i have been thinking about a home birth, it's the security and familiar surroundings i like the sound of and especially after watching panorama its made me think twice about a hospital.
i've also been thinking about a water birth, i read you can hire them so that plus at home is my choice at the mo but then again i'm only 7 weeks now so my thoughts may change, i dunno, it's all very important decisions to make and finalise but i can't wait for the 4th Jan to come!

Hello I am planning to have a home birth and I just wondered if any body on here was thinking of having one or have had one before.No scare stories though! Hope all you guys are well?

Hi all , I am new here . I have 6 boys in total four of my own , two stepsons (who live with me ) and I am 18 weeks pregnant . I have had 2 absolutely fantastic home births with my last two youngest . I can honestly say I would not dream of ever going back to hospital (unless emerg )birthing . It was like a celebration from the time I went into labour. My midwives were great ( you always have 2 , one for you and one for baby ).We had tea and biscuits while I was rolling around on my birthing ball .It was sooooo laid back , with all your home comforts and I believe it made my husband feel more in control and invovled too as he felt he was in his 'domain ' . My older children slept through the first time and was waiting by the bedroom door all ready for school the next .They enjoyed the fact they were part of it too and not 'left behind ' as it were . There was hardly any mess and the midwives cleaned it all up before they went leaving me to snuggle up with my new baby in my new bed .... BLISS !!! Anyone contemplating should just go for it !!
I'm happy to answer any questions if you think of any .

xxxx

hello there.
I am pregnant with my 4th baby and have decided to have the baby at home. To be honest i am in and out of hospital so would rather be in my home surroundings. My last baby...was very quick labour and it took me longer to get to hospital than acually given birth.
Aslong as i am healthy and i get the go ahead...i am really excited...keep us posted and good luck.

i have been thinking about a home birth, it's the security and familiar surroundings i like the sound of and especially after watching panorama its made me think twice about a hospital.
i've also been thinking about a water birth, i read you can hire them so that plus at home is my choice at the mo but then again i'm only 7 weeks now so my thoughts may change, i dunno, it's all very important decisions to make and finalise but i can't wait for the 4th Jan to come!

Is it your first baby???
I didn't see the panorama though I can imagine!!
I too was thinking about having water too though I am quite poor and I was wondering if maybe I could just use the bath though perhaps not actually give birth in it aswee just use the water to help with the contractions.
Its good to think ahead Your baby is due on my birthday!!!!
Have you seen the good home birth sites???

Hi, I'm planning on having a home birth too! Its my first baby and my mid-wife has been very encouraging. I'm 45mins from the nearest hospital but they don't take any risks so if there are any problems they will get me there on time. A lot of people have been quite negative eg 'don't you think you are putting your baby at risk' and 'I wouldn't have a home birth with my first baby' etc, but I really feel it's right for me. I want to feel comfortable and secure and in familiar surroundings with a mid-wife that knows me. Also I watched a bit of that panaroma undercover mid-wife programme and it has convinced me even more that a home birth is the way to go! Anyway I've waffled on too much, but good luck! When are you due by the way? I'm 28 August.

I have found thatmost people have something to say when i have said that I am going to have a home birth. I am just being positive and found that I feel quite alone with my decision, trying to find another midwife that will be supportive, I dont trust the Nhs, I am twenty one weeks feeling happy though just doing things that make me happy and not thinking bad thoughts or worrying as I know my body better than anyone!!!
i am due on the 21st September I can't wait!!!!! Where do you live ?

Wasnt it awful.

I understand that it's hard to cope when short staffed and with a lack of resources....but some of the midwifes attitudes stunk.

Did you see?......
One poor women was in well established labour almost ready to start pushing and she was left in a corridor by herself to cry...the midwife said " she should get a life " and another one had been asking for pain relief for hours and hours and had been forgotten about and when it was brought to the midwifes attention yet once again, the comment made was " she'll feel bad pain in a minute! "

I know not all hospitals or midwifes are like this but it did open my eyes!

Making me considering the home birth thing more seriously now....just worried about getting to the hospital quick enough if needed too!

Im due Sept 9th x

I know that programme was awful. My hubby only let me watch half of it! I know two of my friends who've had bad experiences when they've given birth in hospital.

I wouldn't worry about getting to the hospital on time if something did go wrong. Your midwife won't let you have a home birth unless you're a low risk pregnancy anyway, and they don't take risks so any hint that something is wrong and they will whisk you in.

I'm quite nervous about it but looking forward to it at the same time!

Hi,

Congratulations on your pregnancy.

I haven't ever had a home birth although my midwife has asked me if i'd like to have one!

It's a lovely idea & i imagine it's much more relaxing if you're in your own home but the hospital is a 40 minute drive away from my home ( on a good day ) so im a bit worried incase there are any complications!

Was just wondering, Is this your first baby and how far are you from the hospital?

A friend of mine had a home birth this past week and she said it was the best experience she had ever had. She had her first child in hospital so she knows the best of both sides but she has vowed to have home births for any more children she has. She found it fantastic!!!

Not sure myself, and my friend agrees, that a home birth is the best choice for the first birth just because it is new and it is good to have the security of trained staff there just in case etc etc... but it is your choice and if they feel anything is unsafe whilst you are at home they will ambulance you to the hospital.

Good luck on your choice!!!

hiya im not speaking from Xperience but 2 weeks ago my friend had her baby at home on the sofa. she said it was great ( although the midwife and ambulance didnt arrive in time for the birth)the baby was out within 20 mins LUCKY COW :P but she recommended home birth to me. she said its better being in the comfort of your own home. if tht helps you in any way:P