Homebirth or hospital?

Question

I had a homebirth of my son 2 weeks ago after 2 hospital births, and im just wondering if anyone else has done so and which did you prefere??

My homebirth was brilliant, no pain relief and the nicest midwives i could have asked for! Ive become a bit of a celebrity at the hospital due to the homebirth and no pain relief - but i cant tell anyone enough just how happy it made me - without that sounding mad!!

What sort of birth did everyone else have and would you do it differently next time?

Answer 1

I flirted with the idea of a homebirth but since I had a c-section 20 months before my due date I'm going for a hospital VBAC.

I'm bummed out, though.  I wish I could have had a homebirth!!!

Answer 2

I was desperate for a home birth....I'd had it all planned from the start...I was that confident I didn't even pack a hospital bag! Anyway, waters went first, labour wouldn't progress, had to be induced, numerous complications...lol...40 hours later, with jus gas and air and pethidine...along came a blue cameron (cord wrapped around neck twice)...it was awful and I was bitterly disappointed. I had him at 8:15pm and was at home for midnight...I WAS gonna recover in my own bath/bed! Anyway, 17 weeks later I want another baby in the future and I wanna home birth next time!

Answer 3

We had our son at a hospital with a midwife...had an epidural and 6 hrs. later there he was!  It was great and I would do it the same next time!

Answer 4

I had a hospital birth with no pain relief.  And I didn't have to clean up the mess.  ;)   I'm not a risk taker and was happier in a surrounding with experts who could deal with any emergencies that popped up (hemorrhaging comes to mind).  As long as you're both happy and healthy, it's your choice.

Congratulations on the birth of your baby.

Answer 5

Both my sons were born at home and I wouldn't change a thing.  

Both labors and births were a lot of hard work, and totally worth it in the end.

Answer 6

Both my kids were induced. I am ahuge baby when it comes to being in pain. I ahve no thresh hold for it. So I don't think I could do a home birth, and I just feel safer in a hospital in case something goes wrong.

Answer 7

I had my son in hospital with no pain relief whatsoever and also no husband there as he was seriously ill in another hospital. I also had a nasty midwife who told me that I should be grateful I had someone there at all. I just got on with it really and was thankful not to have to clear up the mess afterwards!  

Answer 8

I had my son in the hospital because I was young and didn't know any better.  If I were to have another child, I would definitely have a homebirth.  Studies show that homebirth is just as safe for low risk pregnancies as a hospital birth.  Honestly, I would consider it safer, because you don't have to worry so much about iatrogenic trauma.

Answer 9

I haven't had a hospital birth but I've had a home birth and it was absolutely brilliant and I would definitely do it again.

Answer 10

My daughter was born in hospital in germany,

it was great, i went in, got an epidural, the midwife told me to cough, i did, she handed me a baby, i went home.

in germany i was a private patient, so it was all nice & great,

this time i will have my baby ( due in 8 days) at home, because i don't trust hospitals, especially not in a country where i don't really know the language so very well.

Answer 11

My first baby was induced in hospital - it was a traumatic birth but I never considered a home birth for my second until I was walking out the door to the hospital again and I seriously considered ringing and telling them to send a midwife. I didn't, I went to the hospital and what happened? Another much more traumatic birth where my baby nearly died because my midwife wouldn't listen to me and just cared about getting me on my back with my legs in the air.

I would definitely have a home birth if I had another baby - after last time though my husband won't even consider it.

Well done you, and congratulations!

Answer 12

I had 2 hospital births that I look back on with disappointment. They were definitely not what I wanted and a product of stupid hospital routines and pushy nurses and OB's.

I am 19 weeks pregnant and planning a home birth and this is the first time I have every actually been excited and not afraid of giving birth. I have such peace and am actually looking forward to labor. I really cannot wait and hope that my home birth experience can slightly redeem my past birth experiences.

Answer 13

Though I did have a hospital birth I used no meds what so ever. I wanted it to be natural...I regret it! I was pregnant with twins.... I wish I could try a home birth but my pregnancy right now is high risk.. =[  If mantain my sanity after the babies are born and I want to have more I will do a home birth..but I highly doubt I will want more

Answer 14

My first son was born in hospital at 38weeks. It was a very quick labour and I had no pain relief - my waters went and I had him 12 mins later!

As his labour was so easy I'd hoped for a home birth with my second son. Unfortunately his placenta ruptured at 28 weeks and I was rushed to hospital. I had an Emergency C - section and woke up on a morphine drip. It was awful and has put me off having more babies. I feel lucky to have the two I've got!  

Answer 15

I just had my first - a hospital birth - 6 weeks ago.

The water birth I planned started out OK and ended in a 48 hour labour followed by an emergency c-section with many other interventions along the way!

If my little man is ever to have a sibling, I'll aim for a home birth as natural as possible if they will let me.  

Answer 16

I had 2 hospital births. First one with loads of pain relief and the second without any. I know what you mean about feeling so happy, I felt like I was floating on air. It's such an achievement. Having said that, I was screaming for an epidural but they didn't get time to do one so I can't really take any credit. LOL.