Home Births

[JLFx3]

We have started TTC and me and the OH was talking last night, that a home birth seems to be our only option for when i (eventually) get pregnant and go into labour, all our family and friends live roughly 10miles away and without a car it would be near impossible to take our daughter over if i go into labour especially if it starts at 4am like our first

Has anyone had a home birth? was you not worried about what would happen if any complications were to happen?
if you already had a child, did they wake while you was in labour and what did you do?
Was it a good experience and would you do it again?

 

[YikesBaby]

I had a home birth and it was FANTASTIC!! I would highly recommend it to anyone. Our midwife was fully prepared for all possible scenarios... so I had no reservations about possible complications. Our DD's heart rate started to decelerate after hours of pushing and she called an ambulance just in case I needed to go to the hospital (since I was in labour during a massive snowstorm)... but she was out before they arrived. It was magical being able to be in my own bed and shower... and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I would recommend that maybe you consider a doula to help you through labour so DH can tend to your LO as required. Good luck hun!!

 

[JLFx3]

I had a home birth and it was FANTASTIC!! I would highly recommend it to anyone. Our midwife was fully prepared for all possible scenarios... so I had no reservations about possible complications. Our DD's heart rate started to decelerate after hours of pushing and she called an ambulance just in case I needed to go to the hospital (since I was in labour during a massive snowstorm)... but she was out before they arrived. It was magical being able to be in my own bed and shower... and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I would recommend that maybe you consider a doula to help you through labour so DH can tend to your LO as required. Good luck hun!!

That sounds so lovely, and relaxing! even better that you didnt need to go into hospital after all did you have to go into hospital after anyway for a check up on you and baby? (i have no idea how it works lol!)
i absoloutly hated giving birth in hospital with my daughter, kept trying to pressure me into epidural (which i didn't want) and kept trying to shove the gas and air in my mouth when i didn't need it, it kinda ruined the experience for me, im hoping for a better experience next time, and whats a doula may i ask?

 

[solitaire89]

I had a homebirth with my first, and it was a fantastic experience. I never had any worries about anything going wrong, at the end of the day the MW are experienced enough to see an issue arriving in plenty of time, so if they are happy for you to homebirth, then all is fine.
A homebirth is also associated with an increased chance of a spontaneous vaginal delivery, with a reduced chance of episiotomy, reduced use of drugs for pain relief, reduced chance of PPH, etc. So in short, many of the interventions you see in hospital can be avoided at home.
HTH!

 

[JLFx3]

I had a homebirth with my first, and it was a fantastic experience. I never had any worries about anything going wrong, at the end of the day the MW are experienced enough to see an issue arriving in plenty of time, so if they are happy for you to homebirth, then all is fine.
A homebirth is also associated with an increased chance of a spontaneous vaginal delivery, with a reduced chance of episiotomy, reduced use of drugs for pain relief, reduced chance of PPH, etc. So in short, many of the interventions you see in hospital can be avoided at home.
HTH!

I suppose that's true, MW will see if any issues are going to possibly happen, how does it reduce the chances of any interventions? i know with pain relief at a home birth they are limited, to i think gas and air not sure what else, im worried i wont be able to cope with labour at home also, as i had Diamorphine with my daughter is that something they can bring with them?

 

[solitaire89]

The 2 major reasons why interventions are less likely at home are because firstly you are likely to be more relaxed, and secondly you are more likely to be mobile/active and to get into positions which are more effective for birth. They will bring G&A, and if you want pethadine (I think that's the right one) then the Dr prescribes it upfront. However, my mws told me that if I needed anything more than the G&A during a homebirth then it was probably better to consider transfer at that point, so I didn't even get the prescription. As it was, I didn't use any drugs at all, not even a paracetamol. Keeping relaxed really is the key to comfortable birthing. I'd suggest that if you are worried about pain relief that you look into something like Natal Hypnotherapy. There are several positive home birth stories from people who have used hypnosis in the birth announcement/stories section, and for moral support try the home & natural birthing section.
HTH

 

[JLFx3]

The 2 major reasons why interventions are less likely at home are because firstly you are likely to be more relaxed, and secondly you are more likely to be mobile/active and to get into positions which are more effective for birth. They will bring G&A, and if you want pethadine (I think that's the right one) then the Dr prescribes it upfront. However, my mws told me that if I needed anything more than the G&A during a homebirth then it was probably better to consider transfer at that point, so I didn't even get the prescription. As it was, I didn't use any drugs at all, not even a paracetamol. Keeping relaxed really is the key to comfortable birthing. I'd suggest that if you are worried about pain relief that you look into something like Natal Hypnotherapy. There are several positive home birth stories from people who have used hypnosis in the birth announcement/stories section, and for moral support try the home & natural birthing section.
HTH

Ah i thought that may be why interventions are less likely to happen, and getting transferred for pain relief isn't really an option depending on time of day, i will also look into Natal Hypnotherapy though, that sounds interesting

 

[solitaire89]

If you are transferred, even if it's for pain relief, then it's an ambulance job so it will have no bearing on your situation. Having said that, if it's your second, then you're unlikely to need to transfer anyway.
If you have any questions about the Natal Hypnotherapy, then feel free to shout!

 

[YikesBaby]

I had a home birth and it was FANTASTIC!! I would highly recommend it to anyone. Our midwife was fully prepared for all possible scenarios... so I had no reservations about possible complications. Our DD's heart rate started to decelerate after hours of pushing and she called an ambulance just in case I needed to go to the hospital (since I was in labour during a massive snowstorm)... but she was out before they arrived. It was magical being able to be in my own bed and shower... and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I would recommend that maybe you consider a doula to help you through labour so DH can tend to your LO as required. Good luck hun!!

That sounds so lovely, and relaxing! even better that you didnt need to go into hospital after all did you have to go into hospital after anyway for a check up on you and baby? (i have no idea how it works lol!)
i absoloutly hated giving birth in hospital with my daughter, kept trying to pressure me into epidural (which i didn't want) and kept trying to shove the gas and air in my mouth when i didn't need it, it kinda ruined the experience for me, im hoping for a better experience next time, and whats a doula may i ask?

I didn't have to go to the hospital at all. We pre-registered at one (and took a tour) where my MW had full authorization... just in case a transfer was warranted... but we were confident we wouldn't need to. Our MW came back in 24 hours to check on us and again on day 3 and day 5.

A doula is a labour support person. She is there to support you in whatever way you need... coaching you through breathing, massaging you, getting you drinks, etc. Even if you have a MW, she will have to do charting, etc... so you won't have her undivided attention. A doula is completely devoted to supporting you - from start to finish. We hired one... and she wiped my brow, etc. while my MW helped DH to set up my pool. She spoke to my family to keep them informed - since I was in labour during a blizzard they all showed up - and supported DH when he needed it too.

 

[JLFx3]

If you are transferred, even if it's for pain relief, then it's an ambulance job so it will have no bearing on your situation. Having said that, if it's your second, then you're unlikely to need to transfer anyway.
If you have any questions about the Natal Hypnotherapy, then feel free to
shout!

The main reason of not going into hospital next time is because of our daughter, everyone we know works full time and cant really expect a day and time for labour to happen for someone to be available to look after her, so even if i did have to be transferred for any reason whether it be pain relief or emergancy OH would probably have to miss the birth which neither of us want

i will do some research on Natal Hypnotherapy but if i have any questions i'll message you

 

[JLFx3]

I had a home birth and it was FANTASTIC!! I would highly recommend it to anyone. Our midwife was fully prepared for all possible scenarios... so I had no reservations about possible complications. Our DD's heart rate started to decelerate after hours of pushing and she called an ambulance just in case I needed to go to the hospital (since I was in labour during a massive snowstorm)... but she was out before they arrived. It was magical being able to be in my own bed and shower... and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I would recommend that maybe you consider a doula to help you through labour so DH can tend to your LO as required. Good luck hun!!

That sounds so lovely, and relaxing! even better that you didnt need to go into hospital after all did you have to go into hospital after anyway for a check up on you and baby? (i have no idea how it works lol!)
i absoloutly hated giving birth in hospital with my daughter, kept trying to pressure me into epidural (which i didn't want) and kept trying to shove the gas and air in my mouth when i didn't need it, it kinda ruined the experience for me, im hoping for a better experience next time, and whats a doula may i ask?

I didn't have to go to the hospital at all. We pre-registered at one (and took a tour) where my MW had full authorization... just in case a transfer was warranted... but we were confident we wouldn't need to. Our MW came back in 24 hours to check on us and again on day 3 and day 5.

A doula is a labour support person. She is there to support you in whatever way you need... coaching you through breathing, massaging you, getting you drinks, etc. Even if you have a MW, she will have to do charting, etc... so you won't have her undivided attention. A doula is completely devoted to supporting you - from start to finish. We hired one... and she wiped my brow, etc. while my MW helped DH to set up my pool. She spoke to my family to keep them informed - since I was in labour during a blizzard they all showed up - and supported DH when he needed it too.

ah that sounds awesome! hospital last time was soo frustrating i cant imagine wanting to do that again lol, even if i have to be induced can i still have a homebirth or do i have to birth in hospital?

And ah, i think i may go without a doula, our last MW was barely at the birth anyway even though we was in hospital she barely showed her face unless she needed to check how dilated i was or ask if i wanted pain relief yet and obviously when the pushing began OH was the only one there really, if it came to it and our daughter woke and wouldn't settle she would probably have to witness her sibling being born is there any specific pool needed? like a proper birthing pool or will a paddling pool make do? we havent got the biggest house either

 

[fides]

Has anyone had a home birth? was you not worried about what would happen if any complications were to happen?
if you already had a child, did they wake while you was in labour and what did you do?
Was it a good experience and would you do it again?

have had 2 - stories are in my siggy - both were good experiences

worry? everyone worries, but midwives are trained to watch for red flags, and hospital about 10 minutes away, so i trusted in that

child woke, husband watched him until it was close to birth then put him in his crib to play - we were going to have a babysitter, but she didn't make it in time

 

[JLFx3]

Has anyone had a home birth? was you not worried about what would happen if any complications were to happen?
if you already had a child, did they wake while you was in labour and what did you do?
Was it a good experience and would you do it again?

have had 2 - stories are in my siggy - both were good experiences

worry? everyone worries, but midwives are trained to watch for red flags, and hospital about 10 minutes away, so i trusted in that

child woke, husband watched him until it was close to birth then put him in his crib to play - we were going to have a babysitter, but she didn't make it in time

Your stories were wonderful!

 

[YikesBaby]

I had a home birth and it was FANTASTIC!! I would highly recommend it to anyone. Our midwife was fully prepared for all possible scenarios... so I had no reservations about possible complications. Our DD's heart rate started to decelerate after hours of pushing and she called an ambulance just in case I needed to go to the hospital (since I was in labour during a massive snowstorm)... but she was out before they arrived. It was magical being able to be in my own bed and shower... and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I would recommend that maybe you consider a doula to help you through labour so DH can tend to your LO as required. Good luck hun!!

That sounds so lovely, and relaxing! even better that you didnt need to go into hospital after all did you have to go into hospital after anyway for a check up on you and baby? (i have no idea how it works lol!)
i absoloutly hated giving birth in hospital with my daughter, kept trying to pressure me into epidural (which i didn't want) and kept trying to shove the gas and air in my mouth when i didn't need it, it kinda ruined the experience for me, im hoping for a better experience next time, and whats a doula may i ask?

I didn't have to go to the hospital at all. We pre-registered at one (and took a tour) where my MW had full authorization... just in case a transfer was warranted... but we were confident we wouldn't need to. Our MW came back in 24 hours to check on us and again on day 3 and day 5.

A doula is a labour support person. She is there to support you in whatever way you need... coaching you through breathing, massaging you, getting you drinks, etc. Even if you have a MW, she will have to do charting, etc... so you won't have her undivided attention. A doula is completely devoted to supporting you - from start to finish. We hired one... and she wiped my brow, etc. while my MW helped DH to set up my pool. She spoke to my family to keep them informed - since I was in labour during a blizzard they all showed up - and supported DH when he needed it too.

ah that sounds awesome! hospital last time was soo frustrating i cant imagine wanting to do that again lol, even if i have to be induced can i still have a homebirth or do i have to birth in hospital?

And ah, i think i may go without a doula, our last MW was barely at the birth anyway even though we was in hospital she barely showed her face unless she needed to check how dilated i was or ask if i wanted pain relief yet and obviously when the pushing began OH was the only one there really, if it came to it and our daughter woke and wouldn't settle she would probably have to witness her sibling being born is there any specific pool needed? like a proper birthing pool or will a paddling pool make do? we havent got the biggest house either

With a drug augmented induction (pitocin) they will want you in the hospital. I was 9 days overdue and my MW had scheduled an induction for me just in case a few days later. The plan was that she would come to our house at 5 am the day of and try breaking my waters to 'induce' me into labour naturally at home. If contractions didn't start... then we would go to the hospital as planned.

As for the pool - one was loaned to us (with a deposit) from our midwife. Birth pools are deeper than kiddie pools, as you want the water to come up over your belly... also the bottom is nicely cushioned, the sides are firmer for leaning against, and there can be handles on the sides which are helpful while pushing. If your midwife doesn't provide one, I am pretty sure companies will rent them out (with lead-free filling hose, separate drain hose, water pump and air pump) and then all you need to buy from them is the disposable liner that keeps everything sanitary.

I hope you get the experience you want!

 

[lynnikins]

I had a homebirth 15 months ago with ds3, ds1 and ds2 were upstairs in bed , i laboured during the day put them to bed and everything got more serious, we had no midwife due to staffing issues the hospital wouldnt call in extra staff to call one out though i was booked for a homebirth and had given them plenty of warning. it was lovely calm and relaxed though DH was on the phone to ambulance dispatch while i gave birth lol Not that i needed the advice they gave us I had done my homework and prepared and the ambulance arrived 10min after delivery and cleaned up for us lol. I transfered to get my tear looked at and ds3 checked as he needed blood drawing to check for an issue we had with ds1.
Having another homebirth, have moved home in the meantime and hopefully they have more MW's covering homebirths up here lol

 

[MandaAnda]

There is a Natural Birth & Home Birth section of this board. Lots of home birth info there. And look up Home Birthers & Hopefuls on Facebook (and on Google, as there's a brilliant website).

 

[MindUtopia]

I had a home birth with my daughter (my first) and yes, I'd definitely do it again. I think it was so much easier because I felt really relaxed and comfortable in my own home. You can read my birth story (it's in my sig), but basically I was perfectly happy at home on my own with my husband all the way up til I started pushing and found it really manageable. I didn't even feel like I needed the midwives because I was coping so well, but I was aware that the contractions were getting close together so we did call them and by the time they arrived I was fully dilated and ready to push. It was all very doable and it was so nice to have my husband here with me all night after our daughter was born, lying in our own bed, eating my own food from my kitchen.

As for complications, I honestly wasn't that worried about that. Yes, it can happen, but in a normal, natural birth they are fairly rare. I trusted my body and I trusted my midwives to be able to respond in the event that things didn't go as planned and to know to advise me to transfer in to hospital if I needed to. I'm about 15 minutes from my hospital, so I knew it would be a quick transfer if it had to happen. Yes, things can always go wrong but they can go wrong in hospital too and there's no guarantee that things can be handled more quickly there either (you'll still have to wait on the surgical theatre if it's occupied and you need an emergency c-section). Midwives who attend home births are well-trained to respond to anything that comes up, just like they would in hospital, and then tend to be extra cautious and intervene earlier than normal if anything comes up that might cause a problem.

But the most important thing is that you should birth where you feel the most comfortable and relaxed and that alone can help improve the chances you'll have a normal birth with no complications. If that's in hospital, great, if that's at home, that's great too. For me, it's definitely at home. We hope to have one more baby and I would definitely like to have another home birth, assuming my pregnancy is healthy and straightforward again.

 

[xsadiex]

I had a home birth and it was the best experience of my life it really was wonderful. I did a lot of research beforehand and my findings were that if you are having an uncomplicated pregnancy, home birth is usually safer than at hospital as you are more likely to labour well and be active. I did my best to stay active, get into different positions and used a birth pool and it all went very smoothly. It was great getting straight into my own bed afterwards too.
Good luck x

 

[NaturalMomma]

I've had 2 homebirths, my latest one was 2 weeks ago. If something were to go wrong we would have transfered to the hospital. It's very rare for a complication to arise that you don't have time to get to a hospital. With both my homebirths my MIL came down to take ds1 to a hotel near by and wait until baby was born, with dd's homebirth MIL came and took both boys because I wasn't able to concentrate while they were here. Both of my homebirthed babies were born at night, ds2 at almost 2 am and dd at almost midnight.

 

[aliss]

Home birth was hands-down the best thing I've done in my life. It ended up as a hospital transfer for prolonged pushing - everyone was calm, the paramedics were very gracious, and I waltzed out of the hospital 3 hours later with a baby (you don't necessarily even see a doctor if it's a precaution transfer).

I've had a hospital birth prior, and I would always do a home birth again. I won't be having another child (knock on wood!) but there is no way I'd do another hospital.

About your other child. I did have a grandparent present "just in case" and it turns out he was babysat for 3 hours while the baby came at the hospital. I also had a neighbour's phone # just in case. The majority of the labour was 11pm-7am (transfer at 9am, born at 10am) when he was asleep.

I was up & making dinner that night! I was home in 3 hours as opposed to the mandatory 24 hour hospital stay.