Hi,

I'm four months pregnant with my second child and want to have a home birth. The first time in hospital went perfectly with no hitches, but this time I would prefer to have my baby in more comfortable surroundings, without all the bright lights and clinical equipment. To be honest, at times it felt more like an operation than a birth, the whole process is very clinical now and so far removed from nature.

My GP doesn't seem too hot on the idea of a home birth, although I know that I have a legal right to one and am going to speak to my midwife about the options. The rearch I have done suggests that this is a far better way to give birth, both me and the baby are likely to need less drugs than we would at hospital, mainly because we will both be more relaxed and comfortable. Home labours tend to be shorter and more successful, so I don't understand why only 3% of babies born in the UK are born at home. I think it probably comes down to the attitude of the medical profession.

What does everyone else think?
I understand the reasons why it might not be a great idea for everyone (placenta praevia, breech baby, previous caesarean, high blood pressure and anaemia etc. can all make it more risky) but I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas, stories, advice etc for me.

Many thanks,
love
bridgetspants

Fantatsic idea.

I am 29 weeks pregnant and planning a home delivery in a water pool. I had planned a home birth for my first baby but I had a low lying placenta and lobes which were never there but were a cause for concern for my midwife so I went in for the labout and was out six hours later. Still a great experience because I had no interventions and delviered in water.

Home births are safer for you (research to back it) if you are a safe pregnancy - I wouldn't put me or my baby at risk but would argue that if we are both well, as we are, then I am safer at home and why risk infection or injury in a hospital when there is no need. My midwives are brillient and although they can't offer any guarentees about certain requests - ie delveiring underwater if the midwife attending isn't experienced, they have been really supportive and my named midwife is hoping and trying to make sure she can be there so I will know the attendees which is also a HB bonus.

My advice is to talk to your midwife informally as part of your antenatal contact. See how you go - try and speak to one thats community based as the hospital ones may be less supportive and or experienced at HBs. If you get a poor responce, call the midwife supervisios and ask for the policy on HBs in your area and if they have anyone you can discuss it with. I understand not wanting to get involved in making legal demands becasue it would be stressful and takes the edge of a positive choice so go in gently and see what you find. I think as long as you are prepared to be flexible and understand the risks they are moving towards a more positive approach.

I am also the chair of my lcoal NCT branch and you will find loads of info and support from them not just about home births but about choices for all sorts of things and people who are about to have babies near you.

Totally agree with you. not pregnant myself, but my sister is and she spoke to the Independent Midwives Association about having an independent midwife come to her house for a home birth.
The tel no is: 01483 821104. They're quite expensive, but will prob give you some advice as well.

She also got a alot of info from the National Childbirth Trust http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.co m/
or you can phone 0870 444 8707. they have loads of really useful info.

Hope this helps