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

hi
i would always suggest a first time mum to have a baby in hospital. mainly because you don't know what to expect. i know there will be people saying that it is all wonderful and comfortable, but things can change in an instant.
it bloomin hurts for a start. the midwives can give you gas & air, but i think thats it. obviously no epidural. it would also depend on the size of your baby. if s/he's big then there is a potential of them coming out slowly or even getting stuck. this can cause distress for the baby.
the midwife should get to you as soon as possible - so long as she's not with another lady, when she will send someone else.
pros for hospital - drs, midwives, equipment, painkillers all at hand, no mess to clear up, can be as noisy as you like.
i know some mums who were adamant at not having painkillers and ended up having an epidural!
my biggest worry was if something was to go wrong - if your baby gets distressed/stops breathing, if you bleed too much, if the placenta doesn't all come away, if your baby becomes unwell.

my baby was born in hospital and everything was fine and i know lots of babies are born at home ok, but what if........

sorry to sound so pesimistic, but believe me i have good reason to.

good luck with whatever you decide
kelx