Hi everyone,
I am considering giving birth at home and I would like some mums who have done so to share their experience, especially if they chose to give birth at home for their first child (ie, not knowing what to expect at all!!!).
I asked my midwife yesterday about it, but she didn't want to talk too much about it until i'm 36 weeks pregnant (I'm 25 weeks now), arguing that lots can happen between now and 36 weeks. But I felt a bit upset because I need answers to my questions in order to decide whether I giving birth at home is for me or not.
I live litteraly 5 minutes away from the hospital, so i'm not worried at all that I wouldn't reach the hospital in time should something go wrong. What worries me more is how to cope with pain (no epidural or gas and air), what techniques other mums used (my midwife suggested hypnobirth, do you know about it?, is it good?), and also, where do you actually give birth in your house? (I know, that sounds silly, but I need to know!). Is it just one midwife with you or two? do they stay with you for the whole time, whatever how long it takes?
And also, If you lived in a terraced house/flat, how did you feel about the idea of screaming your head off in pain with your neighbours right next door (I know this sounds awful, but I have my dignity and I'm not sure I want my neighbours to hear me shout in pain!)...

Sorry for this very long message, I hope someone can share their experience with me, it would be much appreciated.

Take care,

Flo

I gave birth to my little girl Aurora on Friday,at home,she was 7 pounds 6 stone, with a full head of black hair and she is sooooo beautiful I cannot believe how strong us women are !!!! Also with NO pain relief not even gas or air!!!! Hypno-birthing worked for me!!!!!! I am over the moon))))))

This was my first child and it was the most wonderful empowering experience i have felt ever in my life!!! I believe it is important that every woman gets the birth experience they want, to feel in control of what is going on to know what is happening to them and this helps reduce the fear and therefore releasing tension and pain .I practised hypno-birthing from 32 weeks i went to see a hypno birthing teacher and in three sessions which were about four hours long and £60 pounds each i learned how to get into a deep relaxed state learning different breaths for the different stages and visualisation techniques and some other stuff too.I got given cds and a book and some notes. Do you have birth partner? As there are some things you need to do with them during labour and birth to help you get into a deeper relaxation.
I moved my bed into the downstairs living room so i could be near the kitchen and i have a loo there too but going up the stairs is good to get contractions going again if they slow down but its what you feel where would you feel most comfortable??
I doubt that my neighbours actually heard a thing. I did walk in the garden and had a contraction out there too my partner filmed me and it just looked like i was concentrating really hard (i was on my breathing).

As for the midwife situation, the first midwife i had i felt i couldnt click with her i said about homebirthing and she said a similar sort of thing. I then decided as I wanted the most natural pregnancy/birth for my baby i would find out what I needed to myself. I read a few books-highly reccomended 'The natural Pregnancy book' by Aviva Jill Romm,great when you just want truthful commensense goodness! Also Grantly ... Read 'Childbirth without fear' He was an obstetrican years ago with the 'FEAR=TENSION=PAIN' philosophy very simply explaining what will happen to your body.
So i changed my midwife at around 28 or 32 weeks and I got a nicer one who didnt make me feel like i was on a conveyor belt,the new one was much more pleasant and had enthusiasm about what i was standing for. I did have a different midwife present when i was in labour though i prayed and prayed because i was so worried about getting a grumpy one and she was wonderful she was like an angel and let things un fold in their own time which was the most wonderful thing ,i feel blessed to have had the birthing experience that i really wanted,my mum ended up being my birthing partner and my partner was around in the house when i needed him and at times i just wanted to be left alone. To be allowed to with the flow of your body is important the most important thing. I hope that this has given you some insight into what you were wondering If you want to know anything alse just ask. If you need to speak in human voice i will speak on phone!!!! I AM AM MUMMMY NOW!!!!!!! YIPEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!Got to go and feed my little angel now,lots of love and light Abigailxxxxxxxxxxx

she arrived just as the babies head was coming out and ahe was also a great encouragement we all then started chomping on fruity polos to give us a sugar rush!!!!

Sorry Aurora was not 7 pounds 6 stone but 7 pounds 6 ounces Goodness my brain has turned to mush!!!!!!

for all the details, it was great to read about your experience. Well, it is encouraging because you really seem to be so pleased . And congratulations on the birth of your little girl. Well done.
I have contacted my local hypnobirthing teacher. I'm waiting for her to come back to me with class availability. My husband will be my birth partner, wherever I decide to give birth. He's actually the one who mentionned hypnobirth to me first because one of his colleagues recommended it. I know whatever I decide he'll be totally supportive, it's reassuring.
thanks again and enjoy your new bundle of joy!!!
Flo
xxx

Hi

I am also considering it with my first.

Asked the Doc today and she said you can have gas and air and pethadin during a home birth.

She said to talk to my midwife about it, in my area there is either a consultant lead unit in hospital or home birth - nothing in between. I think what I would really like is a nice small midwife lead unit - but not on offer.

when I get more info on the subject. It's good to know about gas and air and pethadin. I'll enquire about that next time I see my midwife.
We're in the same situation in terms of options to give birth round here : hospital or home birth. nothing in between. And to be honest giving birth in hospital doesn't inspire me too much .
take care,
Flo