Oh crap - I think my home birth is going to get cancelled

[Farie]

We still don't know whats going on with our house after the earthquake and are still waiting for the insurance assessors to come round and decide whether it will be repaired or balled and rebuilt.

But the likelihood is that in about 10 weeks our house will either be rubble or be stripped down to its frame waiting for new external cladding and new internal gib, plaster and paint.

I have no idea how I'm going to bring a newborn home to that, let alone give birth in the middle of it

We have been offered a housebus to live on while its being done which is awesome, but I'm now sure it has the facilities to support a birthpool!

Sorry, just a pointless self pitying post

Anyone had a natural waterbirth in hospital rather than at home?
Did you stay at home for as long as possible?
At what stage did you go to hospital, how far apart were the contractions?
Did you end up in hospital for ages or just through transition/pushing?

Thanks

 

[summer rain]

Oh I'm sorry hun the drama and stress of this type of thing is horrid anyway, let alone when you're heavily pregnant. I can't really advise on waterbirth in hospital in NZ (presuming you're there) but wish you the best of luck!

 

[DazedConfused]

Oh another Christchurch baby!

Call the Midwives college, they have some kind of facility with pools and a not so hospitally environment I believe. I'll try to find out what it's called specifically for you !

And good luck with your home. I hope they sort something out for you soon

 

[Farie]

Thank you
Are you in Chch?

My midwife booked me into St Georges as they have a pool and also Lincoln (and Chc Womens just on case I need it).
Shes so great and laid back and chilled - I think I would have gone mad without her and DH!
Currently the plan is to stay at home as long as his humanly possible then head in ....
but we are out towards Arthers Pass so its about 45 mins into town .... haha Boo might just end up being born in the car

 

[bky]

Lincoln is a bit old and rickety (I was there after my birth and I can say the walls are a bit thin and the pipes to fill the pool kind of shake the building ). It was really nice and laid back after the birth, but not sure how comfortable it would be for the birth IYKWIM? ChCh Womens birthing pool rooms (there are 2, a giant one and a smaller one) are pretty nice, though not really homey. It is pretty sound insulated though.They do have private shower/toilets, can dim lights etc. Not sure if Burwood is up and running after the quake but I've heard ok things about it. Haven't been to St. Georges but it's apparently very nice.
Sorry your house got so shaken!

 

[KandyKinz]

Have you considered going to a hotel to have baby at? That way you can stay out of the hospital and still have your waterbirth in a building which has walls... And depending on your budget there's some really nice 5 star luxery hotels you could stay at... And then there's room service for afterwards!

 

[DazedConfused]

I haven't found out the info yet! But will do soon
Are you with the homebirth midwives? I SO wanted one of them! I'm a bit concerned about my midwife actually, she seems awfully busy =/

 

[kiwimama]

Gosh I'm sorry your house was so damaged, I can't imagine how stressful it must be, let alone being heavily pregnant as well!
I am in Auckland, so don't have knowledge of cch hospitals but Auckland Hosp had a huge pool in my room, which started getting filled when I was in there but didn't get filled in time!

 

[Farie]

Thank you all so much

Still waiting to find out about the house .................. at this rate I'll get my home birth just because they wont have assed the house by the time Boo arrives!

Off to look round St Georges tonight they have one pool but I think you can take your own - need to check. Currently thats my 1st choice after being at home.

DC - my midwife isnt one of the homebirthing ones, Maxine McSkimming - shes great, based out of our little town and very pro natural active birth. And very supportive of our home/water birth plans.

 

[DazedConfused]

Got the info! Here is what my email said

"Checkout Burwood Birthing Services, cnr Burwood and Mairehau Rd ph 3836844 in the first instance.
We had a good experience in a relaxed progressive environment despite a difficult birth.
Like giving birth in a cross between a 4 star hotel and a kindergarten
They were very experienced specialist midwives and were able to give lots of one-on-one support.

We went there for a progressive birth which we got but we also chose it partially for fast roads to both Chch and Burwood hospitals if it was needed.
Loved it but it's been nearly 17 years since my ex gave birth there so things will have changed/developed etc. Also unsure of earthquake effects / medical politics.
It's worth a visit. There's also similar practices in Lincoln and Rangiora."

Hope this helps!

I am so unsure about my midwife, maybe we'll get closer? I have only met her twice after all! But she is on holiday through January (Due in feb)

 

[Farie]

Just a little update from me

We found out today it will be atleast 4-6 months (hah they think! could be longer) before our house is properly assessed and then repairs started.

Which is crap as it means I have a cracked brickwork, wonky window framed house witha broken bedroom window - BUT it does mean I get my homebirth!!

And my veggie beds are safe from the builders and JCB's
Boo's 'nursery' is going to be in the hallway (only un-cracked area in the house) and is already looking quite cute, she sleeping in our room so it doesn't make much difference anyway.

So all in all I'm actually happy its going to take so long to get it all sorted

 

[lichunda1980]

Learning

 

[9isDivine]

I am so sorry about the damage to your house!
You are right about the good news being that you can have a your baby as planned. I was immediately concerned for you when I read your post as the stress of all that (house, moving, finding a new place/way to deliver,etc.) could take a real toll on your body.

Hurray you can have the waterbirth! Great choice!

Incidentally, I am quite jealous of all you ladies that have more access to midwives than we do here in the states....ah, maybe someday...I won't hold my breath, though. : (

I know it is crap that your house won't get fixed. Maybe it will go faster than expected. : )

Blessings and Best Wishes for a Beautiful Birth!
Kim
mom of 9