Have been told I can't have a home birth

[jade1978]

Booked in with midwife just over a week ago, and mentioned I would like a homebirth for number 5 as had one for number 4 which was problem free. She seemed fine about it. However, when my scan date came through a few days later it said I had a consultant appointment which I thought was odd as have had 4 problem free pregnancies and births. Anyway after having scan I saw the consultant who said that because baby no 5 the birth will be high risk and a homebirth isn't an option. I really had my heart set on a homebirth in June, and know I can put my foot down and insist but because she used the words 'high risk' it has me worried even though I hate the thought of a hospital birth and being away from my other children. Just hoping someone really may have been through this/had homebirth for no 5.

So is the reason for not allowing a HB only because this is your 5th child?

my friend had HB for her 5th girl (aged 38)

what? high risk because its your fifth? that makes no sense whatsoever.

She herself is a midwife

Bollocks, you can have a homebirth. Make an appointment with the director of midwifery at your hospital and tell her you want a homebirth. As long as you are aware of the risks they can't refuse to attend you. If you get stuck, contact AIMS and ask them to support you.

In theory for every child over (is it?) three, the risks actually increase... so presumably that is the problem, but she needs to explain to you exactly what those are, and then youa re in a position to make a decision as to whether you agree/ think it's pertinent to you.

Good luck!

J

so they have not made this judgement call based on your baby?s health, size, position in the womb?? Just on pure statistics? That is crap. I would ask for specific risks that explain their judgement call and ask how they relate and are seen within this pregnancy. I hope your MW is decent and able to either explain the reasons carefully to you and show how they relate to this baby specifically, or is willing to stick her neck out and support your wishes.

Good luck

you can have a home birth if you wan. I had one despite being 'high risk'. I'd had 3 c-sections and number 4 was a homebirth.
Call AIMS.

agree with everyone else... there are increased risks to birth when you have a lot of babies.. there is more risk of baby presenting breech for example, and more risk of a a PPH . BUT, it is your call to make and if you make an infomred decision to give birth at home, you can do that

www.aims.org.uk is a good resource

I agree, they need to explain the risks to you and let you make your own decision. If you've already had four problem free pregnancies and births, then I understand why you expect this one to be the same.

It's interesting that the risk of PPH increases with every birth you have. I had my second and third babies at home and bled a lot with both of them, and my doctor (who has had a home birth herself) has advised that if I have another baby I should go to hospital because I am now classified as 'high risk'. So for me there is a specific reason why I would need to deliver in hospital, but I don't see why you should if you have never had any problems.

Hi
thanks for your replies, need to research I think. Seeing my midwife in two weeks so will discuss it with her she seemed ok when I mentioned it at my last appointment. It just seems weird to my that number 4 is fine but number 5 was a definate no no.

Go here and click on 'you can't have a homebirth because....' for some facts and figures!