Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Has anyone here had a home birth?

5 replies

Purpletopaz42 · 07/02/2023 22:26

I'm considering a home birth but this is my first pregnancy, so I'm not sure if a hospital would be better? Just wondering if anyone here has given birth at home and if you're glad your did or regret it, pros and cons etc? Thank you

OP posts:
Keha · 07/02/2023 22:57

I tried for a home birth with my first. Low risk pregnancy and we live near a major hospital and have a decent home birth team. I laboured at home for a long time but had to go in to hospital in the end because I didn't get fully dilated. I enjoyed the bit at home, felt in control, had undivided attention of two midwives. The transfer in was very smooth and it didn't feel like a terrible thing to go in. I was also happy with my care in hospital. I decided to have my second in the midwife unit because I couldn't be bothered with th faff of hiring a pool, getting all the stuff ready however I think first time round doing those things helped me feel in control. I'm sure you'll get quite a lot of horror story replies on here but I really researched the most recent evidence and felt comfortable with the decision.

breakfastbagel · 08/02/2023 03:12

I had a home birth with my first baby, best experience of my life.

The statistics supporting the safety of home birth are fantastic so don't worry that you're making a 'risky' choice. It is not risky. In fact you are lowering your risk of intervention considerably and this is often where the risk lies.

Not leaving your home in labour really allows all your hormones to do their job without any interruptions.

Having two midwives with you the whole time and looking after only you is brilliant.
If they notice anything abnormal at all they can request a transfer which is quick and easy.

I think the only thing that would make me reconsider a home birth is distance to the hospital - I'd be ok with anything up to 30 mins. That's just a personal choice.

Definitely do an hypnobirthing course to prepare yourself!

I could talk about home birth all day long so any questions I am happy to answer :)

oldmumnewmum · 08/02/2023 08:18

I had a home birth for my second, though my first was 21 years prior, so I was treated like a first time mum, absolutely fantastic experience, no problems, felt very safe, wanted a home birth for my third, but there weren't enough midwives due to COVID, currently pregnant with my fourth and hoping for a home birth, though I'm 41 now, so I guess it depends on how the rest of the pregnancy goes, so far so good, fingers crossed

Definitely look into having a home birth, I was so much more relaxed and felt in control, was lovely when the midwives left and I could just get on with things and sleep in my own bed lol

Parkopedia · 08/02/2023 09:20

I planned a home birth but ended up going into the hospital after 13hours labouring at home with no progress. I truly believe if I had planned the hospital or MLU I would have ended up with a c section or so much more intervention because the labour was so long.

I loved every minute of being at home.

I'd really encourage you to read Milli Hills give birth like a feminist, or the positive birth book (or both!) and a very short book called Why Home Birth Matters by Natalie meddings.

And remember it's your decision, don't be swayed by people who say you're mad, because of the sensationalist stuff they've seen on TV where all births are terrible and end in emergencies. It's just not the case. I can't remember where I read it but what sticks with me is 'humans are the only mammals that build their nest, and then leave it to have their babies'

Best of luck with whatever you choose OP

breakfastbagel · 08/02/2023 13:24

Parkopedia · 08/02/2023 09:20

I planned a home birth but ended up going into the hospital after 13hours labouring at home with no progress. I truly believe if I had planned the hospital or MLU I would have ended up with a c section or so much more intervention because the labour was so long.

I loved every minute of being at home.

I'd really encourage you to read Milli Hills give birth like a feminist, or the positive birth book (or both!) and a very short book called Why Home Birth Matters by Natalie meddings.

And remember it's your decision, don't be swayed by people who say you're mad, because of the sensationalist stuff they've seen on TV where all births are terrible and end in emergencies. It's just not the case. I can't remember where I read it but what sticks with me is 'humans are the only mammals that build their nest, and then leave it to have their babies'

Best of luck with whatever you choose OP

Every word of this.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page