I think i'm having second thoughts here about a homebirth, im not sure. Maybe i'm just really scared of the unknown? And like someone else mentioned, i feel a bit selfish for spending all that money... i dunno maybe i jsut need some more reasurence?
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I think i'm having second thoughts here about a homebirth, im not sure. Maybe i'm just really scared of the unknown? And like someone else mentioned, i feel a bit selfish for spending all that money... i dunno maybe i jsut need some more reasurence?
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Tegan, I know what you mean - but what price can you put on bringing your baby into the world in the most peaceful way available? You will remember it always - and it isn't just for you - it is money spent on your baby.
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Hey darl, the journey from fear to confidence is a special one deserving of honour.
NAPSAC (National Association of Parents & Professionals for Safe Alternatives in Childbirth) speaks of two things that help to overcome fear surrounding birth:
1. Faith - confidence, belief in yourself, that women can do it, that you can do it, that birth is safe as life gets and it is intervention/interference that is risky. Faith is the antidote to fear.
2. Knowledge
What things may build your faith?
What things will grow your knowledge?
Different things work for different people, you know how you best like to absorb and consolidate new information. It is an exciting journey of discovery you are on - but it is vital that your take responsibility for this journey and for becoming informed and being open to that paradigm shift in your awareness.
Ideas for Building faith and confidence:
- work with your body. Exercise, relaxation & breathing, walking, swimming, dance, The PinK Kit, pelvic mapping, perineal massage, understanding your hormones, optimal foetal positioning
Ideas for Growing knowledge:
- independent childbirth classes
- viewing birth videos of women's homebirths - check out Youtube.
- recommended reading
- hire a doula
Blessings for your journey! You may well blaze a trail for others.
Yes of course there are plenty of things you can do to improve your chances for having the natural birth that you want. One of the biggest factors seems to be how long women stay at home before rocking up to hospital. The longer you leave it, the less opportunities there are for them to push unwanted routine protocols on to you. Your labour also has a better chance of progressing normally if you're in your home environment and feel supported.In your opinion, do you think that there is any way that I can give myself a better chance for a natural birth (apart from having my fingers crossed that I have a good midwife on the day?).
It also pays to decide now what things you might compromise on, and what things you are not willing to compromise on, knowing the risks. Then you can decide how far you're prepared to go to protect your birthing space. Ideally women should not have to compromise, it is THEIR birth, and they are the consumer here. Technically the caregiver works for them but unfortunately that is not where the balance of power sits in our society where birth is concerned.
And yes I am a doula. There is one other in Cairns doing qualifications through CBI same as me. You're most welcome to meet with me and chat if you would like to get things off your chest and see what you can do about addressing your concerns about birthing at CBH. You won't need to scrape together any money. You can e-mail me if you want to discuss this further, my address is cairnsdoulas@gmail.com
Last edited by Morgaine; November 11th, 2007 at 10:43 PM. : adding e-mail
I've come to the decision that a home birth would be the safest option for me and am very excited now that the decision is made!
I've hit a fairly big hurdle though. I can't find a midwife who can attend me. I will be living in Bacchus Marsh and if anyone has any info I would really appreciate it. Anyone practicing on the West side of Melbourne. This is my third baby and I want as little intervention during the pregnancy as well as birth so there really won't be much to do!
What are the laws regarding giving birth without a registered midwife? I know in England its illegal, is it the same here?
Do all of you who have home births register with your local hospital 'just in case'? I would be a little hesitant, wouldn't that be the same as stocking up on formula and bottles 'just in case'?
As I said is my first post there is so much to say (or should that be ask??)
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Hi Jakana, here are a few midwives out in the westerly direction. Not sure who is closest to you, but why not give them a call, they would be the best ones to know if there are any indy midwives closer to you.
Tina Pettigrew BMid CBE (NACE)
Midwife in Private Practice
5 Lavina Crt
Moriac VIC 3240
Mobile: 0439398231
Services: Surfcoast Midwifery Services is a personalised, professional midwifery service specalising in homebirth and private childbirth education. Covering Greater Geelong and the Surfcoast, Colac/Otway, Ballarat and Werribee.
Andrea Quanchi
93 Campaspe Esplanade
Echuca VIC 3564
Phone: (03) 5482 6283
Mobile: 0419 246 303
Services: Independent midwife, home or hospital births, antenatal and postnatal care. Has completed a course on maternal and child health.
Kath Maxwell
Location: Geelong/Bellarine Peninsula
Phone: (03) 5251 2021
Services: Independent midwife and Calmbirth Practitioner. Antenatal care and education, labour and birth support in the hospital or in the home.
Wendy Buckland
31 Park Cresent
Wangaratta VIC 3677
Phone: (03) 57221605
Mobile: 0437 196 428
Services: I provide full antenatal care and education, labour and birth care at home or in the hospital setting and postnatal care.
Who told you that homebirth without a registered midwife in attendance was illegal? It is not to my knowledge. I'd like to see the law where it states it is illegal if one even exists!What are the laws regarding giving birth without a registered midwife? I know in England its illegal, is it the same here?
As for Australian law, it is illegal for anyone to practice as a midwife when they are NOT a registered midwife. So that makes lay midwivery illegal. Having support people at your birth does not make it illegal because they are merely there for support, not to carry out any medical diagnosis or protocols. There are plenty of people who have freebirthed on the Mothering community from Australia and the UK. There is an Australian website about purebirth that discusses legalities, women's rights and how to go about obtaining birth certificates for homebirths without midwives in attendance.
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