I have no idea what to do I really want to do a water birth at birth suites and would be eligible but I also have paid all my ob fees including the big midway one and hospital fees at the private hospital I'm scared because I want the hospital stay afterwards because I was so unwell last time post birth but I'm thinking if I have a water birth it will go much better and I won't have as much damage either . I just want to have as natural as possible birth but feel completely supported after, I recognize that mayby going home after might not be so bad ill get to sleep in bed with hubby and we won't have to get ds looked after
Is there any way the private hospital would compromise with you on the waterbirth? I know my local private hospital doesn't allow waterbirths, but will happily support women labouring in water and then they are helped out just as birth is imminent. Alternatively they may support you in bringing a birth pool into the labour rooms. You've got some time to work this out so if you start speaking to your OB now then you could work out something that will make you feel more confident with your plans.
If this doesn't work out then perhaps your OB would refund you some of the fees if you decide to switch to the public hospital.
Maybe ring the private hospital and your Ob and find out what refunds are available. Then you will know the financial side of your decisions. Ring the birth suites and find out if it is possible to book in there.
I loved my waterbirth, but some people find that it doesn't work for them during labour and they need to feel grounded. Can you labour in the bath at home before you head in. Will the hospital support you in other ways to reduce the chances of injury? Holding compresses on the perenium and using positioning to help baby get in a better position and slow crowning.
I wanted water births but ended up deciding epidurals were more important. The hospital I was in had fantastic labour care, but the ward was ridiculously busy and a horrible place to be in visiting hours, so I went home the next day despite really wanting a nice break in hospital. To this day I still wish I'd gotten a break!
It sucks having to make compromises sometimes.
Are there other post-natal care options you could explore for in your home? And it's probably worth asking your OB about refunds if you change carers, too. That might help with your decision.
Good luck!
If you have private health midwifery services ante- and post-natally might be covered. That could be an option for feeling supported afterward.
In my experience (two private hospital births and one birth centre birth with no stay) I felt more supported at the birth centre by the public midwives. They visited me once a day for a week then I could call if I had any issues up until our discharge appointment at 6 weeks. Our public hospital lets mums stay after birth if they want and do the home midwifery care for those who don't. I highly recommend waterbirthing if its definitely something you wish to do.
Ok freak out is starting to pass dh wants me to stay at private hosp and I will research my doula options and try convince dh it's worth the money mayby ill ask bupa how much I'm covered for IM if at all mayby he can get me a doula as my Chrissy present lol
Soo conflicted
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