Homebirth General Discussion #6

Welcome, sara. Looking forward to hearing all about your pg and homebirth journey. Were your other births at home too?

I have the standard number of appts (every four weeks atm), it's good from a getting-to-know-you POV but TBH last time was the first appt where my m/w actually did anything physical, took my blood pressure and listened to baby's heartbeat. I had the normal scans at 12 and 19 weeks, and apart from going through my history, I don't really feel the need to be that closely monitored. I won't be having the GD test either. Feels more like a cup of tea with a friend to chat about pg than a check up!

yeah, that was kinda how our appts were too jennifer :). i mean, we did a doppler check as DD1 loved to hear DD2s heart beating away (and then listening to her own heart was also pretty exciting lol). we also did blood pressure and sometimes a quick fundal measurement. and then we would have lunch together (DH planned to be home those days so that he could cook up a storm for Nic :)).

I also didnt have the GD testing done, or strep b. the perks of having a homebirth and a close relationship with your IM is that they have the time to spend it with you and bubs post birth and will monitor you and bubs for any signs, something that a hossy just cant manage IYKWIM.

Sara, if I had to pay I would probably opt for less visits, especially in the early days when not a lot is going on.

Ash, that sucks you are finding it so hard to find someone :(

They don't even offer strep b testing here - I asked last time and the midwife who has been doing hb's for over 20 years had never done one. She said that there was more chance of a mothers reaction to antibiotics than there was of baby getting GBS, and they watch for things like prolonged ruptured membranes etc to assess risk at the time.
I had GD in my first pregnancy so my midwife gave me a script for the testing sticks and I just took a few readings to make sure it wasn't back.

I feel a bit rude though, I have never offered my midwives a drink or lunch or anything! But they are around visiting people all day and reasonably busy so I figure they don't have time to sit around at each house visiting iykwim.

I'm having the Strep B test done by my GP. I need to get a couple of scripts off her closer to the end anyway, so I figure, while I'm there... :dunno: I have no issue either way, but I figure it can't hurt to have the ABs on hand or for the m/w to be aware at least.

:babyneutral: Babies Arrived :baby:

~Stoked~- August

Pip82 - September

Artechim - September



:pregnant: Babies On Their Way :bellyrubs:

eutra_phalia - November

Brogeybear- November

Bella29 - January

Jennifer13 - January

HotI - January

*Ash*- February

loulabelle - February

Sara - May

Check the BAs for the Sept babies... ;)

CONGRATS again Arte for the arrival of Baby Erin! I hope that it was a lovely welcome and that W and A are having a splendid time meeting their new baby sister :loveshower:

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:babyneutral: Babies Arrived :baby:

~Stoked~- August

Pip82 - September

Artechim - September



:pregnant: Babies On Their Way :bellyrubs:

eutra_phalia - November

Brogeybear- November

Bella29 - January

Jennifer13 - January

HotI - January

*Ash*- February

loulabelle - February

Sara - May

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just saw this and thought Artechim hasnt had her baby!

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Check the BAs for the Sept babies... ;)

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im a bit slow! thanks for the heads up!

CONGRATULATIONS Artechim

Welcome Sara!! Looking forward to hearing about your pregnancy/plans/birth :)

Congratulations Pip and Artechim on the arrival of your bubs'!! Can't wait to read more about their births!

Just noticed I'm next on the list - holy cra*p! Time is flying! No real news from me - am now having fortnightly appointments with my lovely midwife and really looking forward to finishing up at work...even if that is still 6 or 7 weeks away.

Thanks everyone. Went really well. Kids both slept all night which was ideal, but baby wasn't out before morning but it was all good - DH went out and did the normal morning stuff, the kids came in for the odd visit to see where I was and then the midwife called DH in for the actual birth which was only a couple of minutes and the kids were unaware out in the lounge. When everything was sorted and I was ready we took her out to meet her siblings. Really, really happy with how it all went.
I ended up having the off-sider midwife but I have had quite a few appointments with her because I have been having iron shots every two days for the last couple of weeks. She was perfect! She just sat quietly and let me do my thing. All decisions were made together and I didn't feel any pressure to do anything.

Aaaww, Arte it sounds glorious and wonderful. :) Congratulations on the birth of your precious daughter.
I am so happy for you. Enjoy your babymoon.

Congratulations Artechim! The birth sounds as though it was oh so casual - perfect!

Thanks for sharing your antental experiences all :) Appreciate it.

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Sara, if I had to pay I would probably opt for less visits, especially in the early days when not a lot is going on.

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This is my thinking exactly. Whilst the Midwife I have in mind would only cost $3000 all up for all inclusive, I guess I still want to try and save where I can.

I think in the 1st/2nd Trimester I dont need monthly appointments. But I'd appreciate them in the 3rd tri for the support and the opportunity to build a trusting relationship with her.

I meeting with her at 12 weeks to discuss all that business.

Her name is Tricia Stewart (Brisbane). Has anyone here "used" her?

Arte I cannot wait to read your birth story!

Arte, sounds as though it all went to plan!

I talked to her on the phone Sara when i was trying to decide which MW to go with, she seemed nice but i just clicked with the other one :)

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thanks everyone. Went really well. Kids both slept all night which was ideal, but baby wasn't out before morning but it was all good - dh went out and did the normal morning stuff, the kids came in for the odd visit to see where i was and then the midwife called dh in for the actual birth which was only a couple of minutes and the kids were unaware out in the lounge. When everything was sorted and i was ready we took her out to meet her siblings. Really, really happy with how it all went.
I ended up having the off-sider midwife but i have had quite a few appointments with her because i have been having iron shots every two days for the last couple of weeks. She was perfect! She just sat quietly and let me do my thing. All decisions were made together and i didn't feel any pressure to do anything.

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sounds lovely

Oh Arte! It sounds just how it should be, normal and awesome all rolled into one!!!!!! :dance:

Oh Arte, that's wonderful!