is this a crazy idea... or do you think i could try it??

[Neenee Jellybeanie]

I think it'd be a good idea but 45 mins is such a long time. If the hospital was more like 20 minutes away, it'd be a different story. Like Sarah said, having someone on stand-by to come and drive you if you end up needing it would be a great idea if you decide to do this. Personally, I'd organize a way to walk some of the way and be driven the rest of the way anyway.

[Julie Doula]

Walking while dilating suits me. I walked for hours all the way until I was ready to drop on all fours with my last two labours, and I wish I had with the first. I walked between contractions, then leaned over a fence or something and rocked my hips during the contractions. If you wanted to do this, perhaps you could have someone shadow you in the car, just in case you reach a point that you need the care.

[satya]

I wouldn't do it personally. I couldn't stand having people looking at me and asking if I was OK and wanted a lift to hossy etc. What happens if you need to go to the toilet on the way? It's not like you will have a lot of control over that with all that pressure and pain going on - it would be awful to get caught short in a public place whilst in labour. I also would want to conserve my energy for full on labour. Remember you can go into labour any time, day or night so it would not be very pleasant walking what is normally a 45 minute walk in the daytime in pitch black at a slow pace, stopping here and there to try and manage your pain. Could take a long time to get there. A car seems a much more sensible option.

[Julie Doula]

I was walking over the fields and along a river. Much nicer than on a busy street with 'concerned motorists'. Some women yearn to be outside walking around, near nature during labour, and it works much better for them than trying to be 'active' in a claustrophobic hospital room. Being strong and active helps some women to not feel 'helpless' in labour, it helps them connect to their strength. Other woman have a need to be in a dark, private place, like in their birth pool with the blinds down and no more than candle-light. Sometimes what you want changes during the course of your labour. Your instinct tells you what works for you. My instinct was telling me all along to get outside and get walking. I didn't for the first labour but did for the 2nd and 3rd and it was lovely. Another of my clients felt the same, she walked in the rain beside the Yarra River for hours before she finally got in the car for the hour's drive to the birth centre. She gave birth as soon as she got there.

Shellshell, trust your instinct, darl. Horses for courses! Most women probably lean towards not walking enough in labour than walking too much.