I love my hospital and my OBs. My first was a section, and my second was a VBAC, both under their care. I'll definitely stay with hospital birth because even though I had healthy, uneventful pregnancies, both of my babies' births included the need for life saving measures. Therefore I'm scared until I make it to the hospital! So that's what it will be for me.
We've chosen a very homey and cozy birthing center attended by certified nurse-midwives. Like some others here, I have hospital anxiety and wanted a home birth, but the idea scared my husband, so this is our compromise. I don't want to be pressured into unneccessary interventions if the baby takes its time, and I want to be free to move, eat, walk, squat, and do whatever helps the baby come out easiest.
The facility does not accept high-risk pregnancies. My first appointment is this week, and I have no reason to believe I will be labeled high risk. Fingers crossed it stays that way. If I am considered at risk when labor begins (for example, if the baby is breech), I will be transferred to the university hospital less than a block away.
It's a Baby + Co birthing center. Is anyone else using or considering Baby + Co?
I will definitely be delivering at the same hospital I had my DD. I felt totally comfortable there and received excellent care. Things can go wrong in the blink of an eye and I'm just not comfortable with a birthing center or home birth. Also, I want to make sure there is a NICU on-site (there is). On the flip side, I have a couple friends who absolutely loved their birthing center and wouldn't want to do it any other way.
I want to add, anyone who is on the fence should definitely research what is available to them in their specific state.
This is my first pregnancy so I am going with the hospital my clinic is in the hospital and so cozy, warm and inviting I felt so happy and at home and not in some cold dr office. Plus I get a little anxious so this should help ease my mind a bit
I will be giving birth at a hospital. I actually chose my PCP and my OB/GYN simply because they are affiliated with this hospital, which is known for fantastic maternity care and outcomes. As a bonus, I work there, so I'm hoping it will be really easy when I go for routine testing.
@sboston06- if you don't mind me asking, which hospital are you going with in Boston? I'm on the fence with mine. It's local and the dr is easy to get to/I like her. However, I'm not sure it's the best fit
Im glad you had such a pleasant experience at your hospital, and while what I said may be biased (?) yours is also purely anecdotal. There's no garuntee my experience would be the same as yours. My research is sound and comes from legitimate resources. I've been pouring over materials for the past four years. And while you've experienced none of what I've described personally, a birthing center is what I want and I'm not putting myself or my child in harms way by choosing it. Hospitals give me incredible anxiety for very personal reasons and that was a factor in my decision. I don't know how I would be expected to give birth in the middle of a panic attack.
As I said, if I have to give birth in a hospital, I will. Just like everyone else, my end goal is a happy healthy baby, comfort be damned.
Hospital. I had my first when I was super young and honestly didn't know I had options. However I did have an extremely good hospital experience so with my other two, and now this one, I didn't even consider the other options.
I have super fast labors. My Drs missed my last two deliveries. If I had longer labors I might consider looking into other options more.
Wife. Boy mom x6. Expecting #7. Wannabe homesteader. , 💙💙💙💙💙💙
@matryoshkadoll
Im glad you had such a pleasant experience at your hospital, and while what I said may be biased (?) yours is also purely anecdotal. There's no garuntee my experience would be the same as yours. My research is sound and comes from legitimate resources. I've been pouring over materials for the past four years. And while you've experienced none of what I've described personally, a birthing center is what I want and I'm not putting myself or my child in harms way by choosing it. Hospitals give me incredible anxiety for very personal reasons and that was a factor in my decision. I don't know how I would be expected to give birth in the middle of a panic attack.
As I said, if I have to give birth in a hospital, I will. Just like everyone else, my end goal is a happy healthy baby, comfort be damned.
I did not say that you were putting you or your baby in harm's way. I think that birth centers and home births can be great options for many women if they are prepared (I even suggested doing midwife care to a woman on this board last week). I would probably do a birth center or even home birth if they were an option to me.
What I did try to convey is that most of the arguments you have against hospitals and doctors are not true in general, especially for a woman who has educated herself. In the last 5-10 years many hospitals have changed to mother and baby friendly and adopted totally new policies. By saying things that are not true or are just disrespectful of other woman's choices, it harms the cause more than supports it. Anybody who is just considering her options is probably going to be less open to birth centers and home birth when she finds out a lot of the arguments against hospitals and OBs are vastly exaggerated. This just creates a mommy war situation that I think is unnecessary. Any post that ends in "no judgment here" probably is judgmental or you wouldn't need the aside. I really believe that personal preparedness and support system is way more important than where the birth ends up, especially since you have no idea what will happen or where you will be.
Good luck at your birth center!
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I haven't started researching options, but our situation might be more unique. We live in a small, rural town where we'll have to travel 1h 45m to the nearest hospital. There is a hospital 45 minutes away but they don't take first time moms in case of complications. We also have to travel for all appointments, etc. so we'll have our work cut out for us in terms of choosing. I do like the idea of midwives/doulas, etc., but I don't know how available those services will be in our small, rural location. We have lots of investigating to do!
Try looking on doulamatch.net for doulas in your area, or google "doulas in my area. " I'm a doula. Also, I know home birth has some stigma attached to it, but with a healthy pregnancy and a properly trained midwife, it can be safe or safer than hospital. Good luck!
We're planning our 3rd home birth! We had wonderful experiences with my other births, and we live less than 10 minutes from the hospital. I too believe that women should give birth wherever they feel most comfortable. If you feel most comfortable in a hospital then go for it! Women actually have better labors and birth if they feel comfortable and at ease. So choosing home birth is what's right for us.
As of right now, the plan is to birth at a midwifery center (essentially a doctor's office/birthing center in one) because they do water births and let you leave within 12 hours. It's next door to a hospital and they have doctors on call if anything goes crazy. The only things holding me slightly back are the requirements! I have to track my food/exercise habits from 16-40 weeks, attend a refresher course and an 8-week class, and go to a few open houses without my toddler. That seems like an awful lot of preparation for a second-time mom who knows the ropes.
(Lurking from June board) If you in fact need to be transfered to the hospital next door, do you know how long those few minutes will be? What if you start hemorrhaging badly or the cord is around the neck cutting off circulation? Why chance having loss or a a nicu baby, just so you can birth in a comfortable bed??
Hospital 100%. My OBGYN just had her first baby at 39 and we have a great relationship. I cannot tell you how scared she was of everything due to what she knows and sees everyday.If I had higher pain tolerance, I might consider it. I think it is a GREAT plus (and for me would be a decision maker) for the hospital to be across the street. But with our DD, my OB was on call and we had a great experience. Not sure if it would have been the same if she wouldn't have been. Also, I NEED for my child to go to the nursery during at least part of the night. After 30 hours of labor, my DH and I needed some sleep and we were too afraid to send her the first night and we were exhausted. When we left the hospital I thought, all our support is gone. Plus, yyummmyy they make sure to deliver food to the OB floor immediately. YES!
Hospital. My obgyn only works from one hospital and I adore him. Plus I had complications with my first delivery and I feel more comfortable being in a hospital in case it happens again.
(Lurking from June board) If you in fact need to be transfered to the hospital next door, do you know how long those few minutes will be? What if you start hemorrhaging badly or the cord is around the neck cutting off circulation? Why chance having loss or a a nicu baby, just so you can birth in a comfortable bed??
Pot stirring much? Sheesh it's her choice she has looked into found the closest hospital and I am sure has or will have more detailed plans. She probably didn't just need to share such details when we are so early in our pregnancy. I think you should continue to lurk if you only post to degrade a woman's choice!
For FTMs considering a birthing center, I recommend Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. There are some really hippie-ish parts, but there are a bunch of birth stories from a birthing center that detail how they handle different situations. It was highly recommended to me and I wished I had tried a birthing center with my first after reading it, but I was too far into my pregnancy. Just some positivity if anyone's trying to sway you from what you want.
Im going to be delivering at my nearest hospital. We don't have birth centers near us and I'm not ok with doing a home birth based on some issues with my other births and my location. I'm about an hour from 2 different hospitals. One offers water birth but i don't think thats what I'm gonna want and my visits would be over an hour away. Sigh. So I'm going where I've been before but this time ive got a great midwife and hopefully a doula.
Just a FYI, most stand along birth centers only take low risk pregnancies. So if you have anything that may make you 'high risk", they will not accept you.
Some things like AMA, over weight, some previous medical conditions and so forth.
I will be delivering at my local hospital. Dallas is surrounded by every type of birthing facility option, but the right choice for my family will be the hospital route.
I think that is how everyone's decision needs to be viewed. It sounds like most ladies here will be making their own choice in the most informed and educated way. No need for lurkers or others to put anyone down for a family's choice.
I will be giving birth at the hospital. There is one birthing center in our area and I did look into it; however, tbh, I didn't feel very welcome by the midwife when I spoke to her at all. On the other hand, the nurse at the OB was so super friendly and warm. Not to mention DH and my mom were so concerned when I mentioned the possibility of a birthing center. I was an emergency c-section baby and my mom has a lot of fears associated with child birth. We are very close and she, of course, just wants to make sure the baby and I are safe. DH pretty much put his foot down and said he would not be comfortable with a birthing center for safety reasons. I decided it wasn't worth the battle and agreed with them that a hospital would be best. I'm totally good with that. With my son's birth four years ago we induced because the doctor really pushed us to do so. Being first time parents, we agreed. It was a rough experience to say the least. 21 hours of labor, 2 failed epidurals, a local anesthetic, they had to use forceps, and I had to have an episiotomy. With that being said, we will NOT be inducing this time and I am much for confident going into this birth knowing that this birth will happen when the baby is ready!
(Lurking from June board) If you in fact need to be transfered to the hospital next door, do you know how long those few minutes will be? What if you start hemorrhaging badly or the cord is around the neck cutting off circulation? Why chance having loss or a a nicu baby, just so you can birth in a comfortable bed??
Pot stirring much? Sheesh it's her choice she has looked into found the closest hospital and I am sure has or will have more detailed plans. She probably didn't just need to share such details when we are so early in our pregnancy. I think you should continue to lurk if you only post to degrade a woman's choice!
Sorry to burst your happy rainbow bubble. I have strong feelings about this because I have been a NILMDTS photographer for years. I do about 10 sessions a month. The most heartbreaking ones are home births gone wrong (about 2 a month). It happens, certainly in your town too. Nobody will talk about it or post a newspaper article but you will see those babies names in the obituaries. The saddest part of all is that every one of them could have been prevented, had they been in a hospital. Consider that before flying into hysterics when a "pot stirrer" posts here.
(Lurking from June board) If you in fact need to be transfered to the hospital next door, do you know how long those few minutes will be? What if you start hemorrhaging badly or the cord is around the neck cutting off circulation? Why chance having loss or a a nicu baby, just so you can birth in a comfortable bed??
Pot stirring much? Sheesh it's her choice she has looked into found the closest hospital and I am sure has or will have more detailed plans. She probably didn't just need to share such details when we are so early in our pregnancy. I think you should continue to lurk if you only post to degrade a woman's choice!
Sorry to burst your happy rainbow bubble. I have strong feelings about this because I have been a NILMDTS photographer for years. I do about 10 sessions a month. The most heartbreaking ones are home births gone wrong (about 2 a month). It happens, certainly in your town too. Nobody will talk about it or post a newspaper article but you will see those babies names in the obituaries. The saddest part of all is that every one of them could have been prevented, had they been in a hospital. Consider that before flying into hysterics when a "pot stirrer" posts here.
Hysterics? Hardly! It's unfortunate you see so much death and sad that you have seen avoidable death but each parent has to make their own choice. They do the research they make a plan and I've only known of people having successful home births. I'm sure complications can happen but that is why you have a plan. I think instead of coming into a board judging woman you don't know and they don't you. Take a step back instead of implying the only reason they want a home birth is because it's more "comfortable". Some have had terrible situations in the hospital some it stirs traumatic memories. While I am choosing to have a hospital birth I fully support those who choose home or birth centers.
I think it's smart to look into all of your options. With my first pregnancy, I looked at a birthing center which I loved, but for me, my concern was getting there for appointments during the pregnancy (which would have been over an hour drive each way). I ultimately went with a practice (in my town) that has ob/gyn's as well as midwives - I saw the midwives, and I delivered at the hospital which was 7 minutes from my house. I ended up being induced 10 days past my due date, looking back I'm not sure how the birthing center would have handled having such a late baby? I had a great experience with my midwife during birth, was not happy about being hooked up to an IV for pitocin during labor, but was not restricted to the bed, and the midwife encouraged me to keep moving, using the birthing ball, etc. I was able to have a pain med free birth, which I wanted, and never felt that the hospital staff tried to sway me otherwise. Because I had such a good experience the first time around, I am seeing my group of midwives with this pregnancy as well.
(Lurking from June board) If you in fact need to be transfered to the hospital next door, do you know how long those few minutes will be? What if you start hemorrhaging badly or the cord is around the neck cutting off circulation? Why chance having loss or a a nicu baby, just so you can birth in a comfortable bed??
Pot stirring much? Sheesh it's her choice she has looked into found the closest hospital and I am sure has or will have more detailed plans. She probably didn't just need to share such details when we are so early in our pregnancy. I think you should continue to lurk if you only post to degrade a woman's choice!
Sorry to burst your happy rainbow bubble. I have strong feelings about this because I have been a NILMDTS photographer for years. I do about 10 sessions a month. The most heartbreaking ones are home births gone wrong (about 2 a month). It happens, certainly in your town too. Nobody will talk about it or post a newspaper article but you will see those babies names in the obituaries. The saddest part of all is that every one of them could have been prevented, had they been in a hospital. Consider that before flying into hysterics when a "pot stirrer" posts here.
Hysterics? Hardly! It's unfortunate you see so much death and sad that you have seen avoidable death but each parent has to make their own choice. They do the research they make a plan and I've only known of people having successful home births. I'm sure complications can happen but that is why you have a plan. I think instead of coming into a board judging woman you don't know and they don't you. Take a step back instead of implying the only reason they want a home birth is because it's more "comfortable". Some have had terrible situations in the hospital some it stirs traumatic memories. While I am choosing to have a hospital birth I fully support those who choose home or birth centers.
ALL backup plans include a call to 911 and an ambulance ride. All a waste of life-saving minutes (yes, the laws of science will tell you an infant denied oxygen in utero will most likely die or suffer permanent brain damage after 3 minutes). But hey sorry for pointing that out. Carry on with being offended...
(Lurking from June board)
If you in fact need to be transfered to the hospital next door, do you know how long those few minutes will be? What if you start hemorrhaging badly or the cord is around the neck cutting off circulation? Why chance having loss or a a nicu baby, just so you can birth in a comfortable bed??
Pot stirring much? Sheesh it's her choice she has looked into found the closest hospital and I am sure has or will have more detailed plans. She probably didn't just need to share such details when we are so early in our pregnancy. I think you should continue to lurk if you only post to degrade a woman's choice!
Sorry to burst your happy rainbow bubble. I have strong feelings about this because I have been a NILMDTS photographer for years. I do about 10 sessions a month. The most heartbreaking ones are home births gone wrong (about 2 a month). It happens, certainly in your town too. Nobody will talk about it or post a newspaper article but you will see those babies names in the obituaries. The saddest part of all is that every one of them could have been prevented, had they been in a hospital. Consider that before flying into hysterics when a "pot stirrer" posts here.
Hysterics? Hardly! It's unfortunate you see so much death and sad that you have seen avoidable death but each parent has to make their own choice. They do the research they make a plan and I've only known of people having successful home births. I'm sure complications can happen but that is why you have a plan. I think instead of coming into a board judging woman you don't know and they don't you. Take a step back instead of implying the only reason they want a home birth is because it's more "comfortable". Some have had terrible situations in the hospital some it stirs traumatic memories. While I am choosing to have a hospital birth I fully support those who choose home or birth centers.
ALL backup plans include a call to 911 and an ambulance ride. All a waste of life-saving minutes (yes, the laws of science will tell you an infant denied oxygen in utero will most likely die or suffer permanent brain damage after 3 minutes).
But hey sorry for pointing that out. Carry on with your denial.
Okay enough is enough. Please go back to wherever you came from. We're all adult women capable of making our own choices. Judging, guilting or in any way trying to force your views on others is unacceptable. We're all perfectly capable of understanding and weighing the risks and benefits of our choices. You're allowed to disagree and have your own opinion, but you've crossed the line into forcing your opinion down other people's throats and fear-mongering. More unsolicited advice and horror stories are the last things any of us need.
I would like to birth at a birthing center but I would probably not be taken because I'm likely high risk. However, I'm in a big city and have lots of options. There's a hospital that has midwives in the hospital so I'm going to see if that's a feasible and safe option. I am still in the middle of researching.
Hospitals can lose patients too. My cousin died from an amniotic fluid embolism, and her baby died shortly after due to lack of oxygen, even though she was delivered via c-section. This was in a hospital. My cousin was given pitocen to induce labor, which the birth center I plan on giving birth at does not ever give. Is pitocen correlated to higher rates of amniotic fluid embolisms? Yes. Am I telling bumpies who have pitocen that they are putting themselves and their babies at risk? No. The chances of something going wrong with pitocen are there, but the risks are small and are weighed by medical professionals and the family. Whether in a hospital or a birth center, birth medical decisions are in the hands of professionals. No judgement for a family making their own decisions with their professional care team.
me 30; DH 35 TTC since May 2014. Aug 2014 BFP, EDD April 22, 2015. Low progesterone, started suppositories. Loss at 5w6d. Nov 19, 2015 BFP at 13 dpo, EDD July 29, 2016. MMC discovered 12/29 (9+4). Natural miscarriage 1/16 (12+1). AMH results 0.42, 1.2; FSH 12.1, AFC 10, dx DOR. RPL testing results normal. Nurse recommended progesterone suppositories in TWW. Clomid + trigger + TI cycle August 2016 - failed. Thin lining. Femara + trigger + TI cycle December 2016 - failed. Thin lining. Short LP (8 days). Acupuncture & Chinese herbs starting January 2017, lengthened LP to 10 days
Hospitals can lose patients too. My cousin died from an amniotic fluid embolism, and her baby died shortly after due to lack of oxygen, even though she was delivered via c-section. This was in a hospital. My cousin was given pitocen to induce labor, which the birth center I plan on giving birth at does not ever give. Is pitocen correlated to higher rates of amniotic fluid embolisms? Yes. Am I telling bumpies who have pitocen that they are putting themselves and their babies at risk? No. The chances of something going wrong with pitocen are there, but the risks are small and are weighed by medical professionals and the family. Whether in a hospital or a birth center, birth medical decisions are in the hands of professionals. No judgement for a family making their own decisions with their professional care team.
I am sorry about your cousin. I saw one amniotic fluid embolism on my first day as a L/D nurse. They are super rare and scary as hell (for the staff too). That patient and their family has stuck in my head, even though it was been several years now.
I'll be having a RCS, so I'll be giving birth in a hospital.
What's a RCS?
Also, have any STM done a water birth already? Just curious about that experience, although I will probably go the "traditional" route and go to a hospital. Probably have little choice with all the nurses in H's family.
I'm looking into home birth or the birthing center near us. I'm not to sure yet but I'm excited! I had an awesome natural vbac last time around and can't wait to birth again without major intervention!
Just as an FYI on "The Business of Being Born" (because I watched it and freaked out and was scared of OBs for a while) it's not all factually correct. "Natural Childbirth" is also a business. I recommend this article by a doula about TBOBB: The Business of Being Misled because it is important to know that there is a lot of misinformation out there. If someone chose to birth out of a hospital just based on that film, it would be a shame.
That said, I'm not trying to change anyone's minds, just give some more information. It's just not my first rodeo with childbirth and my first one was very influenced by bad info from the internet that just created fear. Anyway, I had a csection and then a VBAC with a midwife in the hospital so I'm not against midwives or anything. Just wish I had known a few things before getting sucked a little too far into the "natural" stuff. People lose their babies because of this, and I am one of the ones who would have if I hadn't had NICU nurses to my room in under a minute.
This post is for those in the same boat who would appreciate it. If home birth or birth center is still your thing, then at least you had a little more info to support your choice. As for what @Corts is posting, you can't blame her for her strong feelings. She's seen mothers and babies lose their lives when they didn't have to because they were too far from help. Life and death situations and the aftermath can do that to a person.
I think it's absolutely fair to have concerns, because a lot of people have home births unassisted or with untrained/poorly trained midwives. We're lucky to have a Certified Nurse Midwife in our area who has delivered thousands of babies over the course of decades. She has the statistics to back her up, and my husband and I both feel that we're in good hands. I don't need to explain that I did the research to strangers on the internet, but I did. Everything about pregnancy, birth, and parenting is a business, both natural and not. Every parent needs to do the research and figure out what the best choice is for themselves. And remember that this is a space for supporting each other, not attacking each other. Because that is not helpful.
Re: Hospital vs Birthing Center vs Homebirth
DD #2: EDD July 2016
Im glad you had such a pleasant experience at your hospital, and while what I said may be biased (?) yours is also purely anecdotal. There's no garuntee my experience would be the same as yours. My research is sound and comes from legitimate resources. I've been pouring over materials for the past four years. And while you've experienced none of what I've described personally, a birthing center is what I want and I'm not putting myself or my child in harms way by choosing it. Hospitals give me incredible anxiety for very personal reasons and that was a factor in my decision. I don't know how I would be expected to give birth in the middle of a panic attack.
As I said, if I have to give birth in a hospital, I will. Just like everyone else, my end goal is a happy healthy baby, comfort be damned.
I have super fast labors. My Drs missed my last two deliveries. If I had longer labors I might consider looking into other options more.
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I did not say that you were putting you or your baby in harm's way. I think that birth centers and home births can be great options for many women if they are prepared (I even suggested doing midwife care to a woman on this board last week). I would probably do a birth center or even home birth if they were an option to me.
If you in fact need to be transfered to the hospital next door, do you know how long those few minutes will be? What if you start hemorrhaging badly or the cord is around the neck cutting off circulation? Why chance having loss or a a nicu baby, just so you can birth in a comfortable bed??
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Some things like AMA, over weight, some previous medical conditions and so forth.
good luck to every one.
I think that is how everyone's decision needs to be viewed. It sounds like most ladies here will be making their own choice in the most informed and educated way. No need for lurkers or others to put anyone down for a family's choice.
Edited: it's early and grammar is hard.
But hey sorry for pointing that out. Carry on with being offended...
TTC since May 2014.
Aug 2014 BFP, EDD April 22, 2015. Low progesterone, started suppositories. Loss at 5w6d.
Nov 19, 2015 BFP at 13 dpo, EDD July 29, 2016. MMC discovered 12/29 (9+4). Natural miscarriage 1/16 (12+1).
AMH results 0.42, 1.2; FSH 12.1, AFC 10, dx DOR.
RPL testing results normal. Nurse recommended progesterone suppositories in TWW.
Clomid + trigger + TI cycle August 2016 - failed. Thin lining.
Femara + trigger + TI cycle December 2016 - failed. Thin lining.
Short LP (8 days).
Acupuncture & Chinese herbs starting January 2017, lengthened LP to 10 days
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