Hi, as I've read so many threads on here about women who have been dismissed by their midwives when they have requested a homebirth (which is awful!), I just wanted to tell my story to show there are midwives out there who are fantastic and supportive!
I live in Northampton and when I was first pregnant and I met with my midwife she asked my thoughts on where I would prefer to give birth and I without hesitation said "hospital" of course in my mind at that time threre was no other place you could give birth...
However after attending parent craft classes which my midwife took, we discussed labour and how to make it as natural as possible and how to cope and stay at home as long as possible. It was very clear that if pregancy had been normal, she was very pro allowing birth to be as natural as it can be and with minimum intervention.
We have now taken the decision to book a homebirth, however we are open to the fact that this is my first child and despite all the preparation, I just might not cope and may need to transfer, I will not beat myself up about it!
My midwife has been fantastic, she has visited the house and spent an hour discussing everything. I get a real sense of belief from her, she is so positive that I can do it, it has empowered me to believe it too!
Sorry this was a bit of a marathon, but really wanted to tell this story to show there can be positive situations, I'll let you know how it goes - I'm 37 weeks tomorrow.