Considering a home birth.

Knufflebunny2

Hello!  I have been lurking awhile, but finally thought I would introduce myself.  I am currently 28w5d pregnant with my 3rd baby.  We are thinking of having a home birth.  I am excited about it, but also a little bit nervous.  With my first birth my water broke at home at 38w and contractions didn't start.  I was given Pitocin and after 12 hours of labor was 10 cm.  I started to push and her heart rate dropped.  She was vacuumed out.  With my second my water broke at home at 38 1/2 weeks.  Contractions started and it took my mom 2 hours to arrive to babysit our kids.  When I got to the hospital I was only 4 centimeters, but was having really painful contractions and even though the nurses told me it would be awhile I didn't believe them.  I asked them to call for my epidural and they said they would, but it would be awhile because several people were ahead of me and I wasn't super far along.  I waited for an hour before a room was available and when it was I asked them to check me again and I was 9 1/2 cm.  They told me to try to use the bathroom before my epidural was put in.  I tried but could tell that the baby was right there.  I was too scared to try pushing without an epidural, because I had never even considered it.  I had the epidural and was too numb to push.  My boy had to be vacuumed out too.  This time around I am thinking it might be nice to go a different route and try a water birth.  It would have to be at home, because water births are not allowed at the hospitals here.  I am the first person in my family to ever consider this or to consider using a midwife instead of an ob.  I can tell that most of my family thinks I am crazy.  We have found a midwife who we really like and who has about 35 years of experience in home births.  I seem to be going through phases of being super excited about it and feeling good about it and phases of feeling terrified and wondering if it is the right choice.  I am looking for support and maybe some positive experiences about midwives and home births.  Thanks

Gamera3000

I was a home birth almost 37 years ago! My mom said it took five hours total and it was a very nice experience. I think she benefitted a lot by having only people she knew and trusted there and getting to move around and do what felt right to her.

I'm hoping for a natural but in-hospital birth with a doula because I have some neuro problems.

I'd start looking around at midwives now. Some of them you really gel with and others you're just not gonna like.

KatieP71312

I'm planning my second hb and on baby 3! I had a fantastic experience last go round and had very supportive, science leaning MWs. They make VERY conservative txr decisions which is why my husband and I were comfortable going this route. For example - they won't deliver breech, twins, vbac etc at home. I'm also fortunate to be with a practice that the lead MW is the head MW for the women's center at the local hospital so if I do have to txr she would remain my primary care provider and wouldn't transition into a supporting role. Find MWs that you are comfortable with and whom will make choices that are in line with your values and comfort level.

barnwife

I have had 3 amazing HB. I absolutely love my MW...she is a great resource even when not pg.

FWIW, with S. (4 mo), my water broke. My MW was totally fine with letting things progress on their own. Contractions didn't start for  2 days.  But S. arrived safely within a few hours of that.

I have had 3 HB, and have been nervous before each. To be fair though, I think that would be true even if we were choosing a hospital delivery. (Heck, then I may be more scared due to my really not wanting a c/s.)

Finding a MW who is a good fit may help ease some nerves.

Also, fwiw, for me pushing doesn't hurt at all (as long as I am pushing with the contractions). It actually is a relief after first stage. 

SidraJedi

If your midwife is confident and you trust her then you have no reason to worry. I know ya'll have a solid back up plan for hospital transfer. Just try to relax and get rest and exercise too!

I was the first of three home births for my mom. I had a homebirth 10 months ago and it was perfect. My moms father was born at home and his whole family before him was born at home. It's pretty normal to me bc of all that but I understand; it is still pretty wild to me anyway. You will do fine!

Knufflebunny2

Thanks for the tips and encouragement ladies!  @joules253, We haven't taken birthing classes, but I have been reading some books.  Although we haven't been planning for a home birth the whole pregnancy, I have been planning an unmedicated birth the whole time.  So far baby looks to be in a good position.  The reason that I had trouble pushing my boy out, was because I had an epidural so late in the game and was too numb to push, so I don't think it will be a problem without an epidural.

Brit83

We had an amazing HB with our son and are planning to have another with our second.  I would strongly recommend taking a homebirth class (some instructors can even do a one day private class if you don't want to commit to 6-10 weeks of classes).  It's definitely a different animal from having a baby in the hospital.   Also, get a good midwife that you are comfortable with that can give you some good resources to help prepare.  You may also want a doula on hand to help you prepare as well as on the big day.  Ours was a huge help to us when I was in labor.