Homebirth General Discussion #18

[Artechim]

Arimeh, I have been fading in and out of BB land and can't remember if I posted in your birth announcement but what I really wanted to say was a big Thank you for keeping HB safe. You knew within your own self when things weren't right, had a knowledgable midwife who listened and you made the decision to seek medical help instead of continuing at home. That is perfect home birthing to me. The choice to do what was necessary rather than what you preferred saved your own life and the life of your son. I certainly don't consider that a failure

ETA, are you full term tomorrow Teni? How exciting! I love that bit right at the end when you know it could happen at any time. Good luck for everything xx

[nyigi]

Arimeh, I also wanted to comment.
I also planned a homebirth and ended up transfering to hospital and while it wasn't as extreme as your situation both my son and I also came close to dying.
I completely agree with what others have said, you have not failed at all. An unexpected complication arose that endangered the lives of you and your son and you and your carers acted brilliantly and managed to save both your lives. You did amazingly well.
It is extremely traumatic. It will most likely take you a long time to get over it. I think I'm now most of the way through dealing with my son's birth, 4 years later. But I know I still have some issues from it.
It will of course also have influenced your children and it must have been traumatic for them as well. I wouldn't worry too much about it though. They will probably get over it with time as well and you can help them to understand that it wasn't a normal birth and they shouldn't base their ideas of childbirth on what happened. I don't know but maybe they'll get a chance to witness another birth when they are a bit older. My mother assisted with a home water birth when I was 9 and I went to keep an eye on the labouring woman's other son. We got to come in for the delivery and that memory has really helped me to form a more realistic idea of what natural birth is like and to recognise that mine was not representative for all births.

Good luck and hugs

[Smoke Jaguar]

Cricket, the exercise idea IS the best! I can't do what other people can (I tried yoga over the weekend at my retreat and sat out most of it, and totally skipped Tai Chi) and I'm finding my own ways to keep active. Hydrotherapy is a godsend, especially with the first few sessions with a one on one with the physio. I love being able to move and not aggravate my pelvis. The surfing wasn't the greatest idea, but it wasn't the worst and I was desperate Today I skipped hydro because it was too beautiful a day to be in a heated indoor pool...I went to the beach. After hobbling down on crutches I had a gorgeous low-tide swim and did some of my hydro exercises in there and now I feel great. I knew what most of my problem was until a couple of weeks ago, and it was not being able to do anything to get my heart rate up. Warmer weather brings greater possibilities for me, and if you can then get into yoga, at least, because it will make you feel a million bucks. Good one, Cricket
HotI, sorry I missed it in my big skim yesterday! I don't know about foods you can take to reduce swelling, but to reduce the swelling you might need to take a really good look at what you're eating and see where you can cut down on the sodium intake. Sorry I can't be more helpful!
Sterla, you're a great candidate for a HB Having DS at DD's birth was such a decider for me - he still asks to watch the DVD of it!
Jennifer, that almost slipped by unnoticed...anothery?? Well, if your body isn't being disagreeable, then go for it! I'm out at 3 - I have spent my 30s in pelvic pain and I'm claiming my 40s back, in advance of their arrival