Homebirth General Discussion #2

[LionsandBears]

I also agree it's when the appts get closer together that the relationship really develops. The first 2 trimesters were about us getting to know each other and me being neurotic about everything Recently we've been concentrating more on me being in the right head space for birth and trusting the people in the room as well as how to deal with things once the baby arrives. It's more "emotional" now IFKWIM.

The appt after next we start meeting the 2nd and back-up midwives. I'm still hoping our IM is available on the day, though I've been assured that in the middle of things, you don't usually care who walks through the door, so long as it's someone competent and calm.

How's everyone going with preparation? We're working our way through our list of things to prepare for the birth, but I also want to pack my hospital bag soon, just so I know it's there and taken care of for just in case.

As for the Dannii "homebirth" thing. Of course OBs have a vested interest in saying it doesn't work , when obviously the transfer did work. For me the whole OB thing is about a trade war, with women and babies used as bargaining chips in the middle..... gets me more than a little irate.

I hope everyone is well

[Cassius2]

How's everyone going with preparation? We're working our way through our list of things to prepare for the birth, but I also want to pack my hospital bag soon, just so I know it's there and taken care of for just in case.

I am slowly getting things together in my 'labour/birth bag'. i figured that being so vague and if it's anything like last time (i forgot my labour and hospital bag when i went in LOL!) i need to have it all in one place ITMS. so have put in there my fit ball (deflated obviously lol), my massage oils, essential oils, (the oil burner is in use daily ATM so not in the bag), have a few dark sarongs thrown in there to wrap myself up in, bottle of lavender hydrating mist and DH has been ferreting away bottles of water and gatorade (he gets them given to him at soccer lol). I have also thrown in a suit for bubba (i'm going to have it laid out on the couch to 'remind' myself why i am there lol). But i have been MEGA slack in organising some music. i need to get onto it as i love the distraction it brings and will help me lock out outside interference (ie a toddler lol).
the birth pool is booked and will arrive 22 August, then we just need to work out if the fittings and hose are long enough...

have also been busy 'nesting' with the house. bought a bunch of beautiful candles to burn during labour etc as well. our room is pretty much all set up now with a comfy breastfeeding chair (hoping that bf in bed will be more comfy this time...DD was so tiny that it just was too hard for a long time there). got a side table in for my gallons of water that i seem to need to down at every feed, the bassinette is in place as is the cot and changetable. *cluck cluck cluck* lol!

that's about it so far! but i am getting antsy now and just want things in place. DD came at 38 weeks and i just wasnt in the 'zone' so am hoping to get myself there and ready from this point on...

[Tegam]

Hi everyone!

Talked to my MW yesterday and she said that we wont meet until after 20weeks? Not sure how i feel? Think i am ok seeing i dont feel like i need my hand held seeing its our 4th but then i miss out of hearing the HB...

I might go off to the GP.

Tash i packed a sort of hospital bag. Not very full, thought if i transfered in a hurry they i wouldnt need much and my DH and mum could get anything else i needed!

[onthefly]

That's a long time to wait Tegam.

Sounds like you're pretty much ready to go Cassius

I guess the transfer bag would be the same sorts of things you'd pack if planning a hospital birth?

I can't quite get my head around the hb transfer = not safe logic. I gues the naysayers are trying to suggest that since so many HB mums transfer (though, dodgy stats hey?) obviously it's not a safe place to birth even if you're categorised as low risk...? Anyone know what the actual transfer rate is Aus-wide? For the CMP it's around 25% I think.
Personally I think the fact that mums & bubs are transferred when they need to be shows that midwives are capable of ensuring safe births and providing excellent maternal care.

[ShellyBean]

Hi everyone!

Talked to my MW yesterday and she said that we wont meet until after 20weeks? Not sure how i feel? Think i am ok seeing i dont feel like i need my hand held seeing its our 4th but then i miss out of hearing the HB...

I might go off to the GP.

Tash i packed a sort of hospital bag. Not very full, thought if i transfered in a hurry they i wouldnt need much and my DH and mum could get anything else i needed!

Tegam, are you using Andrea Codega? I am too, and don't have my booking in appointmnet until after 20wks, which I'm not enjoying since I have soo many questions!

[Cassius2]

tegam: hmm even if it's your first, fifth or tenth baby we all want to be cared for! 20 weeks does sound like a long time to wait to meet this person and get a feel for them?? my midwife asked me if i was ok having 6 weekly appts in the beginning but after the first 6 week wait i quickly went back to 4 lol! i think with a HB it's even more on us to like the person and have a relationship with them.

marcellus: the transfer rate with our group is 20%. of that they say that it is mostly due to maternal exhaustion, posterior labours and first-time labours where mum gets exhausted and hubby gets anxious. so the stats the naysayers are giving us is not really indicitive of 'emergency' transfer stats alone IYKWIM. but i'm with you, all a transfer tells me is that the HB system is more than capable of 'handling' birth and its various manifestations.

[Oorki Galoorki]

Hey everyone i want to to share what i did for my "transfer bag"
i had a basket that had a change of clothes for me some pads nappies and baby clothes in it.. but these were all things i needed after birth no matter where i was.. so by having them in the basket they were easy to grab but it didnt enter my head that i had a just in case bag..itms?

[Cassius2]

hmmm i dont have a transfer bag...but then i did forget my bag when i had a hospital birth too LOL! so i guess it can be done without one if the need arises lol. oh gosh, poor dh would have to find everything lol!

[LionsandBears]

We're doing a transfer bag more for superstition. If it's packed and ready to go, we won't need it (hopefully). If it's not packed, we will..... not rational but my MW is pretty convinced it's worked liked that with others. I just have to figure out how much stuff I really need to pack. Meanwhile, we're also working through the list of stuff to have at home for the homebirth - blankets, mirror, plastic bags, mattress protectors, rescue remedy, gastrolyte.... Then there's the list of stuff we need once bubby arrives - I'm dreaming lists atm

We have piles of food frozen at least, though I need to stop eating it and save it for later. BTW - pie makers are a fantastic idea and so easy to use and then freeze individual pies....

[Tegam]

oh i love the pie idea thanks!

[TeniBear]

Woo hoo! Scott just called Sunshine about the HB program, and they're passing my info onto the midwife who'll probably be in charge of my care! She'll call me back next week to discuss everything, and I'm super optimistic

So, if I may, I'll be joining you lovely ladies

[onthefly]

You may Teni

[Arimeh]

And if its ok, I'll stick my fat ugly mug in here as well. I have my birth "party" in place now (I know, even though its early), I've contacted my midwife, who doesn't need to see me till 16 weeks, then I have BB members Sterla and Jahzara for support and encouragement, another friend for encouragement (who has had a natural birth) and also my chiropractor - who I asked today and accepted!!! She went with the same midwives for her two children, so its good that people will know each other and be there to help me welcome the next one into the world.

Although I have to say, I'm pretty nervous about birthing again, cos I get the "first time was a fluke" thing going in my head and can't get rid of it!!! Think I'll have to read more birthing books to convince myself that I've done it once, I can do it again!!!!

Anyway - just wanted to say

[Tegam]

So, if I may, I'll be joining you lovely ladies

woohoo sounds great! welcome welcome!

And if its ok, I'll stick my fat ugly mug in here as well.
Although I have to say, I'm pretty nervous about birthing again, cos I get the "first time was a fluke" thing going in my head and can't get rid of it!!! Think I'll have to read more birthing books to convince myself that I've done it once, I can do it again!!!!

Anyway - just wante to say

Hello hello! How exciting to have your team! Im the exact opposite and HATE having people near me

Of course you can do it all again! And in fact you are going to soon enough!

Happy and Healthy pregnancy to you both and i cant wait to hearing more of your plans!

[onthefly]

Hi Arimeh - Of course you can do it again! Taht's great you have your team assembled already!

I'm like you Tegam, don't like the idea of so many people around. There were way too many for DS' birht. OF course, that was completely different and all medical, so I could well feel differently about it this time. I think I'm happy to just have DH (and I even don't want him touching me too much), with midwives sitting nearby just in case. (and my mum will be around keeping DS busy if he's awake)

[Arimeh]

How exciting to have your team! Im the exact opposite and HATE having people near me

Yeah I thought I would be the same, but I felt safe when my 2 midwives were there, and hated them leaving the room, I just didn't feel.. well.. safe!! So I figured if I have a few people there, I'm always going to have a "team" with me, and I won't give into the fear as easily as I did the first time.

Well... thats the plan...

[Tegam]

No i like that and i had three support people, OB and MW at DD1 birth! It was great to share the experince.

But this will be my 4th, i know i can do it and i just dont want anyone other than DH. Its a job to me not a journey (i have quick births) so it seems silly to have the fuss i like visitors after!

Marcellus: Yes if i have the kids here i would want someone with them too! I dont want DH to feel that he has to split himself in 4 LOL!

[Eenee]

welcome Teni and Arimeh's Eden

Tegam: i think i'd be like you cos I hate crowds at the best of times, it'll just be me, DH and the midwife and oh yeah I said the student could be there aswell.