Beatrix - I recommend grabbing copies of The Business of Being Born and The Face of Birth DVD's. That was what convinced DP on home birth :)
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Beatrix - I recommend grabbing copies of The Business of Being Born and The Face of Birth DVD's. That was what convinced DP on home birth :)
Just subbing to the new thread. I keep trying to post but i get interrupted by small humans.
Congratulations on your baby girl Kelly!
How awesome is the list looking at the moment. Yay for homebirth! Hopefully I'll be on it again in a year or so.
Beatrix: YAY for getting accepted! I reckon your DH will come around easily once he actually meets the midwives and sees that they are normal people :) I know that my DH was a bit frightened of having some militant man-despising person enter our house and chasing him away...so was really good to show him that HB midwives are just normal folk! And, their confidence on the normalcy of having a baby at home will have an effect on the both of you...it really will feel like the most normal (yet splendid!) way to bring a baby earthside I promise.
As for quick birth prep, they will provide squidloads of support for that too: that said, your home is generally all ready to go for a birth from 36-38 weeks onwards, so really, once you guys have discussed a birth action plan in case care providers are a bit behind you'll be set...and not freaking out about being left on the side of the road. the good thing as well, is IF it were to happen that baby arrives before the midwives, they (the midwives) won't be far behind.
Tanya: ahh a peaceful blessingway does sound nice! i am trying to get myself organised to have one...i am worried that i am getting so so tired that i won't bother, but it wont be fair on me or on our littlest member to miss out...
:crossfingers: that the vomiting is a once off!!
Your home will have less foreign (to you) bugs than a hospital has.
Quick births usually means that everything is going fine. I'd much rather just stay home, and have the hcp come to you! Knowing that your births are usually quick means you can prepare for this.
I had a list of thing gathered for the birth, but used few of them. towels, drop sheet (i used one), bucket for placenta. I had a birth pool, only just made it before baby arrived. It could be good to slow you down, but you would want to have it ready to go as soon as labour started.
i had sytocinon in the fridge (supplied by midwife) as a just in case. I believe my midwife had O2 but i didn't actually see it.
My DP asked a lot of questions last night about my safety and the baby's safety - these were his primary concerns and fears associated with a home birth. Questions he had included - what happens in the event of a PPH, what happens if the baby isn't breathing, what happens if I tear really badly etc. The answers were that drugs are kept in the fridge in the event of a PPH, which are administered while an ambulance is called, oxygen and resus equipment is set up next to the birth pool for baby if needed - and if this is required, baby's cord stays attached (which made me feel SO much better), tears are assessed and managed by the IM's unless it's bad in which case we transfer and baby stays on Dad's chest while I am stitched up by someone who does that EVERY DAY (only the best) and we go home shortly after, and hospital staff don't go near my healthy baby. All of these answers (plus so so many more) gave us both great comfort and reassurance that a home birth is the safest way to welcome this babe!
Hi :)
I'm homebirthing again next year in march/April.
I had a fast labor with my second (2hours from waking) but used a warm birth pool with my 3rd and stretched it out to 6 hours which was perfect :)
I have had the same midwife at my first 3 births and will start seeing her again at 16 weeks
I can't wait... mostly... some days I think of the hard work and dread it lol but that slippery newborn gazing up at you with amazement makes it worth it!
Hope to get to know you all as time goes on :)
Congrats again Kelly, hope recovery is going well :D
Tanya your blessingway sounds lovely! It's almost time...
Aimz YAY for awesome midwife meeting! Sounds so perfect, I'm excited for you!
Beatrix, I second Aimz' suggestion for watching the Business of Being Born and Face of Birth with DH. And like you said, there's plenty of time to get him comfortable with the idea, I'm sure meeting with the midwife will help as well.
Welcome Bellany, how exciting!
AFM still waiting to hear if I've been accepted into the Community Midwifery Program. I spoke to a lady at the Australian Doulas stand at the baby expo on Sunday, she also works with CMWA and is due in March, and has heard that they aren't very booked up for March yet so we should have a good chance :crossfingers:
I have decided to go ahead with the NT scan and bloods, but only because I am irrationally scared of having a 'missed miscarriage' :doh: I got the referral from my GP instead of the fertility clinic though, so at least I don't have to see the laughing FS again...
Also, is there such a thing as a GP that isn't afraid of homebirths? Again when asked if I had booked an Ob yet, I said no, we are hoping to have a homebirth through the CMP. She didn't react too negatively, saying that of course it is ultimately my decision (yes, I know, duh) but I should talk to a professional about the risks involved (um, wouldn't this be her? Or do they have 'professionals' that talk silly, thinking mums out of homebirths?). Then she excused herself from the room for 15 minutes while she consulted with her boss, and came back with a list of websites for me to check out for reliable statistics, and a printout of a study from the Medical Journal re: differences in outcomes of planned hospital and homebirths in South Australia in 2006 - which I took home and read, and it actually supports homebirth in all of it's findings - from what I can tell since half the words have been cut off - so don't know what she was trying to prove with that one! She went on to say that she worked in the SCN and saw 'heaps' of babies admitted from homebirths gone wrong, with severe brain damage etc so I should consider things like that. And even though nothing went 'wrong' the first time, and I am low risk, it doesn't mean everything will be fine the next time, and I could still bleed to death or have a brain damaged or worse baby. Wow, doctors really know how to make you feel good, huh?
Sometimes I think why do I even bother trying to do things 'differently', it's obviously far easier to keep everyone else happy and go along with what society expects, without having to prove myself..
But then I think NO! I am as stubborn as they come ;) I've made my decision and I'm sticking to it, and I'll show them all how it's done! :P
Pfffft ReeRee, you're right - the stats from HB are much better than hospital stats so I think her anecdotal point about SCN babies might be off kilter. More babies in ICU and SCN for c/s than any other method of birth.
It's probably no help to you, but my GP was very supportive of HB, even though I was her first patient to have one. She's pro-midwives (anti-obs), so I guess not a stretch. She followed my m/w's letter exactly for referrals, bloods, drug prescriptions. Although my m/w did take her name down in delight for future reference so I don't think she's the norm. Lol Also quite bfing savvy, needless to say we won't be changing from her.
Bellany - welcome and congrats!
Beatrix - my DP was very nervous until after he'd met with our m/ws and even the ob we had for DD1 (back up in case of issues with the pg). He was happy to go ahead after those discussions. He's a homebirth evangelist now we've had one! Basically, he says that hospitals are more likely to cause problems in birth, so it's better to stay at home unless an unexpected problem arises (unlikely). The stats really do speak for themselves. You and the baby are much safer at home in a normal pg and birth than in hospital.
Tanya - sending beautiful birth blessings your way. I can't wait to hear all about it!
I had a HB meet up today and a dad came along (fireman on shift work) because his wife wants a HB next time. So good to see partners educating themselves so they can be supportive.
Rae- are you in SA?
Nope, WA
ahh cool. Well good luck getting accepted. Hope you hear something soon!!
Ree: :o what a weirdo GP lol. I just wonder where she worked that transferred babies with severe hypoxia are only brought to a SCN?? I have a feeling she was telling some Big Phat Ones. And seriously, rather than say you are stubborn, I reckon you are smart! I would not for the life of me or my baby entrust myself in the care of someone (like that GP for example) that shows such evident lack of knowledge...like i say to many since i had a HB...it's much braver to have a baby in hospital than it is at home lol!
We are lucky where we live that it is a big HB suburb, so our local GP practice is pro HB and easy to organise collaborative agreements etc so we can claim on medicare etc. But i know that we are very very lucky.
For example, i once had to see a GP out of area when i was pg with DD2 and when she found out that i was planning a HB asked about pain relief ('cause that's the most important part of childbirth...:rolleyes:) and i mentioned water injections and she began laughing and goes: "oh yeah, a jab in the leg (i was like WTF?!) and it's all placebo"...ahhhhhh, no sweetheart, that's not how it works hahaha.
I worked in NICU for 12 months full time and since then casually for 10yrs and have NEVER nursed a HB baby :)
Just popping in quickly to say I know of a pro(ish) hb gp in Perth ree ree... I dunno if I'm allowed to put the name in here so u and anyone else can look up... Someone let me know coz if I can't put it here ill just pm :D
Hey all... Have posted a birth announcement! :D
Congratulations again, couldn't read and note post here also... What a beautiful blessed birth it sounds like you had. Well done. Praying these first few days will go well & your sweet baby boy will just slot straight in with everyone else, surely he will :) I bet your other children are excited about him :D
:baby: Babies Arrived :homebirth:
Jennifer13- Baby GIRL born at home 4th January
Bella29- Baby GIRL born at home 10th January
HotI - Baby BOY born at home 21st January
*Ash*- Baby BOY born at home 14th February
loulabelle - Baby BOY born at home 24th February
Cricket - Baby GIRL born at home 15th May
chocorama - May
...Em - Baby BOY born at home 7th June
BellyBelly - Baby GIRL born 11th August
Tanya - Baby BOY born at home 16th August
:pregnant: Babies On Their Way :bellyrubs:
phynna - August
Ambersky - September
lady_neon - September
Cassius - November
mirriumu - November
pumpkinzulu - December
turtlejane - January
Sara - February
Ree*Ree - March
Aimz - March
Bellany - March
Beatrix - April
WOOHOO to another successful homebirth :) congrats x
wahoo!!! *goes off to check BAs*
Congrats Tanya! Well done on yet another fabulous birthing effort. And now lovely for Odin to get a baby brother for his bday,
:hooray: Yay, congrats Tanya!
So excited to see your news Tanya! Congrats again, so happy for you hun xxx
I'll be back for more of an update soon, immersing myself in my babymoon and processing my birth, been feeling okay but a bit emotional about everything that happened in the end. My placenta pills arrived today, my awesome midwife drove them all the way up from Melbourne so I could start them today rather than next week, so looking forward to seeing how that goes, and will also do a healing ritual with my girl and my man. We're going to put the pool back up, candles, oils and have a nice soak. I'm sure i'll have a huge cry, makes me teary thinking about it but I think it'll be just what I need. I have some birth photos on FB if you havent seen them yet.
Congrats again Tanya he's a cutie! Cant wait to meet him!
Kelly they were lovely photos. I hope you find some healing with what you have planned.
I got my ultrasound report today and I have retained products. Not sure what happens from here. Possibly a D&C :( will have to wait till I talk to GP.
Em maybe that could be contributing to you feeling so down. Not sure if it is the same, but my placenta took a long time tocome and I had ' cervical b shock'. Thiscaused really horrible feelings, emotionally as well as physically. maybe helping your uterus to let go will help .
with the pnd too. Hugs. Kelly, the bath sounds lovely. Homebirth is more than just where baby is born, it is a way of thinking and planning. Thinking of you as you process all that happened for you to birth your baby.'
Congrats to the new mums and their bubs for August!
I thought I should get involved as we're scheduled for a home birth in September! Due date around 12th...
Noticing that some of you have home birthed before, is there a check list on the forum about nice things to have around the home for the birth period? I'm now on maternity leave, and getting ready at home! I have great candles in jars, and a few battery operated low light candles (even now 36 weeks, I can't stand bright lights) ...
My midwife is visiting next week, so I'm sure we'll run through a lot more items, but seeing this is such an active group, I thought you guys would have a check list somewhere of good ideas! xoxo
Hello lovely people!
Em: ahhh some answers...that bring a couple of more questions, BUT the end of all the bleeding is in sight! It will most likely mean a D&C (from what i remember them telling me) :hug:
Kelly: I think the setting up of the space will be beautiful. I remember that one of our members on here had that done for her and her DH and son and she loved it, and I remember thinking that it sounded really, really special.
Icecream: Hello!!! :hello:
I *think* there is like an official list on the main part of the website (like out of the forum), but surely there are some threads lurking around about what people did, had etc....I must go check as well for some more inspiration!!!!
For me personally, i LOVED having photos of my special people around near the birth pool. I loved being able to look up and find strength from their love and my love for them. I also had some simple birth affirmations written up (like, 'breathe with the pressure', 'your baby is wanting to be born!'...the last one sounds obvious, but i found it helped to get perspective if/when you felt a bit flustered or lost during contractions).
Aromatherapy ideas are good too. we have oil burners and i went to perfect potion and got their 'baby bliss' oil that has some lovely scents to help relax. Oh and Lavender oil! my hero oil lol! i love having it around to dribble in icy water for washers that can be placed on you by your birth attendents.
AFM: well i went to one of the new GPs that is supportive of HBs for collaborative form signing the other day. oh man, what a boring experience lol. although they are lovely and very supportive, it's the language and culture that is just so darn wrong. She immediately assumed that i was consenting to ALL blood tests (ie the GD), didnt have space to discuss obtaining consent :rolleyes:. then we did the whole BP thing. she goes: 'perfectly normal!' followed by: 'well, a bit low, but normal'. THEN we go onto the fundal height...'she is behind in her dates'. I was like whaattt? then she goes, but it's nothing to worry about, you *might* just make small babies, but she is behind and we should make a note of it JIC'. I was like, so IS IT a problem or NOT??? so basically, they tell you information, they do NOT discuss information. so incredibly disempowering.
Just updating I'm probably out for a home birth (still investigating interstate options) as we have discovered we are having twins!
I welcome any info on midwives willing to attend twin home births. But for now my midwife is attending ob appts with me
Congrats Bellany! Double the joy!
Whereabouts are you? The m/ws I know attend twin births, but not at home. They do however have visiting rights at Westmead hospital and work with an ob who is very happy to let things happen under the m/w's guidance.
It is def still worth looking into a m/w for the best possible birth outcome, regardless of where that takes place.
Had my HB group get together this morning. My m/w is newly pg with no 1 and it's nice to see her on the other side of the birthing thing. My second m/w is due next mth too. Kinda feels like a sisterhood group when the wise women are sharing the same experiences as the rest of us (who are not so wise).
How are your babymoons going, Tanya and Kelly?
Has anyone noticed the distinct lack of c/ss amongst our group btw? Maybe not all of us ending up birthing exactly as we wished, but it seems HB planners on BB really do end up with vaginal, very low intervention, births. And I really don't think our bodies are superior to any other woman's, on the whole. ;)
In other exciting news, I finally have my first nephew! My SIL gave birth to a bouncing 4.2 kg baby boy on Tuesday night. We'll meet him on the weekend. Totally stoked to have a baby boy in our extended family - given I have three gorgeous nieces and two DDs! As far as I know, birth went smoothly and size of bubba was a shock. I'll hear all about it when I see her.
wow! Jen, that is some seriously beautiful baking your SIL did :dance:
Bellany: surely there has to be IMs that do twin HBs? I mean, if Clare Bowditch can do it, surely the rest of us can too :lol:
(and BIG CONGRATULATIONS on baking two beautiful bubbas! :happyforyou:)
Thanks.
In tassie there are no midwives that attend twin hb but my im will attend with me to the hospital.
I have heard of some ims in melb that will hb twins but I just found out the share a placenta so not sure if that rules me out...
My im has a good rs with an ob that she feels would be my best bet at vb with twins but she won't take me on as a private patient without phi . :(
So I will have to see her at the clinic and hope I get her on the day unless my midwife can persuade her otherwise...
ah crap! so even if you can pay upfront there is no way to see her guaranteed? boo!
thank goodness that you have your IM with you and can discuss this with her on how to proceed. have you contacted any IMs here in melbourne to ask advice? Be lovely if someone could come down there to you. hmm, must get our thinking caps on!
Good video for partners on homebirth. love all the disclaimers of 'i'm not a hippy but..."
"Being with her"
http://vimeo.com/47992797:
An independent Australian documentary featuring conversations with partners who supported women to birth at home. An entertaining and touching insight into what happens behind the scenes. We hear what worked and what went wrong.
From the makers of Throwing out the lies with the birth water, a feature length protest piece that was created in response to proposed legislative changes prior to the 2007 Federal elections that threatened to outlaw homebirth as an option for Australian women.
Being with her advocates for choices in birth and the right for all Australian women to access homebirth options
Oh thanks HotI! I look forward to getting a chance to see it.
Hey is anyone going to any of the screenings for 'freedom for birth'? (i think that is the name lol). I know that my midwife group is doing one, but it is way too far, so might go the competition down the road (MAMA) :lol:
it's on the 20th of September...come on, i want some buddies so i dont feel so lonely!!!
Is MAMA in Kensington? Where's the other one at? Maybe I'll make the trek and we can get hotdogs after :lol:
PZ, yep Kensington. I think their other one is in Elwood? Not sure if it's a whole centre or if they just offer some services on specific days?
Cass - I may be able to come? Have to book in having my wisdom teeth out late Sept but if it doesn't clash I'll come for sure!
Elwood is technically closer to me, but if I'm going to venture out I may as well do it with people I know :) I'll go! But seriously, it's conditional to grabbing naughty food after! :lol:
I will only go if I can indulge in norti food with PZ lol. their FB page says that it is at the Kensington one....
be awesome if you could make it in too Eutra! i need to get my wisdom teeth out too in the coming weeks...urgh.
Yes, I'm going on 20 Sept. If there's any Sydneysiders on here I'd be happy to meet up. I'm going to North Parramatta through my m/w group.
I'll be there too Jen :)
Oh good, tj. I'm hoping to bring my doula as well.