Can't decide whether to have a Home birth or a hospital birth?

[mumsiebumsie]

Hi all,

I'm really looking for advice from ladies who have previously struggled, or are still struggling between the decision to have a Home Birth or Hospital Birth.

My midwife is really keen on home births and I like the idea. She says I'm low risk so there's no reason why a Home Birth wouldn't go very smoothly.

Also I really hate hospitals, I feel panicky just going for my antenatal appointments. But ultimately I want to do what's best for the baby - and wonder if I'm being selfish and depriving the child from medical equipment it may require just because I want to get in my own bed afer the birth?

Am only 16 weeks so decision isn't vital now (I don't think) but really want to know what I'm doing.

Any advice, opinions or experience greatly received.

TIA

MB

I've made up my mind. Will opt for Home Birth in hope that all works out okay.

Will definitely buy lots of plastic sheeting as I can't afford to re-carpet that's for sure!

sparkle12mar08 - you sound remarkably calm about what seems like 2 really scary births! But it's testament to the skill of the MW's that all turned out fine. I really like my MW - she's very calm which is just the kind of person I need as I'm really stressed about this pregnancy.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

You've hit the nail right on the head - they weren't 'scary' as such precisely because my midwives were absolutely bloody amazing. I was lucky first time round in that one of them was the lady I'd seen at all my antenatal appointments so I knew her well, but second time round I'd not met the lady who arrived. It's nice to build up a relationship but you can't guarantee who you get, which is why I also think it's important to believe in yourself, and do all you can to mentally support yourself too. I know you can't 'make' a birth turn out one way or another whether at hopital or home, just by ones mental attitude. But you can try and approach things as positively as you can, and I remain convinced that it helps. So something like hypnobirthing techniques might be something for you to investigate, and might help with your feelings of stress and uncertainty?

I'll look into that - have heard it mentioned on MN but am not keen on anything that actually involves me being hypnotised or going into a trance etc. However from what I'd heard that isn't the case - more a matter of learning to cope with stress? I think I'll take a look as as the months go by the stress I'm feeling is increasing - I don't want that to hinder the baby in anyway. Thank you for the advice.