Any Home birthers here ?

[Mum23boys]

I had a homebirth with ds3 and all being well this time intend to do so again using my birth pool. Just wondered if there were any fellow home birthers out there ?

[Sihaya]

I had both of my boys at home in the pool and the next one (and the one after that, and the one after that!) will be a home birth, as well!

[homebirthing princess]

I had a home water birth with ds2 it was such an amazing experience :) fx everything goes well with this baby and I get another dream homebirth :)
Congrats on your pregnancy wishing u a happy and healthy pink 9mths xx

[Northern_Shutterbug]

DS1 was a failed homebirth with me being naive, a midwife who was bossy and couldn't be bothered to wait, and doctors who couldn't be bothered to wait either.

Second time I stood my ground at 42 weeks and refused induction and demanded a homebirth. Midwife refused to come out to which I pointed out I knew my rights and it would be medical negligence if she didn't come out. I want to point out that I was not putting my baby at risk and agreed to daily monitoring, and I knew I'd ovulated 6 days after they were saying I did (I have long babies!) so said I'd go another 6 days before I'd consider induction.

I went for my first monitoring and a sweep at exactly 42 weeks and the nurse went to town. DS2 was born 4 hours later at home. Up until 40 mins before he was born I was in denial but hubby phones midwife to come as he could see things were close - she arrived 20 mins later and I was just starting to push.

I'd love another homebirth but for some reason something is telling me the next should be in hospital! Strange, but if I still feel that way when the time comes ill listen to my gut.

[aroundtheworld]

Hi there. I'm a fellow homebirthing mama. My first child was born in the hospital and it was very typical; stadol, epidural, coached pushing on my back, etc, etc. Thankfully, my daughter was born healthy.

My second child was born in the hospital after laboring at home with my doula until 8 centimeters. I basically went to the hospital and pushed him out for insurance purposes (no medications, no interventions).

My third and fourth children were born in the comfort of my bedroom, with a midwife in attendance, in three hours or less from first contraction to last. I am a very fast laborer. ;)

I am now pregnant with my 5th child and plan to have another homebirth. Unless forced for one reason or another, I won't go back to the hospital for any future births.

[Dreamofpink]

I really envy you ladies. Unfortunately, I've never had any choice with my two, other than c-sections. DS1 was an ECS at 30 weeks due to severe pre-term pre-eclampsia and it was way too dangerous to even consider inducing me as my BP was sky-high. I did try for a VBAC with my second but 36 hours after my waters had gone, I was only 2 cms and not progressing so I had another ECS. I know that I can refuse to have a C-section for no 3 but the risk of a rupture and the fact that I have an untested pelvis, makes me think I ought to play it safe. I'm scared to death of having a rupture next and if it's a boy (and we were both lucky enough to survive) it'd mean no more children at all. So for that reason I'll be opting for a c-section and more aspirin through the pg up to week 36 to prevent Pre-eclampsia. All I ever dreamt of was having a water birth, but it wasn't meant to be and I'm so thankful to still be here with two healthy children! Needless to say, I was rather waspish on my NHS 'birth plan' form, because I believe we have very little control over what happens in pregnancy and to give women the idea that they can have the birth of their wishes is just giving false hope and leads to big feelings of guilt and failing when your plan has to go out the window for the health of you and your baby. I couldn't even cry when I was blue-lighted into hospital as it made my blood-pressure even higher. The nurses couldn't believe that I didn't have double-vision and headaches with it. Sorry to hijack your thread Mum23boys, but it is an issue for me and I SOOOOO wish I could've done it all the proper way. I just get upset by the whole hypno-birthing movement and it really doesn't help that a very close friend of mine is a practioner of it!!

[aroundtheworld]

I'm sorry that you haven't had the births you've desired. I understand the need to "play it safe" when high risk is involved; you cannot and should not be blamed for that. I hope that someday you can attain healing from not being able to experience your dream birth. I know that for many, many women it is a process to get there.

Have you ever considered attending an ICAN (http://www.childbirth.org/section/ICAN.html) meeting? There are plenty of women out there who can relate and it's a great organization to be a part of.

[CherryBlossom]

Ican is amazing!!! And if you're in Australia look up birthrites!

I envy all you ladies!
I live basically in the sticks. About an hour from the hospital. Whilst I like the hospital, I would love a home birth. In my own comfort zone, letting nature take its course. No constant monitoring, no scare tactics, just me, my man, my baby, midwife and maybe a doula. Ahhhh it's a dream!!!!

Can't wait to hear about your upcoming home birth experiences!

[Jadis]

Hi Everyone! I'm also a homebirthing mom :) I had DS1 in hospital and felt that labour and delivery happened TO me and not WITH me. It was cold, sterile and intimidating. There were strangers traipsing in and out of my room, poking and handling my most private parts. When I got pg with DS2, I knew I wanted a different experience! I did my research and had a wonderful home birth with very supportive midwives. If everything looks ok, I'll be planning another home birth for June/13. Good luck to all!

[sbowman]

Not having a home birth unfortunately. But having a water birth in a hospital, attended by a CNM. I'm really looking forward to it. :)

[stillwanttwomore]

No, and i never would do it!!


Not having a home birth unfortunately. But having a water birth in a hospital, attended by a CNM. I'm really looking forward to it. :)

[Jadis]

To each their own, I guess. I've had both and certainly preferred my homebirth to my hospital birth!

[aroundtheworld]

No, and i never would do it!!

This seemed unnecessary.

[Mum23boys]

No, and i never would do it!!

WHY ? Have u looked into it or are you far from hospital ? Each to their own but there is nothing to be scared of

[Mrs_P]

Its something i really wanted with ds3 and planned it all with my midwife but i ran into complications and ended up in hospital due to bleeding. Its not something i would do with this baby to be honest, although i love the idea the reality in the end was quite scary. When things went wrong it all happened really quickly and as we are 20 mins from the hospital by ambulance / car if something were to wrong that could mean the difference between my baby being safe.

I think its an amazing experience and something i would have loved to have tried but i am neurotic mother anyway and too much of a scaredy cat after my last birth but good luck to all of those who try it x

[OneLastDream]

I had DS1 in hospital - was quite long and boring!!! I really wanted ds2 at home but ds was making me feel bad about it but midwife talked him around but he was 2 weeks overdue - born the day I was due to go in for inducement - it was lovely but he was back to back, cord round neck and 10lb and 2mins to resuscitation but midwifes were excellent and despite everything I wanted ds3 at home. Due to ds2 size midwife recommended if I went past my due date I should go to hospital - I went along with what they felt happy with - dont think they had forgotten ds2!!! Anyway went overdue by 2 days so went to hospital and had lovely water birth which was great. We now have new birthing centre so going there for this next one as for some reason I feel more nervous. But home births are so so lovely and would recommend to anyone. Sorry for going on!!!!

[OneLastDream]

I meant dh lol!!! My 22 month old at the time didmt say anything!!!!

[stillwanttwomore]

Not sure why you say this, I wrote what I wrote for good reason. When I was pregnant with my son, with a PERFECT pregnancy I might add!! I gained 15 pounds, he was measuring perfectly, I have had 3 beautiful perfect uncomplicated births before him, I was the "Prime" candidate for a home birth. I decided against it, sand thank God I did. When I was 7 cm my cord prolapsed and they performed a CRASH section, they had him out in less than 90 seconds. If I would have been at home he would have DIED!!

And now I am of the opinion that all women should have there babies in the hospital. This of course is MY opinion!! Before this happened I was more of the opinion to each there own, but not anymore.There are so many things that can happen and life can change in the blink of an eye. It of course it every womens choice, but I thank God that I was in the hospital and my Elijah survived.

I think is great to have a water birth or a great birth plan, but the bottom line is that the unforseen can ALWAYS happen, Nobody is immune or untouchable.

And no I didn't have excess water, and there was Absolutely no indication that this would happen, but it did.




This seemed unnecessary.

[Mum23boys]

Sorry to hear that Tiffany and your is one of the stories that does make people think twice but incidents like that and uterine rupture from a VBAC are so few and far between that it still doesnt put me off.

[Jadis]

Tiffany, you're absolutely entitled to your opinion. I'm entitled to disagree wholeheartedly with it. In normal, low-risk pregnancies, homebirth can be a wonderful option for those of us who choose it. Under the care of qualified midwives, homebirth has been PROVEN to be equally safe as hospital birth. I think women who have their babies in the hospital are accepting risks of a different nature. First, hospital births have a higher rate of medical interventions-that's not what I wanted for my baby or I. Second, hospitals are buildings designed to care for sick people. I don't view labour and delivery as an illness and I wouldn't place myself or my newborn into a germ infested building without feeling it was warranted. Of course, I recognize that homebirthing isn't main****** and it can be controversial. I'm fine with that. I'll do what I feel is best for my baby and you'll do what you feel is best for yours. You can judge my choice if you like,making grand statements like "And now I am of the opinion that all women should have there babies in the hospital." but it's no skin off my nose.

[stillwanttwomore]

Thank you, I am entitled to my opinion. And I think it great that people homebirth, I just don't agree with it.
Never meant to offend anybody. And no matter how advanced we get medically we simply cannot predict the unseen, and I am very thankful to be in a hospital where 'if I need it' medical intervention is available. I know every women thinks it won't happen to her I was the same way, but it did and he lived and I will be forever grateful for the Dr & Nurses that saved his life.



Tiffany, you're absolutely entitled to your opinion. I'm entitled to disagree wholeheartedly with it. In normal, low-risk pregnancies, homebirth can be a wonderful option for those of us who choose it. Under the care of qualified midwives, homebirth has been PROVEN to be equally safe as hospital birth. I think women who have their babies in the hospital are accepting risks of a different nature. First, hospital births have a higher rate of medical interventions-that's not what I wanted for my baby or I. Second, hospitals are buildings designed to care for sick people. I don't view labour and delivery as an illness and I wouldn't place myself or my newborn into a germ infested building without feeling it was warranted. Of course, I recognize that homebirthing isn't main****** and it can be controversial. I'm fine with that. I'll do what I feel is best for my baby and you'll do what you feel is best for yours. You can judge my choice if you like,making grand statements like "And now I am of the opinion that all women should have there babies in the hospital." but it's no skin off my nose.

[Sugaree]

It's not for me, but I support women who choose it, as long as they're informed, low risk, and under the care of a qualified professional.

I've had 4 hospital births, the last being a c-section for breech. Except for the first time (which was AWFUL...I still hate that doctor) I was happy with how things went. I was happily planning a RCS this time but my OB said I was a perfect candidate for a vbac so I'm going to give it a try. Definitely want to be in the hospital though.

Good luck to everyone!

[stillwanttwomore]

I also love the idea and the fact that hospitals are now trying to accomdate mothers more in their requests, like waterbirths, and other "birthing methods(whatever they may be)" the mother would like. I think it is great!!!

I just know that as a mother fi I was to have a home birth and God forbid something did happen, i KNOW that for the rest of my life I would myself responsible for that decision. And I am just not willing to take that chance becuase no matter how low risk I was/am (and I was low risk) there is always that chance that something can go wrong. And in my case it did.

And I did have a succesful BAVC with my 5th which was AWESOME!!!!



Sorry to hear that Tiffany and your is one of the stories that does make people think twice but incidents like that and uterine rupture from a VBAC are so few and far between that it still doesnt put me off.

[aroundtheworld]

I don't think it's so much your opinion as how you're portraying it. The way you state said opinion seems very bitter and abrasive. And there's no need for such. This thread was obviously intended for women who are having homebirths, so that the author could find like-minded mothers on this forum. It seems your only purpose was to come here and rain on the parade, so to speak. Correct me if I'm wrong, however that's the strong impression I have received from your posts.

[stillwanttwomore]

You are wrong...this is how I feel, I am entitled to how I feel just as you are. And I stand by what I said I do think that ALL women should have their babies in the hospital, and I am referring only to location, not method. If you take it as abrasive that's your issue...not mine. I am sure women are not going to change their mind on having a home birth or not. But the bottom line is anything can happen during child birth in the blink of an eye. If I have been even a 3 minute drive away from the hospital my son would have died, so yes this makes me feel very stongly about this issue becuase i would never want this to happen to a mother where she would lose her child.

I have no reason to fell bitter, I have my son :) If you find this post offensive maybe what I wrote has struck a cord with your decision.............I am not judging any mother that decides to do a home birth, but I have a difficult time understanding why someone would choose to have a home birth when there are such high stakes risks, no matter how small the chance.


I don't think it's so much your opinion as how you're portraying it. The way you state said opinion seems very bitter and abrasive. And there's no need for such. This thread was obviously intended for women who are having homebirths, so that the author could find like-minded mothers on this forum. It seems your only purpose was to come here and rain on the parade, so to speak. Correct me if I'm wrong, however that's the strong impression I have received from your posts.

[jark22]

I used to work in a children's rehabilitation hospital- and I mainly worked with the infants. I did have a few patients that were the result of home births 'gone bad'. I know it's not the majority- but it's so hard to get those stories out of your head especially since they could have possibly had a different outcome. If I didn't work in healthcare- I may have once thought about home birthing. It sounds like an awesome thing as long as you can guarantee nothing going wrong. Then again you can't completely ever guarantee nothing going wrong during any type of birth. I would never judge anyone for making the decision to home birth though. Just educate yourselves and make the best decision for you and your family.

[Jadis]

Your posts have been mildly irritating to me, Tiffany, but not because it's "struck a chord with my decision". No, my decision to have a homebirth is one that I'm entirely comfortable with. There are a couple of reasons I'm not loving your comments here. As a PP mentioned, this thread was probably started with the intention of finding like-minded women, excitedly planning their next homebirth. You're kinda crashing the party with some fear-mongering. No worries, though. Any woman who's planned a homebirth has already heard a horror story or two from a neighbour or a friend of a friend's aunt. Despite the horror stories, they've gone on to do their research and found that homebirths are equally safe to hospital births. Sometimes, they're safer. Like I mentioned earlier, I've experienced both a hospital and homebirth and can say with certainty that my homebirth was healthier for both my baby and me. My first son was born in hospital, with standard hospital interventions, and spent the first 3 days of his life on antibiotics because of a germ he picked up in the ward. My second son is almost 2 and has been the picture of health since his midwife caught him. Homebirth may not be the right choice for you, Tiffany, and I respect that but hospital births aren't the right choice for ALL women.

[stillwanttwomore]

I agree, its too bad it can never be 100% that everything will great. In the end whatever happens, happens.
And like you said things can go wrong no matterhwere you give birth. After what happened to me I like knowing that if unforseen circumstances arise again, I will be in a hospital.


I used to work in a children's rehabilitation hospital- and I mainly worked with the infants. I did have a few patients that were the result of home births 'gone bad'. I know it's not the majority- but it's so hard to get those stories out of your head especially since they could have possibly had a different outcome. If I didn't work in healthcare- I may have once thought about home birthing. It sounds like an awesome thing as long as you can guarantee nothing going wrong. Then again you can't completely ever guarantee nothing going wrong during any type of birth. I would never judge anyone for making the decision to home birth though. Just educate yourselves and make the best decision for you and your family.

[Mum23boys]

I'm sorry guys I have asked atomic to delete this post as I never wanted to start a debate I just wanted to talk to other home birthing mums. Once deleted I'll start a new thread where we can gather and would appreciate that no one others than those genuinely interested in experiencing or have experiences of homebirth comment. Thank u and sorry again

[Jadis]

Thanks, Mum23Boys. I'll see you in the new thread!

[stillwanttwomore]

If that were true, then you wouldn't feel the need to defend it. And it is not fear-mongering. Things can happen, birthing is never 100% safe no matter how low risk you are. And I happen to like hearing from both side of ALL issues because perhaps there is SOMETHING that I had not thoguht of. If the original poster was looking for like-minded people thats fine, my response NEVER called anyone stupid or mis-informed of claimed they do not love their child or that they were not smart enough to do there research. My opinion is different and I have facts to back it up. And yes home birth may be safe UNTIL shit goes wrong. And then what...if something happens and you Mid-wife can't halp and you can't made it to the hospital in time....then what.....

And writing from personal experience is not a horror story....him dying would have been a horror story. He survived...he was in NICU for days, but he survived. And I personally would much rather have a child have to be on antobiotics for a few days instead of wondering whether he is going to survive becuase he didn't get enough oxygen before they could even get him out.

I know it is hard to understand but if you ever had a newborn that is clinging to dear life, then maybe you will.




Your posts have been mildly irritating to me, Tiffany, but not because it's "struck a chord with my decision". No, my decision to have a homebirth is one that I'm entirely comfortable with. There are a couple of reasons I'm not loving your comments here. As a PP mentioned, this thread was probably started with the intention of finding like-minded women, excitedly planning their next homebirth. You're kinda crashing the party with some fear-mongering. No worries, though. Any woman who's planned a homebirth has already heard a horror story or two from a neighbour or a friend of a friend's aunt. Despite the horror stories, they've gone on to do their research and found that homebirths are equally safe to hospital births. Sometimes, they're safer. Like I mentioned earlier, I've experienced both a hospital and homebirth and can say with certainty that my homebirth was healthier for both my baby and me. My first son was born in hospital, with standard hospital interventions, and spent the first 3 days of his life on antibiotics because of a germ he picked up in the ward. My second son is almost 2 and has been the picture of health since his midwife caught him. Homebirth may not be the right choice for you, Tiffany, and I respect that but hospital births aren't the right choice for ALL women.

[Jadis]

Trust me, Tiffany. I'm not defending my choice, I'm trying to educate you on homebirth but I can see now that it was a wasted endeavor. Take care now, ta ta.

[stillwanttwomore]

Perhaps you didn't read my first post on this thread, I was going to have a home birth (i researched home birthing for months) with my 4th, becuase I have such awesome pregnancies, and then I changed my mind and had him in the hospital. And thank God I did, becuase if I did had had him at home, he would have been DEAD.


Trust me, Tiffany. I'm not defending my choice, I'm trying to educate you on homebirth but I can see now that it was a wasted endeavor. Take care now, ta ta.

[Jadis]

Did you say he would've been "dead"? Oh, wow...I didn't catch that the first 19 times you said it. I'm glad he's not, honestly. Like I've said, you're entitled to your position and I'm not interested in defending home-birthing or trying to change your mind. That'd be a waste of my energy. I simply don't appreciate you stating that ALL women should be having hospital births. One horrible birth story does not equal a PhD, you are not an expert qualified to judge the choices of others. When this thread is deleted, I'll look forward to chatting with other homebirthers about our wonderful experiences. You can start a new thread titled "HOSPITAL BIRTHERS UNITE!!!'" and I'll stay out of there. See ya!

[stillwanttwomore]

its too bad, you seem to be one of those people who can't handle others who have their own opinions...very tragic. I really don't care if you appreciate what I wrote or not...but I do think you need to look up the definition of opinion.



Did you say he would've been "dead"? Oh, wow...I didn't catch that the first 19 times you said it. I'm glad he's not, honestly. Like I've said, you're entitled to your position and I'm not interested in defending home-birthing or trying to change your mind. That'd be a waste of my energy. I simply don't appreciate you stating that ALL women should be having hospital births. One horrible birth story does not equal a PhD, you are not an expert qualified to judge the choices of others. When this thread is deleted, I'll look forward to chatting with other homebirthers about our wonderful experiences. You can start a new thread titled "HOSPITAL BIRTHERS UNITE!!!'" and I'll stay out of there. See ya!

[Jadis]

Nah, I love a healthy debate-I just don't think you're cabable of one. You just keep repeating the same thing over and over and over....blah blah blah..."DEAD"...blah blah blah...."DEAD"...blah blah. I'm bored now, bye.

[stillwanttwomore]

No you don't, you want to make people have your view and you assume you need to educate other people....its very sad..............and how you write is extremely ignorant and childish..


Nah, I love a healthy debate-I just don't think you're cabable of one. You just keep repeating the same thing over and over and over....blah blah blah..."DEAD"...blah blah blah...."DEAD"...blah blah. I'm bored now, bye.

[Mum23boys]

If that were true, then you wouldn't feel the need to defend it. And it is not fear-mongering. Things can happen, birthing is never 100% safe no matter how low risk you are. And I happen to like hearing from both side of ALL issues because perhaps there is SOMETHING that I had not thoguht of. If the original poster was looking for like-minded people thats fine, my response NEVER called anyone stupid or mis-informed of claimed they do not love their child or that they were not smart enough to do there research. My opinion is different and I have facts to back it up. And yes home birth may be safe UNTIL shit goes wrong. And then what...if something happens and you Mid-wife can't halp and you can't made it to the hospital in time....then what.....

And writing from personal experience is not a horror story....him dying would have been a horror story. He survived...he was in NICU for days, but he survived. And I personally would much rather have a child have to be on antobiotics for a few days instead of wondering whether he is going to survive becuase he didn't get enough oxygen before they could even get him out.

I know it is hard to understand but if you ever had a newborn that is clinging to dear life, then maybe you will.

bad things happen in hospital all the time too you know - DS1 was induced at 10 days overdue and i hyperstimulated from the drug they used and my body tried to push my son out before i was dilated. we both had hypertension then it took them 30 minutes to get someone to do me a spinal nd get me to theatre because somene on blue light took priority - The result - My son suffered lack of oxygen and is mildly autistic, have severe dyspraxia, he has hypermib ilty, severe asthma and a range of other illnesses some of which the preofessionals have linked to his birth condition. I really believe that if they had not induced me and had let me labour naturally all of this could have been avoided.

[aroundtheworld]

Tiffany, you seem very angry, and I hope you can sort those feelings out at some point. Homebirth and homebirthing moms are not the source of your frustration, I assure you. My main reason for giving birth at home is because, for my own family, I feel 100% that it is the safest place on earth and, in fact, that a hospital is extremely risky. Interventions in the very natural process of childbirth are extremely common and can cause some very, very bad things to happen at times. So as far as it being "safe", we'll just have to agree to disagree. In the end, I think that each mother should have a right to choose where she wants to birth- wherever that may be. And I cannot dream of ever stripping a woman of that right.

Best wishes in the future of your hospital births. Mine will be taking place in the comfort of my happy home with the rest of my family gathered around me. And you know what? Both of those are okay. :)

[stillwanttwomore]

I am sorry to hear about your son, I hope he doing well after everything that happened to him.

bad things happen in hospital all the time too you know - DS1 was induced at 10 days overdue and i hyperstimulated from the drug they used and my body tried to push my son out before i was dilated. we both had hypertension then it took them 30 minutes to get someone to do me a spinal nd get me to theatre because somene on blue light took priority - The result - My son suffered lack of oxygen and is mildly autistic, have severe dyspraxia, he has hypermib ilty, severe asthma and a range of other illnesses some of which the preofessionals have linked to his birth condition. I really believe that if they had not induced me and had let me labour naturally all of this could have been avoided.

[aroundtheworld]

Whoops, I quoted the wrong person! Let me fix this. ;)

[stillwanttwomore]

On the contrary...I am not angry at all. I have no frustration at home birthing or home birthing mothers. you have your opinion and i have mine. I don't agree with home birthing, and now where were interventions mentioned so I am not sure how that is relevant. Yes every mother does have the right to choose and that is her choice. My OPINION is that babies should be born in a hospital. If that offends you or anybody else that's fine, I would never tell someone not to have a home birth. I am having a difficult time understanding where the connection was made to strip every women of her right to choose. Opinions are opinions. I have mine and you have yours. You do understand that it is okay for someone to disagree with what you think or what you do. Its your family and your body and your baby.


Tiffany, you seem very angry, and I hope you can sort those feelings out at some point. Homebirth and homebirthing moms are not the source of your frustration, I assure you. My main reason for giving birth at home is because, for my own family, I feel 100% that it is the safest place on earth and, in fact, that a hospital is extremely risky. Interventions in the very natural process of childbirth are extremely common and can cause some very, very bad things to happen at times. So as far as it being "safe", we'll just have to agree to disagree. In the end, I think that each mother should have a right to choose where she wants to birth- wherever that may be. And I cannot dream of ever stripping a woman of that right.

Best wishes in the future of your hospital births. Mine will be taking place in the comfort of my happy home with the rest of my family gathered around me. And you know what? Both of those are okay. :)

[aroundtheworld]

I used to work in a children's rehabilitation hospital- and I mainly worked with the infants. I did have a few patients that were the result of home births 'gone bad'. I know it's not the majority- but it's so hard to get those stories out of your head especially since they could have possibly had a different outcome. If I didn't work in healthcare- I may have once thought about home birthing. It sounds like an awesome thing as long as you can guarantee nothing going wrong. Then again you can't completely ever guarantee nothing going wrong during any type of birth. I would never judge anyone for making the decision to home birth though. Just educate yourselves and make the best decision for you and your family.

Thank you for the kind response. I can appreciate a hospital setting in a serious situation- I do not believe that hospitals or doctors are the devil, mind you, however for a healthy mother and child I believe that placing them in a high intervention situation is dangerous. And, yes, I do believe that death can come from a series of needless interventions that are considered "normal". For a woman who is in labor, which is a vulnerable position to be in, and under the care of a doctor, I am of the opinion that things can be forced or "forcefully suggested" to her that can cause serious detriment to her and/or her child. Can a hospital be a refuge in time of emergency? Absolutely. Can a homebirth actually save a life? I believe that it can and absolutely has for many women/babies. As a doula, I have seen first hand more than once how things can become dangerous in the hospital because someone wanted to stick their noses into a natural process and "help it along" when it absolutely was not needed. But, of course, there are times when things go awry at home as well and a hospital is needed and desired. Which is why, if a mother is educated, aware, and prepared for either home or hospital, having a choice is a beautiful thing.

[Mrs_P]

Thank you for the kind response. "High risk" is subject to debate in itself, I suppose. I can appreciate a hospital setting in a serious situation- I do not believe that hospitals or doctors are the devil, mind you, however for a healthy mother and child I believe that placing them in a high intervention situation is dangerous. And, yes, I do believe that death can come from a series of needless interventions that are considered "normal". For a woman who is in labor, which is a vulnerable position to be in, and under the care of a doctor, I am of the opinion that things can be forced or "forcefully suggested" to her that can cause serious detriment to her and/or her child. Can a hospital be a refuge in time of emergency? Absolutely. Can a homebirth actually save a life? I believe that it can and absolutely has for many women/babies. As a doula, I have seen first hand more than once how things can become dangerous in the hospital because someone wanted to stick their noses into a natural process and "help it along" when it absolutely was not needed. But, of course, there are times when things go awry at home as well and a hospital is needed and desired. Which is why, if a mother is educated, aware, and prepared for either home or hospital, having a choice is a beautiful thing.

Whoops, I quoted the wrong person! Let me fix this. ;)

Not meaning to start a fight as i understand emotions are running high but you seem to know what you are talking about so a question if i may?

As i said in my earlier post i had planned a home birth but ended up with complications (bleeding) in labour with ds3 and although i was more than happy with how the hospital had handled it, he was safe; i didn't get the natural home birth i had planned. Seeing how quick things can go from normal to scary i decided i wouldn't risk it with this baby but this thread has got me thinking, especially in light of the news by us and baby's catching whopping cough in hospital (which worried me last time with the whole mrsa scare partly hence the home birth in the first place - hospitals are germy places and somewhere i would rather avoid with a tiny vulnerable baby).

What happens if something goes wrong when you have a home birth? Do they just send you to hospital asap or are there things the midwifes can do at home if the worst happens

[aroundtheworld]

Tiffany, this has become pointless banter. I can try to be civil, but it doesn't seem to go anywhere. So I'm going to go ahead and retreat now. Because you have already shown your extreme distaste for homebirth under any and all circumstances, I hope that in future threads looking for like-minded homebirthers, you will refrain from causing such negativity and allow us to bond over something we feel good about.

[aroundtheworld]

Not meaning to start a fight as i understand emotions are running high but you seem to know what you are talking about so a question if i may?

As i said in my earlier post i had planned a home birth but ended up with complications (bleeding) in labour with ds3 and although i was more than happy with how the hospital had handled it, he was safe; i didn't get the natural home birth i had planned. Seeing how quick things can go from normal to scary i decided i wouldn't risk it with this baby but this thread has got me thinking, especially in light of the news by us and baby's catching whopping cough in hospital (which worried me last time with the whole mrsa scare partly hence the home birth in the first place - hospitals are germy places and somewhere i would rather avoid with a tiny vulnerable baby).

What happens if something goes wrong when you have a home birth? Do they just send you to hospital asap or are there things the midwifes can do at home if the worst happens

Certified midwives come very well prepared. They have many tools they bring with them that can assist in case of an emergency, such as oxygen, medicine to hault bleeding, etc, etc. They are skilled, knowledgeable, and prepared for emergencies. Of course, they cannot peform like a hospital (such as surgery), however they do come as prepared as they possibly can and are always on the watch for signs of distress. Many also have doctors who are familiar with you and your pregnancy (having seen them for appointments) who are on call in case of emergency and a hospital transfer.

[Mrs_P]

Thank you for that, maybe its something i should re-discuss with my midwife then. Sounds silly now having asked the question i suppose she wasn't going to turn up empty handed!

In fairness although things took a bad turn in my last pregnancy if i had been being monitored it could have been spotted earlier (I went into hospital saying i was bleeding, someone had a look said it was a bloody show although i thought i was more than that and had been happening on and off for a day or so - i had gone in twice before then, but as i was in labor they kept me in, it all stopped and they tried to send me home a couple of hours later til i asked what about the bleeding, she got a bit grumpy and said let me look, then panicked and rang delivery and suddenly i was high risk, they broke my waters and me half an hour to get him out before they went in). In all the time i was the hospital i was only checked once, maybe if i'd been at home it would have been picked upon sooner - the hospitals always seem so short staffed by us which was one of the things i liked most about a home birth - proper one on one attention.

I'm hoping i'll get the same midwife i had last time, who was lovely and very supportive of home births, if i do its def a conversation i will have with her - thank you

Ps Doula what a lovely job - getting to share that miracle of watching a new little person come into the world, must be really rewarding

[Dreamofpink]

It's such a shame that this thread has become a hotbed of emotions. I apologise for being the first to post who has not or will not be experiencing a home birth. Unfortunately that was choice taken completely out of my hands, by a very life-or-death situation with DS1. However, this does not mean that I am anti-home births. Far from it! I remember reading a fabulous book when pg with DS1 about midwives who attend Amish women in America and how they found that the natural process of giving birth at home was very successful compared to when they started to bring them into hospitals and the unnatural environment caused many of them to start having more complications. Now, please forgive me it was 6 years ago since I read that book and due to DS1 being born so early I never could bring myself to finish it, BUT it left me with the over-riding impression that like all mammals we are designed to find somewhere safe, dark, warm and where we won't be disturbed to give birth. It makes perfect sense in theory, but nothing in life is certain and for most women this would probably be a good and preferable way to give birth. I'd have given anything to be one of those women who could pop out babies with relative ease, but it wasn't to be and I feel very lucky that I am blessed with a very good milk supply and EBF DS1 when he came out of hospital weighing only 3lb 15oz. I'd expressed for him for the previous 6 weeks. I know that 100 years ago I wouldn't have survived my pg so am thankful to modern medicine BUT I still feel that nature knows best when we give her chance to.
Mrs P - I hope you find the right way for you and hopefully you can experience a wonderful home birth.
Aroundtheworld - I really admire the very diplomatic and reassuring way in which you express your opinions. I imagine that you're a fantastic, calm doula and envy your ladies!

[aroundtheworld]

Thank you for that, maybe its something i should re-discuss with my midwife then. Sounds silly now having asked the question i suppose she wasn't going to turn up empty handed!

In fairness although things took a bad turn in my last pregnancy if i had been being monitored it could have been spotted earlier (I went into hospital saying i was bleeding, someone had a look said it was a bloody show although i thought i was more than that and had been happening on and off for a day or so - i had gone in twice before then, but as i was in labor they kept me in, it all stopped and they tried to send me home a couple of hours later til i asked what about the bleeding, she got a bit grumpy and said let me look, then panicked and rang delivery and suddenly i was high risk, they broke my waters and me half an hour to get him out before they went in). In all the time i was the hospital i was only checked once, maybe if i'd been at home it would have been picked upon sooner - the hospitals always seem so short staffed by us which was one of the things i liked most about a home birth - proper one on one attention.

I'm hoping i'll get the same midwife i had last time, who was lovely and very supportive of home births, if i do its def a conversation i will have with her - thank you

Ps Doula what a lovely job - getting to share that miracle of watching a new little person come into the world, must be really rewarding

That sounds awful, Mrs. P. I do have to wonder why they didn't pay more attention to what was going on with your body...? Each woman is different, each baby is different, and certainly each labor is different. All childbirth professionals have to keep this at the forefront of their minds! I'm glad you and baby are safe, though.

I do enjoy being a doula. I'm certified, but it's not a job at this point because I've got 4 children of my own! Maybe someday. I've also toyed with the idea of someday training to become a midwife, but now is not the time. I did, however, get to catch my friend's baby last year! She was going fast, but wasn't showing many signs of being in transition, and via telephone her midwife and I agreed that she probably had a good while longer. Well low and behold 15 minutes after I arrived she was ready to go! She was in the bathtub and I was outside it timing her contractions when she said, "This baby is COMING!" I reached down to check her and, wouldn't ya know, she was crowning! Her midwife was on the way, but she lived 45 minutes out, so I jumped into action. I climbed into the bathtub with my sneakers on, cupped the baby's head, checked for a cord around the neck, and helped ease her out! haha It was sudden, but it was exhilarating! I checked baby's breathing, she was totally fine and didn't need any suctioning, and held her above mom's belly button until mama got over the shock of it all. ;) Then she laid down in the bed with her baby until the midwife arrived, to which she then delivered the placenta and the cord was cut. It was amazing- my friend did a fantastic job and her baby is so happy and healthy!

[aroundtheworld]

Aroundtheworld - I really admire the very diplomatic and reassuring way in which you express your opinions. I imagine that you're a fantastic, calm doula and envy your ladies!

Thank you. I'm not always diplomatic! But I do try. I appreciate the compliment. :)

[aroundtheworld]

Also, Dreamofpink, can you tell me what book it was that you read about Amish homebirths?

[Dreamofpink]

Also, Dreamofpink, can you tell me what book it was that you read about Amish homebirths?

The book's called A Wise Birth: Bringing Together the Best of Natural Childbirth with Modern Medicine by
Sheila Kitzinger (Foreword), Penny Armstrong (Author) , Sheryl Feldman (Author)
It was a fascinating read but I could never bring myself to finish it!

[Mum23boys]

Thank you for that, maybe its something i should re-discuss with my midwife then. Sounds silly now having asked the question i suppose she wasn't going to turn up empty handed!

In fairness although things took a bad turn in my last pregnancy if i had been being monitored it could have been spotted earlier (I went into hospital saying i was bleeding, someone had a look said it was a bloody show although i thought i was more than that and had been happening on and off for a day or so - i had gone in twice before then, but as i was in labor they kept me in, it all stopped and they tried to send me home a couple of hours later til i asked what about the bleeding, she got a bit grumpy and said let me look, then panicked and rang delivery and suddenly i was high risk, they broke my waters and me half an hour to get him out before they went in). In all the time i was the hospital i was only checked once, maybe if i'd been at home it would have been picked upon sooner - the hospitals always seem so short staffed by us which was one of the things i liked most about a home birth - proper one on one attention.

I'm hoping i'll get the same midwife i had last time, who was lovely and very supportive of home births, if i do its def a conversation i will have with her - thank you

Ps Doula what a lovely job - getting to share that miracle of watching a new little person come into the world, must be really rewarding

MRS P i got BETTER monitoring at home than I did in hospital - with 2 trained midwives with me constantly they were always there to pick up on signs - with ds1 in hosital the same midwife was flitting between 3 of us - i probably saw here once every half hour while she went to check on the others - if naything had happened in that half hour dh had to pull the red cord.
At my home birth i had my 2 midwives, a doula, my husband, my mum and both my sisters while dad played upstairs with the boys as they were too little to be there. Afterwards we all got into bed together as family and ordered pizza :-)
And yes, the midwives come fully prepared - they asked for a flat surface to lay out a resus area for the baby when it was born if it was needed. Transfer time for me to hospital is 15 mins but they have an ambulance on stand by with a doctor on board tht would take care of us in those 15 mins and like i say that to me would be over 2 times as fast as waiting in the hospital to get a c section like i did with owen !!
I am not against hospital births and if there is a real medical reason i need to go in i will - or i will look at a birthing centre which could be a compromise if you have one near you - that way no sick people !?

[Mum23boys]

PS ladies Ive started a new thread for hombirthers or those interested in homebirth just so that we can lie this post to rest.