Such a tough one! FWIW, in the south of England we're given horror stories about why we shouldn't homebirth (or rather, our husbands are!) and you can wait up to 20 hours before they send a midwife out, the advice is "we have no midwives available, just go to hospital."
So I'd be going independent if I wanted a midwife there. Because I don't trust the NHS one jot... but you're in a different situation.
Maye go NHS but when they fail you then you can have a freebirth. Am I at all colouring what you should do with what I would do now?
but have you considered that by using the NHS service when you don't strictly have to (although I know it would be much easier financially) you could be using up a HB spot that someone else wants? Someone who may not be able to afford another option (ie. IHBM)? I know full well that that is not at all how it should be, and I agree that everyone should have access to the same, high-quality care, but in reality it's just not how it is ATM.
I know it's not a progressive thought, and you may feel totally unaffected by it, but I thought I would put it out there anyway. (I'm not at all suggesting that it would be unfair if you did decide to have a NHS HB ).
I think go with the IM. If there is only a demand for two IM in the area then the NHS won't think improving their services are worthwhile because it obviously isn't what the community wants. The more demand for IM the more the NHS is likely to think that is what people want. I would go IM and then pursue advocacy of better homebirth services in a different way.
HTH
If I'm to be honest, I would probably go the IM too if I could afford it, simply because I would want the best birth for myself
As others have said, you can still advocate for better public HB services, and you have already had experience with it so can speak with authority.
If it were me, I don't think I'd be selfless enough to risk obtaining the birth I want in order to make a point (albeit a very noble and important one).
But maybe I'm just a heck of a lot more selfish than you
I think my sticking points are that the NHS SAYS it will provide HB's for anyone who wants them. The NHS isn't ailing, it is being poorly managed at the moment. A few years ago the government began heavily subsidising young people who choose to go and study midwifery because the system doesn't have enough midwives, but now their training is complete and there are no jobs because they're not putting the necessary money into the maternity SERVICE. And the shift at the moment, despite the increase in demand, seems to be larger and larger obstetric centres and away from midwifery care. It seems to me that unless women begin to loudly demand the births they want and are entitled to the government will quietly pack midwifery and with it a wealth of skills, away. The DEMAND for HB isn't that high, but both the IM's in this area are fully booked all year around. So though they regularly have places for new clients (obviously) they tell me that they do not have gaps in their work calendars.
TBH either way i will be having a more or less unmedical birth anyway. If i book the IM i plan to call when i'm getting into serious labour, and have her sit in the living room until i feel i want her with me (which i might not) and with the NHSM i'd just have DP call them when i'm pushing already.
The whole point of the NHS is that they SHOULD NOT limit places. They pledge that HB is available to all those who want it, and they need to provide it. The limit on home births is a false one - have you ever called the GP with a cold and been told he is full up for colds this week, you need to have your cold next week?! It's absurd! Do they provide maternity care or not?! Unfortunately the best way to put pressure on the government to increase maternity staffing and make HB a more accessible option is for women to demand HB. I'm not particularly scared that they won't send the midwife when i call in labour because if they say they don't have anyone i will tell them my baby is coming, my HB is booked and if they don't send anyopne and me or my baby come to harm then my family will seek legal recourse to the full extent of the law. In the UK at least part of the pledge midwives take when they qualify is that they will never refuse a woman in labour who asks for assistance. They cannot legally refuse me. And if they just drag their heels i don't really care, i plan to catch my own baby this time anyway!
I don't think you're selfish Snacks. Not at all. I suppose i'm too socialist! And feminist. I just think that if i am going to take myself seriously i need to have my money where my mouth is and not just have my mouth going. I have several aquaintances who go on about the state of education and supporting the system but when they have kids they send them off to private school for their education. Unfortunately for a socialist system to function well people have to show faith before they might feel it...
I'm not a socialist. Not by any means. BUT, I do support some socialist ideals, I'm just tougher than the current government. The NHS is something I do support. And think should be available for all. By all means, have non-necessary surgery speeded up at a private clinic (I prefer private when I used it for my non-essen but NO-ONE should have to go private for, for example, birth, cancer treatment and diagnosis, neurological investigations (which is why it took me over a year!)... it's necessary and urgent and should be provided by the NHS right now, when NEEDED (I think I've waxed lyrical on wants and needs before LOL). There should be no such thing as an independent midwife, the NHS should provide...
Ethics. I would go NHS just because they SHOULD do this, it is in their charter and mission statement and whatever other management bull-talk they give this stuff. Even if they don't turn up, they should give you the option. Not "sorry, busy, hospital only" - don't go!
Anyway, just going to turn into a rant if I keep going. Ethically, I'd go NHS.
Am I at all colouring what you should do with what I would do now?
Reply With Quote
).
Bookmarks