Aimz- i have brought water proof protector for my bed.. its just I want to not worry about my sheet etc (will buy cheap sheets for spare mattress) and then have my clean fresh bed ready to crawl into after a shower.... plus not to mention then everyone will be crowded into my bedroom for the birth whereas the lounge offers more space, rights next to dinning room where others can sit and let me do my thing while monitoring me and my fit ball is on the lounge too
I haven't been in this thread since I was pregnant with DD3 - and she's nearly 2!
I am considering a homebirth for this one, but there are a couple of things stopping us at the moment. First is cost. Its so exxy up here in Queensland to have one! It was $2,000 for my independent birth centre births in tassie, including everything - appointments, birth, after care - everything!
I've looked up a couple of midwives but they all say around 5 grand is their average figure. So I thought I would contact the Sunshine Coast ones - does anyone here have any experience with them? One of the groups up there have my old OB on staff, and a midwife that saw me through DD1's devastating c-section - so that attracts me to contact them. I don't even know if they DO homebirths or just hospital care.
Plus, I'm worried that I'm too high risk now, even for an IM. This is my 5th pregnancy, 3rd VBA2C - plus I lost 800ml after my birth with DD3 (something I have been told that will not be looked upon favourably with any IM's). I asked my midwife in tassie if she felt like a holiday in Queensland in September, but I'm pretty sure she will be a bit busy running the birth centre, as nice as that thought is. However, she would be fine doing a homebirth, if I still lived in Tassie.
I have a student midwife (a friend) who can see me through my pregnancy at Caboolture Hospital, but I really really really don't want to birth in hospital. I've had basically 2 homebirths, and I don't want to be pressured into something nor have to fight for what I want.
Armies I guess just talk to the midwives and see. I lost 800mls after having DS as well but haven't been told this would affect my ability to have a HB again. For me I'd sell a leg to be able to birth at home so the money doesn't matter, well it does but it wouldn't stop me iykwim. Sorry no real great advice here lol!
800ml is not *that* much, I've heard of people losing similar amounts approved for the program here (well, maybe a couple of years back, not sure now). I was told no to the program again after losing 2.5l, but don't know if anyone else would do it. Not preggers anyway. The other risk factors may be bigger issues, though.
I hope you get the care you want!
I would think that you would be AOK for a HB. you have now had 2 successful VBs. 800mls would not in my IMs practice stop you from having a HB. but cost is just one of those things that cant be avoided. you can ask about payment plans etc though.
I've called the sunshine coast midwifery and waiting on Natasha to get back to me regarding costs. She did confirm that she at least travels down from the Sunshine Coast to Caboolture to do them though. After watching The Midwife last night on tv, I definitely want a HB. Even DH agreed - think it helps that I've had one on one care for two previous VB's though - plus we only live 5 minutes from hospital if anything was to happen.
Now I just have to work out the money part. She's part of the medicare rebate thingy so I just want to find out exactly how much I will be up for. And when! I didn't pay my midwife in tassie until after the birth - does anyone know if all midwives work that way or was that a weird system and its like OB's and you pay a lump sum half way through or something?
I'm excited! Have to organise how much to sell, I've scrounged together some money (thanks DD3 for giving me $100) I feel terrible taking money from my nearly 2 year old, but its been sitting there since her 1st birthday and we've not needed this so its to go in my "home birth fund" now LOL
Now to sell some things on ebay/gumtree/facebook! I'm so glad DH is supportive, he just doesn't think we can get the cash together in time. Doesn't help when you are both on benefits I suppose, but where there is a will there's a way! Right?
my midwife accepted payments after baby was born. there was actually no set schedule, i just paid as soon as i could.
we have an election coming up later this year, if you can get a position as an electoral person, it can be a good opportunity to get some cash. and only one day you need to get kids cared for. i was lucky to have the census on when i was pregnant with #2, that paid for half my homebirth!
I just spoke on the phone with one of the midwives I had emailed last night - 25 minute conversation!!! She covered her costs ($2,000 for the birth, $1250 for equipment and stuff) and then she has her appointments on top of that, but the cost of appointments are negotiable if you don't want to go in the "circle of care". So I'm ecstatic!!!
AND - the most thrilling thing - all my "risk" factors (age, vbac, blood loss, 5th child) are NOT a risk that can stop me from going through her!!
I'm so excited!!! Plus she said that she gives us the invoice for $1250 first up, but we can arrange to pay that off, as well as the $2,000 from now until 6 weeks after the birth! How awesome is that!!! I'm thrilled!!!
YAY so happy for you Arimeh!! Great news! And welcome back
Thanks so much everyone for your input re:number of people at the birth.
I decided to give the recommended doula a go, she sounded nice on the phone and has just done a course in 'Sound Birthing' using crystal singing bowls. Quite interesting, I'd never heard of it before. Met with her today and she did a demo of the crystal bowl. It was different, not unpleasant, I could see how it would be nice and grounding and a good sound/vibration to focus on during contractions.
She did put me on the spot as she was leaving, asking if I think I would go ahead with her and I said yeah, I think so. But reflecting now, and tuning into gut feeling, I don't think she is right for me And I feel awful because she has yet to attend a birth. One thing that put me off - call me stingy - but she asked for payment, even though she told me her training recommends she do her qualifying births for free. But I really can't afford another cost right now with the house reno's we're trying to get done before bubs comes.
But yeah, apart from the money, I just don't feel like we're right for each other :/ now to think of a nice way to let her down. I feel bad!
lol
that is awesome!!!
And I feel awful because she has yet to attend a birth. One thing that put me off - call me stingy - but she asked for payment, even though she told me her training recommends she do her qualifying births for free. But I really can't afford another cost right now with the house reno's we're trying to get done before bubs comes.
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