Hi ladies
I posted a thread in Toddler/Pre School but just found this thread. Sure you ladies will be able to help answer all my questions
I am 35 weeks with my second and have spent most of this pregnancy stressing about what to do with my 3 year old when I go into labour.
I've not lived here very long and have no one at all to take Chloe. My parents are in London and will come down as soon as I make the call to tell them, but that would be about 3 hours and my midwife said at my last appointment as this is my second baby things could progress much much faster this time!!
My last labour was a horrible experience. I went into it determined to take all pain relief available, had a failed epidural, had another one. labour slowed and I was pushing for hours and hours. In the end had a Forcep delivery with Epediotemy (sp!). Spent an awful night in hospital awake all night with all the other goings on, not able to move due to Catheter. Then had a rubbish recovery with infected stitches
This time I want it to be different so have been hoping I can manage on Gas and Air and would like a pool if available. I want the experience to be different so badly.......I don't want to look back and hate the whole thing like I do with the first one. Its part of the reason there is a 4 year gap, I never wanted to give birth again for a long time afterwards
But then last night I suddenly thought........why not a home birth?!?
It would mean not having to make my way to hospital alone whilst my husband stays with Chloe (we don't drive so I would take a minicab). Spending the first few hours of labour alone and risk him missing it if its a quick one. Or him having to leave part way through to collect Chloe from nursery if its a nursery day.
So.......for the questions!!
Did anyone labour at home with other children in the house? Did this work ok or were there any problems with them waking etc? My parents would be down within 3 hours and would take Chloe out if its during the day but at night I hope she may sleep through it??
Can I have Gas and Air during a Home Birth?
How did you find it? Do you wish you had gone to hospital or are you glad you birthed at home?
I'm thinking of possibly getting a pool. Did anyone use a pool at home? Any stories to share?
Also, I've left it a bit late I know. Do you think its too late? Would I need to do anything, a class or something? My midwife mentioned me having a home birth at my last appointment but I said I hadn't really thought about it at that point.
The more I think about it the more excited I get! I just keep thinking how lovely it will be at home and for the first time this whole pregnancy am not dreading the whole experience.
All the help and guidance is much appreciated xxx