'm terrified that baby will arrive before any medical professionals are around.

@ToastedSesame

They made it. I had two midwives. They were super and completely focused on me which was great. One I had met a few times before (she is on the better birth team of midwifes and I had been to a couple of meet the team home birth events) and I had faith that she would transfer me at the first sign of anything going wrong. Dc3 was probably 30 minutes longer than dc2 so I would have made it but never mind. My mum had also came over so she could be with dc1 and dc2 if we needed her to be i.e. if I (or baby) needed transferring but fortunately we didn't.

I loved washing in my own house and eating whatever I wanted afterwards. I felt very relaxed during the actual birth and I think it really helped because dc3 was much bigger (2lb heavier!) than either dc1 and dc2 but I didn't tear at all which I was stunned at.

I would ask for a home birth.
You will then have all the equipment a midwife needs if you have a bleed. Until an ambulance comes. And also in all likelihood 2 midwives totally focussed on keeping you safe.
If you plan for a home birth you can change your mind at any time so if you end up feeling ok to drive to the MLU you can choose to do that.
But if you don't have time you have midwives on call for you and the equipment they need.

My midwife said she’d leave their kit at the house in advance just in case when I was in similar circumstances (except our drive to hospital is an hour !!). They didn’t actually do it in the end but I think that would be a good idea!

@umberellaonesie Thank you that is really helpful information, I wasn't sure how it all works. I am having a tour at my MLU shortly, so I will ask them about it.