Home births??

Question

I was just wondering if any one has experienced a home birth, and if so, is it easier and better than the hospital? After I had my second child, the midwife who delivered her said I would probably cope very well with a home birth, as i've now had 2 very straight forward and very good births so far. Only pain relief I had with the both of them was gas and air. I do know that every pregnancy and birth are always different! It is something I probably would be very interested in, but just wanting to find out some more info first. Many thanks to everyone!

Answer 1

I understand that you did fine before, but I would not want to be at home if an emergency happened.  I had a friend who hemorrhaged during childbirth and went into DIC and she nearly died, to the point they sent her husband into the room with her so they could possibly speak last words.  She was given eight units of blood within a very short time and with the skill of the doctors and grace of God, she miraculously and pulled through.  The baby was resuscitated and made it ok too.    This was baby #3 for her and her other two were normal births as in your situation.   I'd just rather have a full hospital setting ready for any situation just in case something dire did happen.   I wish you the best whatever you decide.

Answer 2

I've had one hospital birth, unsuccessful homebirth due to transfer to hospital and a successful homebirth.  I would opt for a homebirth everytime!

My third was born 6 weeks ago and it was so calm, she swam up to my arms in the waterpool.  It was just lovely!  Midwife arrived here at 2am and C was born 45 mins later!  

I had to be transferred to hospital with my second as there was meconium in the waters.  She was born 5 minutes after arrival which was good as I don't think I would have coped well with the pain in hospital!

I seem to have quick births so there wouldn't be time for me to arrange childcare, transport to hospital!

Good luck with deciding.

P

Answer 3

My little brother was born at home. My mom says that it was very nice and that she loved being able to hold the baby right away.

Answer 4

hello yes go for it my mother in law had one and she said it was easier as you don't have all the doctor and nurses always in and out and you feel more relaxed and you don't have to pack a hospital bag and she just said it was really nice and enjoyable. I wanted one but i had to have a emergency c-section. But if i had the choice i would.

Answer 5

i had a home birth 10 weeks ago...

here's the up side:

1) your labor is faster... (mine was 6 hours from start to finish)

2) you KNOW how clean your house is!!! no MRSA

3) you don't have to move around so much.. no traveling when all you want to do is sleep, and maybe cry at the pain

4) you can tell the midwives to get out whenever you want... they have to listen to you, not the other way around... also, you can curse them out as much as you want during the last bit of the labour, and they cant say anything, because it's YOUR house!!  You can tell any of them that you dont like to just get out of your house! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

5) you don't have to pay for the TV, and everything else, oh, and the food is WAY better

6) you get 2 canisters of gas and air

7) proven that tearing is down to a minimum of grazes... less chance of an episiotomy!

8) your children are there with you.. no need for babysitters, or extra traveling.. not to mention, letting your other little ones see the newborn immediately helps with the bonding, and cuts down on sibling rivalry. (my 4 yr old was there with me... she was one of my coaches... she kept huffing and puffing at me, saying "breathe, mommy, breathe"... and when her brother was born, she immediately started cooing at him with huge smiles, and now, she is the best little helper in the world... she even tries to get up at night and help with the night feeds, bless her heart! )

downside..

no epidural

no nurses to give the baby a bath while you rest

no tea lady coming to you!

i prefer the home birth...it's alot better on so many levels.

Answer 6

My cousin had a home birth. She said it was a lot more relaxing in her home. It made the experience of birth even more amazing. She didn't have any distractions and she said that relaxing in the tub was good pain relief.

Answer 7

Keep in mind that even the most uncomplicated of pregnancies can have very complicated labors and deliveries.  

Stay safe, and make sure that if something goes wrong and the baby needs to be delivered via emergency c/section, that it's something that can be done within minutes.

Answer 8

Hi Kelly

I had a homebirth for my first 8months ago, it was a wonderful experience. Really relaxed, also my partner felt in control, as at home it is your own environment. I had two midwives looking after me!

My sister opted for a homebirth for her 2nd.   She much preferred the birth at home. She too said she & her hubby felt calm and in control.

Oh you can purchase birth in a box, which is like some large swimming pool.

Remember you can alter your mind at anytime,also the midwives check you and baby every 10mins when you are in labour, so if any complications or any probs there would be no hesitation but to send you to hospital.

Only you can decide where you will feel confident, comfortable & calm enough to give birth.  

But I have to say I'm sure you would enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of being at home in your own environment

Having a homebirth can mean less intervention and less pain relief, as you are feeling calmer and are in control.

Goodluck

Answer 9

I gave birth to all 4 of my kids at home. It was wonderful! Pain releif is great because you can use positions, which for me gave far more relief than anything else could. Being on your hands and knees opens 30% more rooms for the baby to come out and prevents tearing.  My kids were 7lb 8 oz and 7 lb 9 oz (twins), 9 lb 2 oz and 9 lb 4 oz. And still no tearing in this position. It is really a great experience, having who you want there and no one you dont want. Plus, it has actually been proven that for low risk pregnancies, it is safer to have the child at home because of the lowered risk of infection. You want to make sure that you have midwife that does home births and has experience in it. As far as the other safety concerns, if something looks off, the midwife will figure it out and you can just go to the hospital if needed.

If you want anymore info, email me.

Answer 10

My friend has had 4 children by homebirth, (about to have a 5th) and has a wonderful experience!!  I think it all depends on if you get a REALLY good midwife.   You need someone you can truse just in case something goes wrong.  A good midwife will know what to do in every situation!