Homebirth General Discussion #22

[turtledove]

I think HB is legal in most US states. The problem with it being covered by insurance though is similar to publicly funded homebirths in Australia... Suddenly everyone gets to have a small window opinion of what 'low risk' is. In this state MWs also face criminal charges if they continue care in a 'high risk' pregnancy or birth.

I guess the upside to this approach is that it does keep birth "safe" as we know that homebirth is a perfectly safe option for low risk women, and those that are high risk are safer with medical backup if necessary.

The problem seems to be where they set the parameters, and recognising that most women are indeed low risk.

Something else that would go a long way is educating women to be low risk. Proper nutrition, exercise, birth preparation. I noticed a vast difference between Australia and nz in this regard. Birth is an everyday natural process over there.

[HotI]

Many women are considered "high risk" by some, but are still safer birthing at home. The system needs to improve dramatically and begin to use evidence based medicine, with respect for autonomy (these are not mutually exclusive) before it is going to increase its safety.

[Artechim]

I got the vitamin K for my DS because his birth was not great and he head prong things stuck on during labour, plus all the blood sugar monitoring after the birth etc so we just did it. I cannot even remember if I did the oral or injection. I wasn't going to but that was how the birth went and what I thought was best given how it all turned out.

My girls were home birthed and there was zero trauma and so I didn't do it.

Turtledove - I am in NZ and am very thankful to whoever it was that devised our midwife led pregnancy and birth system

[Kazzo]

Freya, the insensitive comments sure do keep on coming, most from strangers which is worse because who are they to comment on my life . I am sorry people think it okay to say things like that to you.

I met with a midwife today. I need to chat with DH when he gets home but I know she is the one if we go ahead (99% sure it will). I had an appointment with another MW next week but just from phone conversations and email, she did not feel right so I just cancelled and she seemed a bit annoyed, I thought it best not to waste our time but her reaction made the choice valid.