Free birthing

[HotI]

Obviously its your body and your baby and your decision but if something does go wrong can you take responsibility for your actions? And have a DOCS notification reporting you for not having the best interests of your baby at heart. Not been cruel just stating the facts that if something did go wrong and you did end up in hospital with complications then that would probably be one of the consequences. And for your older child? That tiny tiny risk of you (not including your unborn baby) leaving your older child with a compromised mother!

I am all for home birth definately but free birthing can be dangerous. Google what happened to one of the largest advocates of free birthing in Australia Janet Fraser.

Free birthing is very risky and you seriously need to consider whether the possibility of the death of your baby or even yourself outways what you might deem to be bullying.

Thing is you may well know your body and when something is going wrong (though I think there's a fair possibility that you won't either) - and if you do, often it can be far too late to do anything about it if you are unassisted. How long would an ambulance take to arrive if, you have a cord prolapse or a heamorrage- and how fair is it to expect an ambulance person to have to save lives when you;ve made the choice to birth that way to begin with?

Why use the same techniques (threats on the life of the baby) that Obs (medical profession) use to dissuade women from homebirthing to a woman investigating freebirthing?

The original poster was looking for info- not a lecture. Alan and others were able to provide this whilst still noting that he doesn't reccomend freebirths.

[Mildez]

Kate I thought my post did answer some of Fruit Tingles questions. She asked what she needs to know. It can be dangerous. I wouldn't class that as bullying or trying to convince someone into hospital birthing. Its a fact that without someone experienced in childbirth or the early postnatal period if problems arise potentially it can have detrimental effects on the health of mum or bub. I also stated a fact that in the eyes of the medical professionals in a hospital setting that choosing to free birth could potentially lead to a notification to department of community services. This is fact based on past incidences where this has happened. Not to say anything has come of it but if a mandatory reporter does believe free birthing is putting the life of an unborn baby at risk and other children then it could be reported. I did not say I agree with this but it could happen. Again stating the facts that fruit tingle should be aware that potentially she would have a finger pointed at her at putting her baby at risk even if she has made an informed choice to give birth at home without assistance from a midwife, doula etc with the knowledge that this is the best option for her.

Again to me Ausgirl was stating facts. Fruit Tingle asked for advice and I wasn't about to beat around the bush as I am sure a few others weren't by their posts and make it out what a good idea free birthing is for her. I never said don't do it just know the risks and weather the benefits of free birthing outway the risks that potential could happen not necessarily happen.

[HotI]

Kate I thought my post did answer some of Fruit Tingles questions. She asked what she needs to know. It can be dangerous.

Birth can be 'dangerous'

I also stated a fact that in the eyes of the medical professionals in a hospital setting that choosing to free birth could potentially lead to a notification to department of community services. This is fact based on past incidences where this has happened.

DOCS have also been notified of women who have planned homebirths, but this argument is not brought up when discussing homebirths using an IM.

I read Ausgirl's post as opinion, not fact.

[Fruit Tingles]

DD will be looked after by MIL at MILs house, who will be in which ever town/city we are living at the time.
I don't plan on a free birth. I just want to know what I need to know IF I were to have one as a result of staying at home for as long as possible, as I believe giving birth before arriving at hospital is a possibility when staying at home for as long as possible. I only intend on doing this because I want to be where I am most comfortable, rather than go to hospital and have my labour go backwards because I am uncomfortable and stressed, so will be labouring at home for as long as possible, which I believe a lot of women do.

I don't think I am being irresponsible and putting myself and my child at risk. I am having a uncomplaicated, text book pregnancy so far, and as long as everything is looking fine, I see no reason why I can not labour at home for as long as I feel necessary.
As for first aid courses, both DP and I have done them, and I have even done specifics in infant and child resusitation and first aid. I keep updated with my first aid and am more than comfortable with my ability to act in an emergency.

[Smoke Jaguar]

Kaz - a chat with an IM about HB can really help partners understand what HB is. Men are just as inculcated in the idea that a hospital with men who 'know what they're doing' is the safest place to birth. Men also respond very well to facts and figures "Safer Childbirth" by Marjorie Tew is a good one for throwing open the lid on the monopoly hospitals have on birth despite their not so great comparable record.
I also agree with Kate, not appreciating the way Janet's outcome is used as an argument - that can happen and DOES happen quite a bit more often in hospitals than at home ALthough DOCS can become involved, so that IS a good heads up.