- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
3rd Trimester
Birth Center, Home birth vs Hospital
Hi ladies, we have an appt to pre-register and take our hospital tour on Thursday. Since my BFP we've been going to my OBGYN, not realizing that I can get the same care by a midwife. We watched "The Business of Being Born" last night and it really empowerd me to maybe have a water birth. The problem is now I feel like it's so late in the game....anyone else go through something similar?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Birth Center, Home birth vs Hospital
We started out with a midwife so I can't give you advice on that point, but I will say that you will need to check your hospital's policy on water births. My hospital is natural birth friendly and has tubs in each room but can't allow for water births. I can only labor in the tub.
However, if you are thinking of switching to a homebirth with a rentable tub, check to see if your insurance will cover the cost of it.
Years ago, a friend of mine switched from an OB to a midwife at about 28 weeks. They welcomed her with open arms. My friend didn't have a water birth, but she did have a completely medication-free birth at the birthing center - with only one birthing class. She also had no intention of BFing, but because of the encouragement of the MW's, she BF'd immediately, and continued for 8 months.
MW's are phenomenal and wonderfully supportive. Go for it!
My Dr's office doesn't offer mid-wives, but there is one at the hospital. If she's not busy with a client she'll come in the room and help me.
I can't tell when your due - no ticker, but if your not due next week then nothing should stop you from going in at least with the birth plan that you feel the most comfortable with and have time to prepare for.
I'm having a waterbirth - and I switched OBs at 27wks to be able to do so. My old OB didn't tell us they wouldn't do it until that point - then I had to start all over again. I did a ton of research at that point, and found a hospital in my area that has a birthing tub and a class about it....then switched OBs to someone who would perform one (note: make sure ALL the drs or mws at the practice you choose does them, or you could end up having the one on call not allow you to do so.)
You dont have to have a MW - and a hospital could allow you to do the waterbirth too, not just a free-standing facility (just like my case.) Just check into your options. It took me about 3 full days to figure out my whole plan of action, and actually make the switches. Lots of phone calls - but totally worth it. I'm so psyched with the decisions I've made, and our "birth plan."
FWIW - I wanted a MW, but all of the MWs in my area only work 9-5...no "on calls", so I ended up with a Dr. I wanted to be in a hospital, just in case anything went wrong. The free standing facilities in my area are good, and have no history of having anything go wrong, I just wanted an immediate NICU incase of anything bad.