DIY Deliveries: More Women Go It Alone (US)

[s361768]

Baby socks did you have a traumatic birth in the hospital? What was reason for your decision to homebirth next time?

The thought of PPH scares me too. I went to my 38 week hospital appointment and was told amongst other things that I have the same chance of uterine rupture as the last time, even after I birthed my baby naturally (he was my VBAC).
As a result when (or if) I come into hospital I have to have constant foetal monitoring. I really just want to birth at home, because of the fear of being treated badly again etc but they really know how to put the fear into a near due pregnant woman.

So I don't know what to do now. I am just really worried and anxious about having this baby (my fourth)

[Phteven]

Any chance you could get a doula to support you. Even a student doula if you can't afford to pay. They make a huge differance in women's satisfaction with their birthing.

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...play.php?f=111

[Trillian]

Baby socks, you have time to prepare yourself for a homebirth and save up to afford a midwife, so time is on your side with that. The bleeding is a worry, but there are things you can do to help with that.

s361768, I think that there is an article on here with the stats in regards to uterine rupture. I would have thought that since your scar has been tested successfully before that there would be a slightly smaller chance this time round of it happening. I had a PPH with my 3rd birth and required a transfusion, and the odds of it happening with #4 were slightly higher, but then they were higher simply because it was my 4th baby, but it is still only a small chance of it happening at all. I'm sure that in the event of you needing to go to hospital, then surely you can negotiate the monitoring - you've already proved you can vaginally birth a baby. Are you thinking about having a hospital birth now?

[s361768]

I am because I am worried about everything that could go wrong. I have been pretty up and down about it all pregnancy but I think I am even more indecisive now that I have only 2 weeks to go.

I am petrified of the hospital system because I know me and I know that I will not be able to advocate for myself (even though I know I will have my doula with me) I don't want what has happened in the past to happen again. My doula has had some problems with obs and midwifes in hospital system because of sticking up for her clients and I dont want that drama while I am in labour. I just wish I could be more self assertive and vocalise what I want and not be ignored.

[Phteven]

What about a detailed written birth plan?
Using the term "I do not consent" where ever possible/applicable. If they have a black and white document that clearly states that you don't consent to certain procedures they might be less likely to try them for fear of litigation.

[Trillian]

It's a tough one. What about your DH? What are his feelings on the subject? If you think that he will be a good enough advocate, it might not be a drama and your Doula will back him up. Having any potential hassle during birth isn't going to be conducive for a smooth birth, so if you decide to go to hospital, go over everything with them, in black and white, and make sure that they are clear on it. They can't do anything against your wishes.

[s361768]

My doula went through my birth plan with me today, which was great. With regards to my partner he goes to mush at the hospital. He believes it is because he is too emotionally involved. That is why he likes the idea of a doula.

I hope that they will read over my birth plan at the hospital if I go.

Thank you for your advice!!!

[Neenee Jellybeanie]

During my labour, the midwives were horrible and offered no support or comfort whatsoever save ONE who talked me through the 8 - 10cm dilation and pushing phases. They also took Aurelia away from me without my permission and I missed out on that bonding time.

I don't think I'll be able to save up thousands of dollars to be honest because we just don't have the money. We live in perth and rent is SO ridiculous and so many people want housing, we're living with my parents right now because we just can't get out! A doula would be a really good idea, though I still REALLY don't want to birth at home!! Though my partner isn't happy about that idea AT ALL.

[Matryoshka]

During my labour, the midwives were horrible and offered no support or comfort whatsoever save ONE who talked me through the 8 - 10cm dilation and pushing phases. They also took Aurelia away from me without my permission and I missed out on that bonding time.

I don't think I'll be able to save up thousands of dollars to be honest because we just don't have the money. We live in perth and rent is SO ridiculous and so many people want housing, we're living with my parents right now because we just can't get out! A doula would be a really good idea, though I still REALLY don't want to birth at home!! Though my partner isn't happy about that idea AT ALL.

Did you know that in Perth (WA) that homebirth is actually COMPLETELY FREE covered by Medicare under the CMP program. Just google Community Midwifery Program. So there's no reason you have to save up money to have a homebirth, and the midwife will be involved as little or as much as you like. Would this be an option for you??

[Neenee Jellybeanie]

Did you know that in Perth (WA) that homebirth is actually COMPLETELY FREE covered by Medicare under the CMP program. Just google Community Midwifery Program. So there's no reason you have to save up money to have a homebirth, and the midwife will be involved as little or as much as you like. Would this be an option for you??

DGNFDJKHRAPHGPR;GNJR;Wgnv ARE YOU KIDDING?! oh my god, OMG! That's fantastic! But i am so upset that i didn't know about it with my first!! DAMN i could've had her at home!! piffle damn pifflepiffle!! I saw a doco on TV that said there's only one place that does it in WA and you need to book as soon as you find out you're pregnant because they're so busy. I found out about them towards the end of my labour so I never investigated it.

[Matryoshka]

DGNFDJKHRAPHGPR;GNJR;Wgnv ARE YOU KIDDING?! oh my god, OMG! That's fantastic! But i am so upset that i didn't know about it with my first!! DAMN i could've had her at home!! piffle damn pifflepiffle!! I saw a doco on TV that said there's only one place that does it in WA and you need to book as soon as you find out you're pregnant because they're so busy. I found out about them towards the end of my labour so I never investigated it.

That would probably be this scheme... you do have to book early but i don't know anyone who's had a problem not being accepted due to lack of space.

At least you know about it now and can consider it for your next one Feel free to pm me if you need any more info okay.

[Phteven]

If your birth plan is stapled into the front of your file. Then they have no excuse for not reading it.
Take it to your next appointment (are you going for ante-natal checks?) and watch them staple it in. You can even request that they sign it after reading it so that they can't say they didn't read it.

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

My birth plan was attached. Evil midwife asked for my notes to take to the labour suite and removed it, stashing it with my reading books. So no-one could find it (they looked!) and I had to explain DH's freaky-deaky genetic problem to anaesthesia while pushing, on a monitor, being wheeled into theatre. Just a warning, give copies to support people jic.

[s361768]

That is so horrible rosehip fairy, it is the birth of your baby and I don't know why they should get their back up about 'your birth plan.' But they do and it is beyond me why they have the authority to do this.

However I know they do this... i.e. in my case during my last two pregnancies, putting it at the back of my medical file and openly scoffing at it in front of me.

I hope you don't have to go through that again, my therapist (who I have being seeing since PND after 2nd son) suggested I use an A3 flip pad and a niko and for my birth plan and take that in with me!!!