Suga those categories are interesting, I'm a bit of 1 and mostly 3 I think. I didn't have a horrific experience in hospital, just a disappointing one - DS was unexpectedly breech when I got into the Birth Centre in labour - and lets face it, hospitals really aren't the place to get support for a vaginal breech birth these days - so we had a c-section. It wasn't traumatic, it was just a disappointing turn of events. I wish I'd planned to birth at home the first time around LOL! But I feel like I fit more into the #3 category. I know my chances of achieving a VBAC are optimised if I plan to birth at home with an IM - simple as that. I know that continuity of care with a midwife is the gold standard - and employing an IM is the only way I'll get that after having a previous c-section - again, really simple choice. Its like DP reflected back to me yesterday when we were talking about homebirth - we're not doing this to make a point, or because we feel the need to stick to a set of ideals or because we're hippies that don't conform - its because we want to achieve the safest, more secure environment to welcome our baby into and everything that comes along with that.

We had our first antenatal appointment with our IM - on a public holiday LOL! Loved it. I had a few days a week or so ago where I got the jitters after a few things came up, but we soon worked through that. Its so funny, because 6 mnths ago I never would have been able to say that DP would even look at the option of homebirth, let alone be an advocate for it. But here we are, me getting cold feet, and him being the voice of reason & all things rational, helping me be clear about why I want this! Too funny. I guess its all part of the process. But now we're all set and on the way! Which is so exciting. We're also still considering hiring a doula too - just for additional support.

We talked a little bit about what my chances are of having another breech baby at term - and apparently my chances are slightly elevated, but nothing outrageous. I'm at peace with that though and if this little one decides he/she wants to enter the world bum or feet first, then I'm all for that. Our IM is experienced with breech and happy to support us which is one of the reasons we chose her. I have confidence in my body and trust that my baby will choose its entry the world just as its meant to be. I can't tell you how nice it is to feel comfortable with that and just trust.

DP and I have decided that we'll only be sharing our plans to birth at home with a few select people, my sister and a couple that are our closest friends - mainly as they'll be the support people for DS on the day and we'll need their help and support. No other people will know, and we're not telling any family either. I know some people would probably accuse us of hiding our plans or covering things up - but we have two very nervous & anxious mothers in our lives who we don't need pestering us when they won't bother to actually take the time to listen to our reasons and do their own research. I just don't need that kind of energy around me.

So its lovely to be in here sharing this journey with all of you!