I wish I had! I really wanted a HB first time but talked myself out of it based on the cost. My H and I weren't concerned about birth though so that wasn't a factor in the decision not to HB. I went to a birth centre and spent so much of my pregnancy fretting about birthing in a hospital- I really should have planned a HB! I would have felt much safer and secure with a decision to HB than I did with the decision to go to a BC.
It irks me no end that when I planned the HB second time around loads of people say "well, at least you had the first one safely so the HB should be okay". There's a perception that you should go to hospital for your first birth to 'prove yourself' and it's crap. Hospitals have so many timelines and rules that typically long first labours don't fit into very well so you're better off at home.
Last edited by meow; December 12th, 2010 at 06:48 PM.
We planned our first as a homebirth, but transferred to hospital when I went into labour at 35wks. It turned out to be where we needed to be for that birth, but I believe I would not have had a drug free, natural vaginal breech birth without the advocacy of our IMs.
The reason we chose a HB, is when we first became pregnant, we were with a private OB. I detested the treatment and we realised I'd feel safer at home. So we interviewd for an IM before getting pregnant again (first ended in m/c).
All our ante-natal appointments were in our living room and took about an hour. No waiting in hospitals. Our IM worked with us is preparing for birth and for life with a new baby. We developed a relationship that meant we could trust her to make decisions on our behalf because she knew our preferences. I believe the continuity of care is priceless. We ended up with a joyful, empowered birth, even though it was not at home.
Yes, our first was a planned homebirth. DW is a midwife, I am a nurse, we both agreed that it was the best place to give birth after a normal pregnancy. It went really well.
I had two hospital births in a country town before i even thought of a HB and it was my OB that suggested one! AMAZING i know and so was the homebirth!
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