Ask:
Have any of you had a planned home birth? What steps did you take in that planning? Who helped you deliver? Did you do a water birth, or did you give birth in a bed or other place? Did you have a backup plan in case you changed your mind or if there was an emergency? Please share your story.
Answer:
I had a planned home birth with my first daughter almost 3 months ago. I decided that I wanted to have a home birth just before we started trying. I read a bunch of books and my two SILs, one a labor and delivery nurse and the other a doula, also had home births.
What steps did you take in that planning? I contacted the only midwife in the area who practiced home births and got started with her. I went to her backup doctor for the first visit and spend the rest of my visits with her. During my pregnancy I read lots of books, watched some breastfeeding videos, and took two classes : Birthing from Within and the Bradley method. We have a local birth circle that has monthly meetings and I attended those and heard birth stories and asked questions of other moms. I went through some soul searching and made birth afirmations as well.
Who helped you deliver? My midwife (a Certified Nurse Midwife). My husband and SILs were present for emotional support.
Did you do a water birth, or did you give birth in a bed or other place? I had a large birthing tub that I labored in for two hours. I used the water to relieve pain and to help relax. I also labored about everywhere else in the house - the shower, the toliet, the bed, hanging from door knobs ...But I gave birth on a birthing stool, which was in front of a chair my husband sat in. I sat on the "stool" and leaned back against him. It was great to have him supporting me in more ways than one as I pushed.
Did you have a backup plan in case you changed your mind or if there was an emergency? Of course! I would hope anyone who pratices home birth has a backup plan. My midwife had a backup doctor who would meet us at the hospital and my midwife would stay with me.
I had a great birthing experience and wouldn't have changed it for anything! If I hadn't had a home birth, I would have probably ended up having a c-section in the hospital.
Are you thinking of a home birth?
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Well, we haven't conceived yet! But I'm not opposed to home births at all. I think the best thing for any family to do is to be educated about the options. Thank you for sharing your story!
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I used to work as a doula - a birth attendant. When you conceive, definately speak to your midwife about a home birth. Alternately, you may decide to use a birthing center (which has all the emergency apparatus) or a more home-like hospital. You can prepare lots or very little, depends on how far away you are from a hospital and paramedics. But it is definately something to consider.
Answer:
I love talking about homebirth whenever possible, so thanks for asking! I would also suggest talking to the midwife once you conceive. She can answer many questions about what your options are as far as birth. Make sure to ask what her certification is. In some areas there are lay midwives and they don't have any medical certification/license, and this may not be what you want. Also, be aware that some insurance plans may not cover having a homebirth. Mine cost me around $2500. (Its funny that they don't since it is a lot cheaper than a hospital birth!) There are also a lot of great books about births out of the hospital too by Ina May and there is one called Spiritual Midwifery too.
Good luck!
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I had my son in a home type birth center, only because I was living with my mom at the time. If we have another baby, there is no chance I would have that baby in a hospital. In fact now that we own our home, I would want to have the baby here.
The most important thing, IMO, is to have a good midwife and of course a good team as well. My mom and SO were there and I couldn't imagine having Liam without their wonderful support!
The water tub didn't work for me. I was so excited about it up to that point, but once I got in, I kinda freaked out about how uncomfortable it was. But do your research, it is worth trying. I ended up having Liam on a bed.
A midwife will help you with all the planning, including emergencies, etc...
Good luck in your process!
Answer:
Originally Posted by newlywed0610
Have any of you had a planned home birth? What steps did you take in that planning? Who helped you deliver? Did you do a water birth, or did you give birth in a bed or other place? Did you have a backup plan in case you changed your mind or if there was an emergency? Please share your story.
I had a planned homebirth with each of my three babies... and they were incredible! I delivered in water with one, laboured in water and delivered in bed with the other two. The waterbirth was amazing - the difference in how my newborn behaved in the water as compared to the ones born "on land" was really neat. He was much more relaxed and calm in the water. I did a ton of reading, hired a good midwife, and had all the supplies on hand a couple of weeks ahead. Attending were my midwife, her backup, and apprentice, my dh and my sister for support
The backup plan would have been to go to the hospital, but with all the research I did, I knew I would only go to the hospital if it was necessary to my or the baby's health. The statistics were in my favour, though!
Answer:
I have thought about this a lot for when we conceive baby #2. My mom had two of my siblings at home and I was actually there when my little brother was born. It was just the assistant midwife, my dad and me when my mom delivered! My mom asked me what I thought after seeing it and I told her I never wanted to have kids and she cried! LOL Of course now I am really excited to have another baby and if it weren't for the fact that I didn't have a home (lived in an apt with DH and his dad) and I was worried since I didn't know if I would have complications or not, I would have had DS at home. Its just soooo much more relaxing and comfortable and since I had an easy delivery with DS, I'll be thinking seriously about having #2 at home. Great topic, thanks!!!