Out-of-Hospital Birth Thread

laurenjollyphoto · January 2022

Hey everyone! Is anyone planning a home birth or birth center birth? I haven't found much discussion of this so started my own thread!

I'm planning my third home birth and I'm so excited! I'd love to hear about your birth plans!

tuxielove93 · January 2022

Hey mama! I am planning a home birth. My first two were hospital births, so it would be great to talk to a mama who has already had home births. I sent you a private message.

There is another thread that I started called "December natural birth thread" if you want to find it and read through the comments. We've let that thread fall off. It's mostly related to unmedicated births, not out-of-hospital births. I was the only other commenter at the time who was having an out-of-hospital birth.

There is also a "birth choices" thread I created which is for anyone to share what their birth plan is from c-section to home birth, but that didn't get a lot of comments.

laurenjollyphoto · January 2022

I did see that thread and read through it! I was excited to see you're having a home birth - I don't often see much discussion of that on forums like this! I'll also check out the birth choices thread - thank you!

I'm trying to find my private messages 🤦‍♀️ But I'd be happy to chat with you - home birth is amazing! You'll love being in your own space!

tuxielove93 · January 2022

Lol the inbox is a pain to find on the bump.

On mobile, it’s to the left of the “new discussion” button and above the “July 2022 moms” title.

tuxielove93 · January 2022

On a desktop, the inbox is on the right hand side of the screen, amongst the little picture buttons. Its the mail one with an arrow coming out of it. If you can find the blue buttons that say community > thebumpmonthclubs. july2022moms and follow that line directly to the right, you'll run into it. Its the second little picture.

What advice would you give to a seasoned, unmedicated birthing mama who is having a home birth for the first time?? What is different about birthing from home versus the hospital? I'm already kind of weirded out that I get my midwife AND her student all to myself the entire time. And they arent going anywhere.

My plan right now is pretty simple. Stay home, bounce on my birth ball, chill out. When it gets to be serious enough, call the midwife. Have the baby in a few hours. Hopefully don't traumatize my mother or two older children in the process. I rely on breathing exercises and my husband's awesome massage techniques to get through birth.

laurenjollyphoto · January 2022

I think that's a great plan! I'm actually also a doula and birth photographer so I feel like I could talk about this all day, but I think my biggest piece of advice is to not compare this birth to your others. This is a whole new pregnancy, baby, and birth, and if you get too caught up in what has happened in the past, you may miss out on listening to your body and enjoying the experience. I also think being picky about who is invited into your birth space is important! Make sure they are 1000% supportive! You're gonna do so great - home birth is amazing!

rosegoldg · January 2022

We're doing research now and definitely leaning towards a home birth, all the pros just seem brilliant but I don't know if I'm brave enough for it. The statistics in England are that 45% of first time mums end up in hospital at some stage for various reasons so I'm trying not to put too much pressure on it.

Do you guys find that you get any negative responses when you tell people you're thinking of home birth? Already doubting whether I want to tell my in-laws my protective mama instincts are already through the roof, like I would ever actually do anything to put my child in harms way

bolson16 · January 2022

I’m a first time mom and I’ll be doing a birth center birth! I was going to do home but our house is far from a good hospital (if needed, even tho I know we won’t), so right now I’m choosing birth center! I’m so excited as this is something I’ve always wanted to experience with my body and my baby!

Slightly nervous too but overall can’t wait for this experience! Would love any and all advice as I’m a true first timer to all of this! Currently reading Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth and I feel so empowered already, plus my midwives are terrific

bolson16 · January 2022

@rosegoldg my parents and in-laws are not impressed by the decision and my mom (lives in a constant state of fear) has a million reasons for me as to why this is a “bad idea.” However, they come from a different generation so I just don’t take what they say personally, I know my heart this is right for me and my baby and my body ❤️

I can deff share empathy with you though, it’s tough. We brought my MIL to my appointment recently so she could meet my midwife team and that really helped!

Elliebe · January 2022

We had our first baby in a hospital, second baby was our first homebirth and we are planning to do that again with our third. We loved having our baby at home. We live out in the country a ways and I have very quick labors and I did not want to labor in the car again or have a very likely roadside delivery. I wasn’t as anxious and I was able to get into the positions I needed to be in without anything connected to me. Everything went smoother and I was much more supported and relaxed. Hoping for a water birth this time, we weren’t able to have one last time. I love my midwife and the relationship I get to have with her. Very thankful God directed us toward this option.

In-laws werent super excited about a home-birth, so I chose not to discuss it with them. They were respectful though for the most part and didn’t pressure us or anything.

laurenjollyphoto · January 2022

I love all this encouragement! It can be hard when family isn't supportive, but you have to take what they say with a grain of salt and understand that their fears come from love. If they have questions, be open and honest, but if they are just trying to scare you, it may be best to not discuss with them.

@rosegoldg if home birth is what feels right to you, listen to your momma gut! From my understanding, in the Uk, transfers are much smoother if that's what's needed. I'm sure you'll be in great hands!

@bolson16 we did a birth center for our first, too, and even though we did decide to transfer (for a non emergency), I would still do it again.

@Elliebe so excited for you! I also have never had a water birth and am hoping it works out this time! My husband (an engineer) is trying to figure out a way to have the tub filled up ahead of time and keep it warm and circulating so fingers crossed!

laurenjollyphoto · January 2022

If this is your first OOH birth, what questions do you have?!

bolson16 · January 2022

@laurenjollyphoto - the pain, the reality of giving birth naturally. Knowing we are all different, what’s it really like? (And not to scare us, but for me I just really like the reality of what I’m possibly getting in to so I can prepare). FTM here!

laurenjollyphoto · January 2022

@bolson16 I truly believe that fear, stress, and tension are directly related to the pain you feel and how you experience birth. I know it's so crazy going into that first experience not knowing exactly what to expect, but I think the best way to prepare is to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible, surround yourself with a loving and supportive birth team (highly recommend a doula), and guard yourself from others' fears and worries. Birth really CAN be a beautiful, incredible experience!!

As far as the reality of it, I honestly found it more intense and tiring than painful for most of labor. Once you hit transition, it can be overwhelming but if you've mentally prepared for that (and especially if you have a doula/labor coach), you will know it's normal and you're so close. For me, pushing felt amazing because I could actually DO something and the "ring of fire" didn't last long and was manageable. I hope that's helpful!!

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