What's so wrong with a homebirth?

[FruitynNutty]

Whenever I tell people I'm hoping for a homebirth I always expect lots of support. However, almost every person I've told this to has looked at me in horror and basically think I'm putting the baby and myself at too much risk How can that be? I've heard so many homebirth stories which have all been nothing but positive experiences. Plus if the midwife was to ask for an ambulance it can be at mine and back to the hospital in 6 minutes flat so what's the problem? I just need a bit of support and encouragment FGS Even DP thinks I'm a nutjob

Oh, and planning homebirth for dc3 due in feb. Can't wait.

The 'aren't you brave' comments do rankle though. I spent years in and out of hospital as a child for chronic asthma and while I love hospitals I feel they are somewhere you go when ill to get better. Childbirth isn't an illness!

I had DD at home - she was my first, 9lb 12 and breech! I did have to transfer into hospital a couple of hours after the birth to get stitched up from a 2nd degree tear, but I'd still repeat it tomorrow.

From my experience, a lot of people perceive childbirth as a medical procedure and hence think you should be in hospital for it - lots of "but what if..." questions got asked. What is rarely discussed are the additional risks you incur by being in hospital.

The National Birthday Trust study attempted to compare all women planning a hombirth in 1994 with comparable women planning a hospital birth They had around 5000 women in each group. To be in the "homebirth" group, women still had to be planning a homebirth at 37 weeks. They found that by planning a homebirth you halve your risk of needing a section or assisted delivery and required less pain relief. Babies were generally in better condition and required less ressusitation of any description. Breastfeeding rates were higher. Stillbirths and neonatal deaths did occur, but at below the national average and there were too few to make a valid statistical comparison.

In answer to Dragonbutter's question - they found that the babies of women that transferred to hospital from a planned homebirth were in the poorest condition of 3 considered groups (best was planned and completed homebirth, then planned hospital birth). However, there isn't a comparison with the condition of babies born in hospital to mothers requiring assistance, which would be more meaningful.

There is a more recent study out (sorry - can't remember the link) that had a different conclusion, but they did not differentiate between planned homebirth and unplanned homebirth (either very fast or mothers in denial) and made some big guestimates for some of their statistics. The study has drawn a lot of criticism because of this. There is more research currently underway (or planned very soon) that hopes to address some of these issues.

At the end of the day its a very personal decision based on how you feel the risks of home and hospital birth compare for you and your family.

That said, DH is now a firm believer in homebirth and we'd both recommend them to anyone .

Good luck

I'm planning a homebirth, but not telling many people - certainly not any parents (they live a long way away so won't know about anything till it's all over anyway!). All my friends that I've told are really positive about it, but yes I think parents and family would react as though I was endangering their grandchild.

I think it's much of a muchness - the statistics say that it's just as safe, and while there will be babies born at home who die or are disabled when they may not have been in hospital, there will also be babies born in hospital who contract infections and die or are disabled that may have been fine at home. You take a risk whatever you do, and it's a horrible decision to make, but almost everyone who has had a home birth seems to be really positive about that decision.

Plus, we're about five minutes drive from our hospital, and my husband has medical training - and I know that if anything starts to look remotely risky, both him and the midwife will advise transferring and I'll go happily.

I think a lot of people just don't know anything about homebirth. I thought I was pretty clueful but until my SIL1 told me last December she was having a homebirth and exactly what that meant, I didn't realise that a midwife came to you and stayed until everything was all over. Once I knew that a homebirth was different from freebirthing, it seemed much more sensible!

Now I've had antenatal classes and done a lot of reading, I know that while there are reasons why you might need to transfer to hospital, in almost all cases there's plenty of warning and it shouldn't be a problem if you can get to said hospital in under half an hour. So I strongly considered homebirth for #1 (due in 4 weeks), although in the end decided that for me personally, I'll be more relaxed in my local hospital (3 stars for cleanliness, near home, know it well), than in my house (currently a building site).

I suspect the 'aren't you brave' comments might be because you can't have an epidural at home? I've had half a dozen women tell me to just go to hospital and demand an epidural immediately and 'don't faff about with the pain, because you shouldn't have to.' Personally I'm more nervous of an epi than the pain, but having not been there yet I do like the idea of having an epi available downstairs if I get too exhausted (I'm hoping to stay in the MLU if possible).

Hi,

I'm joining in a little late but i havent had much support either! I think because it is our first......i get "oh lovely" from people then they look at me funny and change the subject! Does get me upset at times!

We've made it clear, we're not going to be silly with it - if theres a problem, then we'll abandon ship but whats the harm in hoping for an easy/natural birth? None!

Good luck to everyone trying for their homebirth!

Good luck to all those planning a home birth. As AtheneNoctua said above though, it wouldn't be for me, for lots of reasons that I'm sure you have considered.

The one thing that slightly bugs me about some of the home birthers is that it is possible to have a very positive hospital experience too. I too was in my own bed within 6 hours of a drug free birth with wonderfully supportive midwives. When I inquired before having my baby how quick I could leave afterwards I was assured that "this is a hospital, not a prison" and I could leave whenever I wanted.

Interestingly my midwife this time round is very keen to push (pardon the pun) for a home birth, and asks me every time I see her if I have changed my mind. Due to this I'm always surprised that there are midwives spoken of on these threads who are not supportive of home births.

Theochris - completely agree with you there too. Ds2 was an amazing hos birth. Had a lovely relaxing room, dimmed lights, sofas etc even a stereo and tv! I was only there for 45mins before I had him but it was so lovely I actually enjoyed it

I too was home 6hrs later, which was much less relaxing as I had my entire family waiting. (NEVER again!!)

Whatever you decide is best for you just go for it. Either way it will be the best moment of your life, meeting your new baby

I've not read the whole thread but found people mostly said to me that I was brave. This usually comed from people who have needed epidurals, caesareans, or have had really arduous labours. Obviously if those are your circumstances you would think people are brave for having an HB.

My Mum actually gave me the worst comments. You jusr have to be strong. ALso most people don't know the facts about HB so think you are taking risks through ignorance

Good luck

I'd have had DC1 at home if I hadn't been scare-mongered into going to hospital by my mother. And I am sure that had I not had my two experienced birthing-partners with me it would have been a very different experience with intervention.

Subsequently I've had 3 HBs, each one better than the last. My DP is all for them - he is in his comfort zone and doesn't feel surplus to requirements as he does in hospital. A lot of people say "what about the mess?" Don't know about that, the MWs have always done a fantastic job cleaning up. And there's nothing better than snuggling up with new baby, in your own bed, having cleaned up in your own shower, and a cuppa in your own mug.

I think if you think you want a homebirth, then prepare for one. You can change your mind at any time and go in to hospital at any point, but you can't decide for a HB once you're in hospital.

Goodluck.

Foxy is right.....you can plan a homebirth and switch to a hospital one if it isnt right. You can't have a homebirth if you're in hospital and find it isnt right for you.

Im agreement with them all, home births, hospitals, midwife run units. I think it is an individual choice and no one should be frowned upon for any of the options above. My family has scared me about the homebirth - i was completely un-decided until i spoke to a woman my DP works with who had her 1st in hosp, 2nd at home. She gave me what i wanted - a view of both births. She was happy with the hosp and home one and therefore didnt sway me either way but she acutally told me WHAT happens in both scenarios so i could make up my mind with what i'd be happy with. Hence my decision for HB.....

It is individual!

My DW had DC1 at home. I must admit I wasn't a big fan of the idea initially. DW has MS and I was concerned about the effects the stress of birth would have on her etc, but was persuaded that she'd be more relaxed to start with having a HB. We are also only 4 mins from Kings in South London. DW's neurologist had absolutely no issues with a HB and was amused that his maternity colleagues might think it was a problem.

My family are all medics and they were politely aghast we were even considering it. They told us their concerns and then hushed.

In fact it couldn't have gone better. No drugs, in a pool, at home, me in the pool to help and cut the cord etc. Perfect - even with the builders there mending a leaking water pipe under the floor. They went to fetch flowers!

DC2 expected in december, homebirth number 2 planned.

Thomsc, thats a nice story - esp the builders!

Thank you so much for all your experiences and opinions

I had my booking in appointment yesterday and to my horror was told the midwife team I've been placed with do not offer home visits or home births I am furious to say the least. The midwife was really nice so I didn't lay into her but I will be contacting the management.
Apparently you are placed with a team depending on where you live. People from outside the borough are usually placed with the team I am with. Yes, I'm out of the borough but I'm only just in the next borough. The hospital is a 5 minute drive from me, all other hospitals are much further away.
A bit odd when I know 3 people who live 5 minutes walk from me who all had HB's with St.Georges.

Don't suppose anyone wants to help me write a stinking letter do they?
GGrrrrrrrr

FruityNutty - I'm so and for you.

Best advice is to talk to AIMS and/or post and ask for advice on the homebirthUK mail group.

I'm sure if you're persistent enough you will get a homebirth, just very you have to fight for it.

Fingers crossed you get it sorted.

Thanks Tangle I'll need all the crossed fingers I can get.

Oh and thanks for the link, just going to have a peak now

why not just change hospitals? so you get a different team, then tell them you want a hb arranged. you can always turn up at your nearest hospital if you decide on a hospital birth in the end - they all seem to close their doors and send women halfway across counties constantly when it suits them

I have thought about doing this, I think it'll be a last straw. The thing is, I'm a Childminder so being able to walk to my hospital with the children is quite handy for appointments as I haven't got enough suitable seats in my car to drive them.

I think I'm more angry about the choice being taken away from me rather than the actual HB. Especially when 3 of my friends (who live literally around the corner from me) have had wonderful HB's with the same hospital.

I really think that AIMS is your first port of call.

I had 2 great HB's open minded about what would happen in reality but knew what we wanted in our "best case scenario" and that was to be in the birthing pool at home.

sorry you are going to end up with a tangle with the hospital but it is worth talking to them further.
GOOD LUCK