2:16
[Comment From alice]
yes but obstetricians get it wrong to
2:16
yes I know that.
2:16
[Comment From bellydancebirth]
my homebirth midwife taht took me on at 46 eyars of age was incredible..like a sister..
2:16
[Comment From maz]
Susie, maybe you could take the time & do more research on this topic & not only rely on medical journals for an unbiased opinion. You may not want to admit it to yourself but it's highly unlikely that your pelvis was too small & yet your baby was delivered through forceps. If so, maybe also the other medical truths that are you relying upon to make your case against homebirthing could also bolw up in smoke.
2:16
[Comment From Nikki]
what if a DR gets it wrong, they are the ones with scalpels.
2:16
[Comment From Megan]
The problems in hospital births are more times than not a result of the unecessary intervention that they subject to... particularly induction. You need to understand the birth process and what intervention does to the process before you claim that doctors are heroes
2:17
[Comment From SImone]
I can tell you why only 700 women choose homebirth, that is simply because women have not been informed/educated of their choices. It is not until it is too late that women really find out about homebirth, reason because it is a taboo topic and shunned upon by the medical proffession and the general pulic as it is put across as being dangerous and irresponsiable!
2:17
[Comment From bellydancebirth]
i cant see my comments susie
2:17
sorry doing my best
2:17
[Comment From Steve]
I defend people's rights to choose a birth, but I don't defend their right to jeopardize their child. Try cater for a stalled second stage, forceps delivery, episiotomy using some salad tongs, a bread knife, the bathtub, and a Bunnings gift card for $50.
2:17
[Comment From Zee]
DOCTORS GET IT WRONG ALL THE TIME!!!
2:17
[Comment From Danielle]
What if you walk outside and get hit by a bus?? We can't PLAN everything!
2:18
[Comment From Free]
I think in Australia its not as easy to homebirth. Its general consensus that its foolish or brave to do so. It took me three births in hosp (I thought that my only option or accidental freebirth) to realise I had to choose for myself homebirth. Its not that easy. In other countries its an option to homebirth.
2:18
[Comment From Lisa]
"But when it comes to birth things can go wrong without warning... " one of the most significant things that can go wrong is cord prolapse. Midwives in hospitals dread this also. There are very few things that can go wrong where the 5 minute transfer is the difference between life and death.
2:18
[Comment From Katie]
I am pregnant with my third baby, my first two pregnancies were healthy and normal, however i heamoreged after both, I am greatful to have been in hospital with doctors on hand. I feel that my babies life and my life is too important to take any risk with. Face it Home birth is a risk, you never know if something goes wrong. i am happy to be having another hospital birth.
2:18
[Comment From Kim]
Why did i choose to birth at home? I researched the evidence, I worked out what would suit myself and my young family (not being separated), and confidence in myself and my caregiver (a qualified, highly experienced midwife) - it was an informed choice. So you think I should not have made this decision? You think I should not have a choice?
2:18
[Comment From Michelle]
OB's get it wrong too Susie, lots of what ifs there that lead many women to home birth
2:18
[Comment From Jennifer]
Susie, I hope this discussion has given you the chance to see this from another POV. It isn't a black and white issue. What works for you might not work for other mothers. We should not be dictated to in this issue, but find the resources to support mothers with great medical care, regardless of location.
2:18
[Comment From HBACer]
Things dont go wrong in an instant - there are signs. A trained, experienced IM will pick them up and if needed, will firmly suggest a transfer to a hospital
2:18
[Comment From Jess]
HAs anyone else here used the Launceston Birth Centre? Totally independant but located directly across from the hospital. Brilliant set up - more of these should exist. Of course all pending insurance!! BRING ON INSURANCE FOR INDEPENDANT MIDWIVES!!!
2:18
[Comment From Charlotte]
Fiona - yes fine there are some medical supplies but none would have helped me and I highly doubt you would have carried the amount of blood that I needed with my blood type
2:19
[Comment From homebirtherandproud]
2:05 "But what if they get it wrong? I can't help thinking what if what if what if" - you think they don't get it wrong in hospital??? You yourself were incorrectly diagnosed with a pelvis too small to birth a baby, but he came out with FORCEPS. Doctors get it wrong OFTEN.
2:19
[Comment From Elizabeth]
Meerah. I agree with what eveyone has said and disagree with none of it. But the attacks against Susie for her basic concern for all babies is all unwarranted. This blog has been the most uncomfortable one I've witnessed.
2:19
[Comment From Kelly]
you need to have trust in your midwife, you find a good one. what about that ob/gyn, the butcher of bega? they got it wrong. You go by word of mouth, training and experience, and how you click with that midwife... anyone can get it wrong in home or hospital - from studies we know its about the same... so take a pick! the joy of democracy and free choice (at the moment)
2:19
[Comment From Guest]
It doesn't matter how you birth. If something goes wrong you will always wonder what if. Let women choose what they feel is best for their baby.
2:19
[Comment From Annelise]
Susie, how about writing an article on how inaccessable home-like birthing centre care is for women? I think it is a great 'middle ground' approach to women who want a natural birth and have the safety of medical backup if need be. Two of the three major maternity hospitals in Victoria; the RWH - their birthing center has closed due to in-house political pressure and agendas, not due to lack of people wanting to access its services. The one at the Mercy has only four beds. FOUR. Women get turned away by the truckload because of lack of resources. Please write an article addressing this! It needs attention!
2:19
I think that's a great article I agree with you.
2:19
[Comment From Oli]
What if a midwife is wrong? So only a Dr can be right? I've had 6 OBGYN's tell me different things about my births - do I scissors paper rock or duck duck goose to find out which one to believe?
2:19
[Comment From ish]
Only a small percentage of women homebirth largely to do with the lack of information within our society about the options our there you go to a gp to confirm pregnancy and they will more often then not send you to an ob or local hospital. Mw are rarely seen as an option unless u know about homebirthing and where to find a midwife. Your choice is not invalidated IMO but that doesnt meant because the majority chose something like a hospital all women should too we are individuals and should always have the overall say in our healthcare. Homebirthing with independant midwives is also expensive costing roughly $4000 here in Vic that is money that many families just dont have these are the reasons hoimebirthing numbers are a lot lower then we would see otherwise
2:19
[Comment From mum of many]
"So tell me this - if home birth is so wonderful why do only 700 women a year choose it? Are you saying the rest of us don't know our bodies or our babies because we do it differnetly? There is a lot of judgements coming from the homebirthers too..." a lot of women DON'T know their bodies, thyat's just it, and a lot of women don't even know that birhtingnat home is an option, the hospital and medical way of birth is so pressed upon women from birth that it is no wonder that home birth is a miniority in this country, people just don't have faith in their bodies and their babies, birth has become in this society a thing to be afraid of - a medical condition, an illness... it is NOT any of these things, it is normal natural and safe, if people keep scaremongering of course people will go for the hospital where they feel safe, unless they know different.. and not many do hence then low numbers of home births. home birth is also expensive (fully medicare funded hospitals are much cheaper = costing nothing!) i know we can't afford one right now but will be scrimping and saving to be away from the hospital system for our next birth.
2:19
[Comment From Guest]
"If you're against freebirth, then get out there and campaign for supporting midwives to be able to practice everywhere, with government funding, so all women can access them, rather than suggesting that home birth is the issue" - well said Flic!!!
2:20
[Comment From Jess]
There is only minimal use of homebirthing because in this country it is not encouraged. For a better representation look at countries where it is counted as a credible alternative and funded accordingly
2:20
I guess I'd question the assumption that women who choose hospitals are somehow not really connected to their bodies or know thier own mind... not true I reckon.
2:20
[Comment From mc]
only 700 a year chose it because its not funded and there's so much misinformation out there such as your appalling piece of journalism
2:20
[Comment From bellydancebirth]
why wont u post comments from a 46 yr old homebirther??
2:21
ask anyone else I am not picking and choosing here, putting everything up believe me!
2:21
[Comment From alice]
you make it sound like midwives are out to get one over ob's, midwives are highly trained professionals, they are not going to call a high risk woman a low risk just to keep them in their care.
2:21
[Comment From Kelly]
Because they have that bit of paper from university saying they are trained and educated.
2:21
[Comment From whynot]
what about DRs in hospitals that get it wrong? my best friend almost died when her ob left in a huge chunk of placenta
2:21
[Comment From Jen]
I'm glad I am an American where hopefully the right to birth at home or wherever I want will never be taken away,,it's my RIGHT to choose. Birth is not a medical event and I choose not to have medicine forced on me.
2:21
[Comment From Simon]
"So tell me this - if home birth is so wonderful why do only 700 women a year choose it?" Look at the media, look at what you're shown in movies, look at what your show in school. Society has this 'In a hospital, on a bed, with drugs, screaming, horrible thing' as being what birth is. And so that's what most people think is what is done. And SO MANY people are just sheep when it comes down to it. They do what they see others doing. I have yet to see in any mainstream movie a good depicting of a natural birth. They're always screaming and all gowned up and yelling for more pain relief. If you ever see a natural birth in a movie it's in a mocking tone or all 'hippy'. If there was more coverage of it as a viable option, if the government properly supported it and provided it as an option in all their literature, then you'd see the numbers go up considerably... look at NZ.
2:21
[Comment From Homebirth Dad]
Medically speaking would your baby have dided if you weren't induced
2:21
[Comment From k]
because if you trust your body and listen youll know if something is wrong. and then you can do what is approriate
2:21
[Comment From Michelle]
Simon .. wow you want the govt to support only your choice to home birth and to legislate against free birth, crazy!
2:21
[Comment From Kristin]
I'm just wondering if any research actually went in to this article or if it's based entirely on your own misinformation and bias?
2:22
Yes I spent a lot of time. Sorry that you have to be so picky just because you disagree!
2:22
[Comment From Student Midwife]
How could it baffle Susie - she was in the throes of labor you accept anything anyone tells you after 16 hours of intense discomfort!!!!
2:22
[Comment From Free]
But I got bullied in my hosp births. I still cry when I think about it. I have fast labours so thankfully I didn't have too much intervention but I did tear. I was yelled at and berated and basically treated like a non person. I was much safer at home. No PND, no tears, much better recovery. Doesn't that matter?
2:22
I reckon some of you are being a bit bullying by suggesting other women don't know their bodies or you don't respect their choices. You judge us but don't like us judging you....
2:22
[Comment From HBACer]
But that wasnt you pelvis that caused his injuries - that was the forceps and the OB
2:22
[Comment From Nikki]
so how is banning homebirth ensuring a registered midwife is in attendance at a homebirth and the norty woman doesnt freebirth? Surely it is ensuring the rise in freebirths? Wouldnt bannign homebirth therefore be MORE dangerous in your eyes? Perhaps I shall throw in a compliment so you answer me?
2:23
[Comment From ish]
Midwives are REGISTERED in order to practise midwifery in this country they have to be I think yo u have misunderstood that. Since 2001 midwives have been unable to secure insurance insurance is not a means of registration well until July anyway the 2 things are VERY different all midwives have had the very best training in being with women in birth
2:23
[Comment From Free]
I just had no rights in hospital, I was in no mood to fight for my rights. I was only wanting to birth my baby my way. Why such a crime?
2:23
[Comment From Chrissy]
I moved back to rural country Australia to have my first birth in a hospital as y chances of a natural, vaginal, intervention free, drug free physiological 3rd stage birth were higher then at a metropolitan hospital. But my homebirth is indescribable to my wonderful hospital birth.
2:23
[Comment From kai]
Who the hell are you to determine how and where i can birth? I had a terrifying birth in the hospital my first time due to incompetent people and will never again put a natural process in the hands of the main stream medical world.
2:23
[Comment From Annelise]
I am trying to offer balanced and contributory comments, but they are being ignored in favour of the sensationalists from both sides of the article. I'm out.
2:23
I am not censoring here.
2:23
[Comment From A Dad]
So medically speaking would your baby have died if you weren't induced? And were you induced because you were over your EDD?
2:24
[Comment From SImone]
Dedicated registered midwives that have left the hospital to provide home birth services, left because they have seen what goes on in the hospital system, you think the police force is corupt you should check out the maternity system.
2:24
[Comment From SB]
I am 39 weeks pregant with my 4th child and will be having my first homebirth with a registered midwife. Susie perhaps you should come along and see for yourself the other side of birth.
2:24
[Comment From Student Midwife]
Then I think most of us are in agreeance with you!!!!!
2:24
[Comment From Simon]
"Argh, now you've changed your tune from banning homebirths to being against free births! " Yes you are. Your article title is 'Home births a major risk', and the heading says "HOW many more kids' lives will be put at risk before home births are banned? " That's pretty darn against homebirths. Freebirths are being pushed into being because the government is ridiculously against homebirths and midwives and so is not providing that as an option. It's maddening that you seem to think it's our idea to want to give birth without midwives. We WANT them, it's the government that is trying to outlaw them.
2:24
[Comment From Leesa]
you said "I am against home births without a registered midwive" That is FREEBIRTH!!
2:24
[Comment From alice]
2:09 but that is freebirthing not homebirthing.
2:24
[Comment From maha]
mine arent either
2:24
[Comment From mc]
homebirth without a midwife is called freebirth
2:24
[Comment From Kellie]
What happened to my comment?
2:24
[Comment From maha]
v dissapointing
2:24
[Comment From maha]
46 eyar olf homebirther heer wd like her say
2:24
[Comment From kai]
How many infant/mother fatalities must happen in the hospital setting before they ban hopstial births except for those who need emergency care
2:24
[Comment From SB]
Susie would you be interested in attending a homebirth with care from a registered midwife?
2:25
Sure why not
2:25
[Comment From Chrissy]
So what are your thouhgt then of a woman choosing to homebirth but birthing unassisted because her registered (lawful) midwife didn't make it in time? Would you deem the birthing mother irresponsible?
2:25
[Comment From Free]
I want all women to be able to choose and they themselves choose the safest way with all the information available. Whether its elective c/s, fb or hosp birth or hb wih an im. Whatever it may be, please let it be the woman's choice.
2:25
[Comment From whynot]
induction is not a "natural" birth
2:25
[Comment From Kristin]
Ultimately homebirth, freebirth, hospital birth or caesarean needs to be the choice of the woman. Women are the best judges of what is best for them and their baby. I reserve the right to make that choice for myself and will not hand over my autonomy to any person. You want to ban the rights of women to make choices on their own behalf and for their children? Where will it end - shall we ban abortion too while we're at it?
2:25
[Comment From ms m]
susie its interesting you dont want to have a chat with a 46 yr old homebirther?? a psoitive birth experience
2:25
I do I do bear with me!
2:25
[Comment From SImone]
Clarity is required, you may find a number of homebirth mums might not go for a freebirth. I dont anyone who has had a planned homebirth without a registered independant midwife. If there is not a registered midwife in attendance I would class that as a free birth.
2:26
[Comment From SB]
Susie are you interested in attending a Home Birth with a registered midwife in attendance, see for yourself what the other side of birthing is about?
2:26
[Comment From Kristin]
High risk women need the choice to birth at home even more than low risk women do - they are the ones who are never given a chance to birth in the hospital and instead are pushed into surgery which we know increases morbidity and mortality for mothers and babies.
2:26
[Comment From suzy]
no way in hades is appendecomy like a c/s. You don't get drs standing over you threatening the life of your child to make you have your apendix out. You try looking after an active toddler, newborn, dropping the older kids to school and general houshold chores with a gaping wound in your stomach
2:26
[Comment From A dad]
It seems the article comments are suffering from the same dissappearing issue as the Live chat posts (Funny About That)
2:26
[Comment From Annelise]
If you are against homebirths WITHOUT registered midwives, please write an article imploring Nicola Roxon not to make indemnity insurance for homebirth midwives inaccessable. That way registered midwives could attend, making it a safer process for all involved. If you take away registration, you encourage cowboys.
2:27
A dad trust me I putting everything up. Some might be dropping off - but read the blog this is clearly not just me picking and choosing.
2:27
[Comment From Chrissy]
But the SA still born baby you used as evidence to support your case had a midwife in attendance!!! I think you were against homebirth and have now lightened your view to against freebirth. Or are you against homebirth with a midwife unless the midwife can be registered (as hey are now not or haven't been since 2001)?
2:27
[Comment From maha]
thanks..hey susie what u reckon i was 46 yrs old and chose homebirth why??
2:27
[Comment From SB]
my comments are not showing either. I would like to talk to Susie about her attending my Home Birth
2:27
[Comment From Yonisrus]
'Iam not as pro-hostpial as many of you are making me out to be.' Really??? Care to re read your own article???
2:27
[Comment From Guest]
Ive had two medically neccesary inductions under private OB and a midwife led natural waterbirth - I definately know which one I preferred. Any more babies I have will be birthed at home in water with either an independent midwife or through a hospital homebirth program. Im about as low risk as you can get and it seems ridiculous to me; the idea of my wasting a bed in a hosp for what will be a short easy birth I could do with my eyes closed on the MINUTE chance I might end up with a complication that does need medical intervention. None of my labours have been over 3hrs and my last one was completely under my own steam with my fabulous midwife watching on. Then again Im a really horrible mother; Id even birth a breech baby vaginally - heaven forbid!
2:27
[Comment From Tak]
Can you acknowledge what a lot of people have said about your induction almost certainly being the cause of your baby's distress, not your pelvis?? Or do you think that is a load of crap? If you do think its crap I really suggest you do some more reading on CPD.
2:28
I trust my doctor. ANd I have seen the x-rays...
2:28
I have gone an extra half an hour,. will stop commenting and just try and put all the extra comments up...
2:28
[Comment From kai]
Half the "interventions" doctors use are what causes the need for extreme measures. I am glad that OB's are there in the "in case" circumstances but birth is not dangerous for 98% of women in a natural circumstance. I am appalled that another choice is being threatend for women. Women in many countries and in our own until 60yrs ago have birthed outside the hospital setting and delivered beautiful healthy children. what is the change? Hospitals are for the sick not the healthy and normal people such as a pregnant/birthing woman
2:28
[Comment From Kristin]
I would always uphold your right to choose a hospital birth - why is my choice to choose a midwife or a freebirth less valid than yours? And why should one person or group be given the chance to dictate the choices of others?
2:28
[Comment From Jess]
I really think that your "what if what if what if" is purely fear based. You cant make good decisions based on fear. So you had a bad one. Go back to hospital for the next. I had a good one. Dont tell me that your needs must dictate to my behaviour.
2:28
[Comment From JJ]
I think that people giving birth at home should get with the program and realise that we're ALL living longer due to medical intervention.
2:28
[Comment From Simon]
Oh, yeah, forgot the out of pocket expenses too... yeah, our homebirth cost thousands. So that comes into play a huge amount. Cover it the same as hospital births, and the things I said previously, and you'll see a sharp rise in the numbers that choose it.
2:29
[Comment From Michelle]
midwivesVictoria: More irrefutable evidence of safety in homebirth
2:29
[Comment From Kristin]
Birth is safe, intervention is risky. I'm sorry that the intervention you received in your labour caused an injury to your child. It's really very sad.
2:29
[Comment From Nikki]
i didnt denigrate them, I said that women dont have to research when ppl will freely give advice that they spout as evidence when it is simply opinion.
2:29
[Comment From maha]
lets look logically here..who benefits from scaring women ?
2:29
[Comment From Student Midwife]
I'm stoked to hear that you support home births with midwives in attendance - would you please consider doing an article to follow up the one published today to clarify that you are against homebirths without midwives... That would help publicity for registered, safely practicing homebirth midwives!
2:29
[Comment From Flic]
it would be helpful if you could use your column to clarify that it is freebirth you're against, not homebirth with a registered midwife....the more people that get accurate info out there, the better things get
2:29
[Comment From Charlotte]
I much prefer the OB that I had for all my births. He was also my Gyno and actually helped me get pregnant. He has been inside me with his surgical tools more times then I can even remember. This to me is a much better relationship then I woudl have with seeing a midwife who has no idea about my history and what I have gone through
2:29
[Comment From homebirtherandproud]
"So you are for the right of women to choose but then denigrate the women who make a different choice to you???" - THAT'S EXACTLY what you're doing by stating that home birth/freebirth should be BANNED. You really are a contradiction in terms.
2:29
[Comment From Allie]
Ok, so perhaps it's time to take a moment and review your article, Susie. You need to clarify that you believe home births with an UNREGISTERED midwife to be the issue here, but that you do in fact support HBs with fully registered midwifes. Your article is misleading as you don't clairfy that you see a difference between the two. The debate of "home birth with a registered vs. unregistered midwife" is a completely seperate issue to "homebirth vs. hospital birth", and I THINK that's where the confusion is coming from..... could you please clairfy once and for all where you stand, so that people can engage with your debate properly????
2:29
[Comment From HBACer]
Personally, no I think that women should have the right to birth how they want to. This includes homebirth, freebirth, hospitals etc. Its about choice.
2:29
[Comment From Yonisrus]
I'd like some info on why i should birth in a hospital!! i dont' think we should be forced to prove homebirth or freebirth is safer but we should be persuaded as to why hospital birth is.
2:30
I am going to close this blog to new comments now as we are going round in circles a bit. I will put up all the outstanding comments though so keep reading.
2:31
[Comment From Free]
I think all women should be able to choose and have access to information. EG. Know what could happen if fbing. And how the cascade of intervention works. How surgery can be dangerous, Etc.
2:31
[Comment From Student Midwife]
lol thanks Susie, its much more fun than revising for exams in 1 1/2 weeks!!!
2:31
[Comment From Free]
We can choose for ourselves.
2:32
[Comment From Annelise]
Please please please write an article calling for the expansion of homelike birthing centres - between the Mercy and the RWH, two of the three major maternity hospitals in Vic, they have only four birthing centre beds between them. FOUR.
2:32
[Comment From JJ]
intervention doesn't do anything. Infact I think that it reduces the trauma of a troubled birth
2:32
[Comment From Mara]
Susie - that's a very good question. Why aren't more women choosing homebirths? Perhaps because it's articles like yours that scares the beegesuz out of them and question their own intuition and integrity. Most women are built lies, fears thrown at them - "YOUR BABY COULD DIE!!!" and so of course they'll go into a hospital where they perceive it safe. But the truth is slowly getting out there as more and more women suffer unnecessarily because of one intervention or complication or another. Also, home birthing isn't covered by personal health insurance, so it is another cost for families to look into. Thank goodness for the baby grant - that helped us with our home birth, but for many families they need that baby grant to care for their baby. Also, there's less well-informed research and information about home births unless you go hunting it down or by referral, so less people know about that option and/or how to go about a home birth. Finally, there are women out there that don't even know about home births and what's entailed - again it's all fear based. They don't know that at least 1 (preferably 2) professional private midwives (who know how to deliver and seek emergency resources if need be) have to attend your birth. There's less education. So any hospital birthers out there who don't know about home birthing - do some research. Watch some YouTube videos - you will be amazed.
2:32
[Comment From Oli]
you said you can't trust a midwife to define risk because "what if" - you then say OB's get it wrong too. Who exactly do you nominate to define risk? Second time I'm asking and others have asked too. I'd appreciate an answer to something OTHER than 'where are my comments".
2:32
[Comment From JJ]
so Maz, are you a doctor??
2:33
sorry so slow the connection is crap
2:33
[Comment From Sam]
Actually I disagree with Student Midwife. You're high risk the minute they begin the induction process by putting prostoglandin gel on your cervix.
2:33
[Comment From Michelle]
Only 700 because for most of us it's $3,000 - 5,000 and a lack of midwives to access, most book up within the weeks of women getting pregnant
2:33
[Comment From Lisa]
Steve there is a reason that second stage stalls, and it has a lot to do with the environment! Even a unfamiliar person walking into the room can stall labour and cause the cervix to close up.
2:33
[Comment From Free]
There is a reason why we have drs and hosps and c sections. But just in case I don't think that is fair to force all women to be at hosp. I don't want to live at the hosp just in case - in life anything can happen just like birth.
2:33
[Comment From maha]
we need to seriously look at why this suddent demonisation of a woman's body??? What is really going on?? I come from culture where homebirth is the norm..no big deal..whats happened??
2:33
[Comment From Simon]
Steve: You are are so uneducated on this matter. 'Stalled second stage', in fact any 'slow going' is usually just the hospital trying to push you along and scare mongering. Research a bit before believing what the hospital told you.
2:33
[Comment From Kelly]
Cord prolapse a major problem?? It is when Obs insist on rupturing membranes like they are balloons to pop! Have seen and heard that happen a few times, resulting in prolapse!
2:33
[Comment From Jennifer]
It's a pity such an impassioned debate and airing of all comments isn't encouraged by Nicola Roxon and the govt. Who seem very willing just to go to the AMA for advice on this issue. Appreciate that you are putting through all of the comments seen here (beyond the time allocated). Thank you!
2:33
[Comment From Melissa]
Suzie, do you understand that your birth story you shared, as an example of why babies should not be born at home, would never have taken place at home? It does not make any sense. Your article was terrible, uninformed and quite insulting to the many intelligent, well informed, responsible women and their families who choose to birth their babies in the safety of their own home.
2:33
[Comment From ish]
Even if homebirth isnt an option for you it should be an option for women who want it without us having to get the approval of some unknown obstetrician, we are the experts in our bodies we are the ones who deal witht he aftermath not the careproviders we hire we have the authority in our births we hire careproviders for there opinions and expertise not to make the decisions for us. We the women giving birth need to trust those we hire to stand alongside us and for many of us we cant get that with someone who waltzes in acting like god
2:34
[Comment From SB]
Steve I am having a planned home birth with idwives, I have a cupboard full of medica equipment waiting should we need it, including oxygen. I am 5 minutes from a hospital should I need to transfer. I have had 3 births before and never had a Dr/Ob in attendance, for my ast 2 births there was no ob in the hospital at the time of my birthing so how could they have helped anyway not being there?
2:34
[Comment From JJ]
I feel sorry for the poor babies who have to endure a problem birth at home. The mum could just have a caeser and get the kid out into the open
2:34
[Comment From AnnaT]
Most of the "things that can go wrong" are because of those Drs and midwives in hospitals. Ive yet to hear a horrifying homebirth story but I always hear horrifying hospital birth stories and women who feel violated when they come to discover their traumatic delivery/csection didnt have to be that way.
2:34
[Comment From Ricky]
yeah, without modern medical science we won't be able to keep babies from dying after birth...how did we make it through our first 200,000 years without hospitals?
2:34
[Comment From Michelle]
Home Birthing numbers have actually doubled in the last 10 years, it's on the rise quickly!
2:34
[Comment From JJ]
Susie, you're the BEST! The HS should get you to blog more often.
2:35
I think I need a stiff drink!
2:35
[Comment From Student Midwife]
I agree with you Susie - some women choose hospitals for very valid reasons! Thank god for obstetric interventions when necessary!
2:35
[Comment From Sonja]
What angers me is that people want to make homebirth illegal. This makes it a human rights issue. No woman that chooses homebirth does so lightly. I'm sure women would use birth centres if they were available, but sadly that probably wont happen.
2:35
[Comment From Oli]
knowing your mind is one thing - knowing the facts, evidence and information is also pretty damn valuable.
2:35
[Comment From Simon]
Simon .. wow you want the govt to support only your choice to home birth and to legislate against free birth, crazy! "
2:35
[Comment From Guest]
Homebirth with a registered midwife is $$ Iwould suggest that has a lot to do with the number of HB's. If it was supported /funded that number would go up
2:35
[Comment From HBACer]
You assume hospital is the best place to birth. I did - and I was birth raped, my son injured and I suffered from PTSD. You have to get in there and research your options because they aren't freely available
2:35
[Comment From k]
hmm ive found that they dont care about how they birth though, they are more prepped for having a little one, and so after when they suffer ptsd and relive the trauma of their births they are stuck
2:35
[Comment From Student Midwife]
aw c'mon, don't attack her!
2:35
[Comment From AnnaT]
So would you want me vilified for birthing a breech baby vaginally? Because I dont believe breech=dangerous. Yet most Obs will happily csection for breech babies.
2:35
[Comment From Jess]
Its all about well managed options. Lets have Hospital, Birth Centre, home births. Lets have doctor attended or midwife attended. Lets have ALL of these, well planned, well funded. Then women can make good, well informed choices.
2:36
[Comment From Free]
I birthed in hosp 3x- has nothing to do with not knowing your body. I knew my body well enough - I know I could have done it on my own. But the information is not available - not out there. Homebirth is a fringe idea in Aus.
2:36
[Comment From Jess]
What is the point in this discussion if you've already made up your mind?
2:36
[Comment From maha]
i wonder if people who have never attended a homebirth or had one have a right to comment on homebirth??
2:36
[Comment From Simon]
"Simon .. wow you want the govt to support only your choice to home birth and to legislate against free birth, crazy! " Why is it crazy to say that they will support you giving birth at home in any manner you want, just have on hand a registered midwife that we will cover you if something goes wrong. How would you know if something was going wrong terribly without a midwife on hand?
2:36
[Comment From Flic]
it's an emotive topic and people get very passionate, but the point is that ALL women and their families should be able to choose their place of birth from all options. Freebirth might be risky and not supported, but it's still a choice
2:36
[Comment From Free]
Being told I am fool for choosing hosp or homebirth is not very helpful. I have done both and I just know for MYSELF homebirth is safer.
2:36
[Comment From Oli]
"I reckon some of you are being a bit bullying by suggesting other women don't know their bodies or you don't respect their choices. You judge us but don't like us judging you...." ........are you suggesting you speak on behalf of all hospital birthing women? Women who don't support homebirth? Many homebirthers also birthed in hospital and came to support homebirth - you don't speak for anyone but yourself.
2:36
[Comment From k]
I reckon some of you are being a bit bullying by suggesting other women don't know their bodies or you don't respect their choices. You judge us but don't like us judging you....
2:36
[Comment From Zee]
SB, would you really let her come to your birth????? That would be AMAZING!!!
2:37
[Comment From SB]
One of the reasons I am choosing to Home birth my next baby is that I want to be able to make choices for my body and avoid unnecessary intervention. With my last two births I was given artifical hormones to induce the labour - with my son I was in labour, I was preogressing but apparently not fast enough - being Friday afternoon the Ob obviously wanted me finished up and baby out before the weekend.
2:37
[Comment From k]
I reckon some of you are being a bit bullying by suggesting other women don't know their bodies or you don't respect their choices. You judge us but don't like us judging you.... our articles arent in mianstream articles though are they?>
2:37
[Comment From JJ]
I think that some of these women are a bit sensitive. A hospital is full of people doing the very best job they can do for you, and these women want MORE.
2:37
[Comment From Danielle]
I think that is a wonderful idea for Susie to get involved with SB's homebirth....
2:37
[Comment From homebirtherandproud]
"2:22 I reckon some of you are being a bit bullying by suggesting other women don't know their bodies or you don't respect their choices. You judge us but don't like us judging you...." Huh? YOU are saying HOMEBIRTH should be banned, YOU are judging other women's choices to birth where and with whom they wish by stating the homebirth should be banned and freebirth should be CRIMINALISED.
2:37
[Comment From Guest]
You know what, I had FANTASTIC experiences with both of my babies in hospitals. Even AFTER being classed high risk because of my size. Being told so many things by so called professionals, being made to cry MANY times by these professionals whom would try and find something wrong with both me and my babies. I felt BULLIED. Luckily, OBS had sweet bugger all to do with my birthing experiences. It was all due to having fantastic midwives and absolutely NOTHING to do with being in a hospital. I would have had the same outcome had I birthed at home. It's all about CHOICE IMO. Every woman should have the right to choose where they want to birth. I am lucky that I had so much confidence in my body (and wanted to proove these 'professionals' wrong which I did every time).
2:37
[Comment From SB]
How can you be contacted away from this chat?
2:37
obriens@heraldsun.com.au
2:37
[Comment From maha]
susie can I send u my DVD of hoembrith at 46 years of age?
2:38
[Comment From SImone]
Thanks Susie for the oppertunity to put our views across, I hope that you are able to see a little more about where we are all coming from, every woman has the right to choose how their baby is born and it is always in the best interests of the child whether home birth or planned c/s. We just dont want our right to be stripped from us. Let the government give us credit for caring and considering what we feel is best for our children
2:38
[Comment From Oli]
Don't be flippant when asked to attend a birth!! "Sure why not"?? It's an honour to be asked to share that moment. D:
2:38
I am not being flippant. Excuse me for feeling a little under siege here.
2:38
[Comment From Jess]
I think Susie that people are responding belligerantly against you because you shut all doors except the hospital door.
2:39
[Comment From maha]
if you would like to watch my DVD email me at
2:39
[Comment From maha]
if you would like to watch my DVD
2:39
[Comment From Charlotte]
just wondering what the mothers that are saying "the birth that is best for the mother is what is best" do you believe this with choosing either breast milk or formula milk.
2:39
[Comment From Guest]
When writing this article did you actually speak to any midwives or homebirth women? Or was it entirely written based on your own experience?
2:39
[Comment From JJ]
suzy - you haven't had a c-section, have you. I've had 2 and was up and about in 12 hours. Happiest days of my life
2:39
I have had two c-sections. one bad one okay
2:40
Guest at 2.39 yes I did. Not for today per se but in the past I have done many stories in this area
2:40
[Comment From Free]
I am not judging hospital birthers, I was one! Who is judging them, I don't see it.
2:40
[Comment From DAnne]
Susie, you need to publish your bibliography. I have been at this for over 30 years. A docs daughter, 5 children 3 in hospital and two at home. I have a grant to historicity English/Virginia midwives and am going for my Master's in Health Advocacy. Nothing I have read in 30 years supports your position. You have the right to have your medical births but not the right to use false information to control other women's bodies.
2:40
[Comment From maha]
if u would like to watch my DVD - a 46 yrold homebirth pls email me at maha@bellydanceforbirth.com
2:40
[Comment From Chrissy]
Can I suggest you stop posting all the comments and close the live debate and go back through and answer and respond to everyones comments. This isn't much of a debate without your responses.
2:41
send it to me at the Herald Sun if you like
2:41
[Comment From Alina]
I know many many women who if homebirth became Illegal with private midwives, would freebirth... and i think that would be a more dangerous situation... Women need Choice in Childbirth not restrictions
2:41
[Comment From lauredhel]
Susie, I really appreciate it that you seem to be changing your initial absolutist anti-homebirth stance in the face of additional evidence and testimony. Thanks.
2:41
[Comment From HBACer]
What xrays? sorry - seeking clarification
2:42
[Comment From Donna]
Susie, your hips aren't meant to spread until second stage labour - so any x-rays would have presented a flawed picture.
2:42
[Comment From JJ]
Susie, your doctor go it right - don't listen to these crazy people!
2:42
[Comment From Guest]
So based on your own experience, and never having experienced a homebirth, you think that they should be illegal? Please, do you research!!
2:42
[Comment From Tak]
X rays do not tell you whether a baby will fit through your pelvis! Research!
2:42
[Comment From rll]
Sb- your comments have come up and susie has said that she would attend!
2:42
[Comment From Kristin]
Susie it's just not possible that you had CPD - the baby did indeed fit through. Pelvises are flexible and open during birth, birth being what they are designed to do.

2:42
[Comment From Zee]
Please find a way to contact SB and discuss with her. She is offering you the experience of a lifetime to witness her homebirth!!!

2:43
[Comment From homebirtherandproud]
"2:28 I trust my doctor. ANd I have seen the x-rays..." you do realise that your pelvis opens up dramatically during labour and birth right? That's why women are no longer routinely given x-rays to check for CPD.

2:43
[Comment From Kelly]
Cochrane Library abstract on the use of pelvimetry for determining pelvis size: “Women undergoing x-ray pelvimetry were more likely to be delivered by caesarean section (odds ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.63 to 2.88). No significant impact was detected on perinatal outcome.” Authors’ conclusions: There is not enough evidence to support the use of x-ray pelvimetry in women whose fetuses have a cephalic presentation.

2:43
[Comment From Donna]
I agree SImon, an IM costs on average $4000 - not money I had lying around at the time... I went to a public hospital and paid only the cost of fuel in my Commodore to get me there. If homebirth was a bit cheaper, I'd go for it in a second - every homebirth mum I've ever talked to says it's the best money they've ever spent and worth every last cent

2:45
I am going to close this now just because the system seems to have frozen and no that's not a way out of it. There are about 50 more comments but I can't seem to upload them. Many of them are similar to what has already been published. If anyone wants to get in touch with me feel free via the Herald Sun and email address given above
thanks so much for a really fascinating afternoon and good luck to you all
Susie