homebirth
hi is there anyone out there that has experienced a homebirth my second daughter is due in june and im seriously thinking about a homebirth this time rather than being in hospital i would just like to chat to other mums that have been there and done it and have any advice for me thanx
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After 2 awful hospital forceps deliveries we were at home, in our own environment, in peace and calm with just the most wonderful midwife who left me undisturbed in the pool with no examinations to experience the most amazingly surreal birth of my daughter. I had no pain relief, I felt so in control being at home and there was no hospital rules to adhere too such as restricted visiting.
Our boys (aged 5 and 4) came home an hour after the birth to meet their new sister and despite having to go briefly to the hospital to be stitched (I had two episiotimies with the boys so tore with a 3rd big baby), we were back home in 2 hours and had our first night all together in my own bed which was wonderful.
Would I recommend a home birth? YES YES YES!!!
It is also easier not to have to worry about what will happen to your daughter as if need be she can be there too -although ideally you will have this lo in the middle of the night and she will sleep through it then wake up to meet her new sister or I would advise some back up if possible of someone who could look after her. We had no relatives nearby who could look after the boys and despite wanting to plan care for them we couldn't so it was fortunate that they were at school and nursery when I went into labour and a friend picked them up and took them to their swimming lesson!
As it was a water birth there was no real mess.
As homgif says, even if you end up having to go in, most people that start at home have a much better experience overall and at least the midwife comes to you at the start.
What area do you live in? I went to a fantastic NCT home birth group where I got loads of support and am now running one myself. Maybe there is one near you where you could discuss it with others. How does your oh feel?
Anyway, hope some of this helps xx
I would def go for a planned home birth next time, we are currently trying to conceive our fourth child.
My third child was induced early because of what happened with my daughter and I very nearly had to have an emergency section because he was distressed, I find it very hard not to feel guilty about the fact my son was distressed during his birth.
My homebirth, even though it was unplanned, went very smoothly, it was messy but that was because we were totally unprepared.
My daughter was born at around 1.30 am, I bathed in my own bathroom, was examined on my own bed, my daughter was fast asleep in her basket and the house was empty by 4.00am.
In all, a great experience but I will def be prepared next time!!!!
Big love and good luck. x
Just be aware that you might (but hopefully not) be advised against a home birth because of your previous instrumental delivery which my hospital said was policy - but I stuck to my guns and had a very supportive midwife. I'm convinced I would have ended up with another forceps delivery if I'd been in hospital.
Can you tell me the details of the home birth group you've been given? I'm in Kent too and it's useful to be able to pass on details of other groups to people who are closer to them. Are you booked at Medway hospital?
I'm really glad you've decided to go for it - all 6 of the mums at our home birth group had the home births we wanted xx
I am also considering a home birth, haven't had a chance to talk to my midwife about it yet but I was wondering if someone who has been through a homebirth could answer a couple of questions for me...
How did you go about organising a birthing pool? Did you buy or hire one, and was it very expensive? Do you need a lot of space for a water birth? (we live in a 3-bed maisonette- it's not tiny, but I wouldn't exactly call it spacious either!) Where can I find out about homebirth support groups? Are there any details on the NCT website, or is it best to ask the mw?
Hope you can help.. thanks a lot!
Poz - I used to be an agent for a birthing pool hire company and kept two at the end to hire out locally so I used one of those myself. You can either use a solid fibreglass one or an inflatable birth pool in a box. Having tried both I personally felt safer in the solid one which also has a step inside which I used in labour to lean on and hubbie sat on when he got in behind me but it is obviously down to personal choice. I have hired the solid ones to people with very small spaces in flats so I am sure you will be able to fit it in somewhere. We had ours in the conservatory which was lovely with the sun shining through the roof. We had problems getting blinds fitted but fortunately they were done 2 weeks before lo arrived! Just google in birthing pools and compare the prices but they are all pretty similar in cost. Just beware of delivery costs.
You could ask your midwife about support groups or contact your local NCT. If there are none locally (I'm sure there will be) I'm sure you can get plenty of support on here. I'm happy to answer any questions. Hope that helps xx
Good luck to everyone planning it!!
Sam xx
My waters broke in the morning although I was only trickling all morning - we put plastic sheets down nearly everywere(you can get them from B&Q or your hospital may provide some - check with your midwife) then I was in the study which was the only room we hadn't covered with sheets, stood up and there was a massive gush all over the chair and carpet. We still have the chair and 10 months on there is no evidence of anything!
Don't worry about the neighbours becuase if you do it might delay your labour - even if you are noisy it doesn't matter, they will either knock and ask you to be quiet then be embarressed when they see a naked woman in labour - only joking! or probably not hear anything anyway. I was quite noisy for the last 1/2 hour and as it was 6pm most neighbours were home from work but no-one heard anything - they were just excited to see the baby!
You don't really need to prepare anything apart from personal things such as music, soft lighting, candles, snacks for you and midwives, blankets that can be warm when lo arrives, video on tripod!....
Hope that helps xx
lindsayh - I know exactly how you feel - I was so excited about the birth and it was because I knew I was having her at home. Have a great time and let us know how it goes. xx
I needed a stool and strong arms to get me in and out - make sure there is someone to help you.
Every single thing about our home birth was so brilliant - I remember it all so vividly and love watching the video. I really hope yours is just as fantastic! xx