Homebirth?

Question

My third son is due in 7 weeks and i've just started to think about having a home birth, i'm pretty sure the doctor will allow this as both my previous labours were fine. my first was normal delivery with just gas and air, no tearing and i had a beautiful baby boy weighing in at 9lb 2oz and labour was 5 and a half hours. With my second it was only one and a half hours again with just gas and air, no tearing and another beautiful boy weighing 9lb 8oz so fingers crossed this birth will be just as good. I was wondering of other parents experiences of home births? Whats the advantages, disadvantages? Thanks very much.

Answer 1

I assume you are in the U.K. (In the U.S. virtually NO doctors attend home births.)  

A home birth, with a good attendent (doctor, nurse midwife, experienced direct-entry midwife) and hospital back-up,  is, for an uncomplicated pregnancy, far safer than a hospital birth.  While I didn't have one (only one baby, in hospital) I have never talked to a woman (in person or online) who had (or at least attempted) a homebirth, who regretted her choice for a minute.  

Definitely go for it if that's what you want.

Answer 2

I have never experienced a home birth, I would have liked to but the option wasn't there. My mother had me and a further two of my siblings at home.(She had her first two in hospital). There should be no reason against you having a home birth because as you say your previous labours were fine. Go for it as it will be nice to give birth with your family around you.

Answer 3

Sounds dangerous. What is even gained form not being at the hospital?

Answer 4

My sister-in law had her first baby in a birth center, which is designed to be more "home like" but with the security of being just down the block from the hospital

She had her second literally at home.

Both went well, no tearing.. healthy babies.

Both were born in water (waterbirth)

She'd swear by it.

But you should have a knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled midwife with you.

advantages: no ivs, no tongs, suction, or any of the other ridiculous things they do at a hospital.

You're more relaxed, not hooked up to all those machines

some doctors are episiotomy-happy, and will try to do one on just about anyone.

The position (almost flat on back) they put you in, is the most UNNATURAL position for childbirth.. the natural position is squatting (like the "birthing stools" midwives used in the olden days)

Disadvantages: I can't think of any if  you or the baby don't have complications or problems, or need emergency care..

Answer 5

Wow - judging from your history I reckon a homebirth is highly likely, planned or otherwise!  If you've no reason to believe there will be any complications, go for it!