Homebirth General Discussion #6

Bella, I hope you can find an OB to support you as well. It actually sounds like a pretty good idea - just a matter of making it work out in practice.

:hug: HotI. Doesn't sound like it's the right place for you to birth at all.

eutra, I hope all is well with your midwife.
It is a really worrying time, even for someone not pregnant right now! I hate that this is happening - the vexatious reporting, the 'persectution' even will only polarise things even more and leaves mums and babies stuck in the middle. A lot of people need to pull their heads in and start acting professionally - ie, in the best interests of mothers and babies.

Thanks girls, there is an pretty good OB who I backing up a gf of mine who is hbing three weeks before I am. She is only charging her $500 to be on call for in case of transfer which I think is pretty reasonable. I am pretty happy with that to be honest. I just have to get an appointment with her and chat it out. The only difference between me and her is I am a vbac mum and also that my gf hb'd quite easily last time, but had a placenta that needed manual removal and so transferred because of that.

Hot1 - having experienced a BC care for my first baby i can say that the one to one midwifery, was great but all of the policy was dictated by the hospital so it was essentially the same as hospital care. Which in and of itself was really restrictive and crap. I would never use one again for that reason. I am sorry that you had a bad experience tho. Hugs babe. I hope u find the care that you really want.

We'd love to have our private ob as backup if we needed to transfer, but that can't happen. He practices at the private hospital for one and I'm not sure how we can transfer there. Secondly, he's on holidays on my due date anyway, so I'd be back with an ob I don't know in any case.

I wish we could have organised him as back up, his VBAC rate is good, even though the private hospital's is dreadful. Sounds like a great arrangement, Bella.

:babyneutral: Babies Arrived :baby:

~Stoked~- August


:pregnant: Babies On Their Way :bellyrubs:

Artechim- September

Pip82- September

eutra_phalia - November

Brogeybear- November

Bella29 - January

Jennifer13 - January

HotI - January

*Ash*- February

loulabelle - February

Wow hugs to everyone who needs them I can very much understand being put off by the system! The mw at Mercy birth centre didn't sound very good there and thats at a birth centre!

Can you add me to the list for September please (11th but who is counting not me)

Bella sounds like you are happy with the backup arrangement and that is great! Better that you know who you will be seeing in case of transfer than a surprise.

Forgot to say I took my DD to a GP yesterday and of course he asked me where I was having the baby and I said home then he proceeded to go on and on for about 10 minutes about how it was a stupid idea until i said ANYWAY, I brought DD in because blah blah blah! I need positive energy around me at the moment not that!

Pip, that sucks that the GP had a go at you, especially at this stage of pregnancy you don't need that!

Tegam, I agree with you about how the system wears you down :(. With DS I was induced due to GD on high insulin, but I held out as long as I could manage so it was 39+3 before I was actually induced and I am sure that I would have gone into labour naturally in a couple of days anyway - but at the time they are throwing around stillbirth statistics and it is hard to stick to your own beliefs when professionals are telling you that your baby is in danger :( DH and I were talking the other day about how I thought DS would have been born close to his due day and DH had a big rant about how pointless it was being induced with DS and how useless the Australian system was, how managed and medical pregnancy/birth is there, like a baby cannot be born without a Dr dictating every move - really surprised me because he doesn't usually say much on the topic!

Bella, having a private Ob back up sounds like a good plan to me. If you do end up with a transfer then you still want to be comfortable and have the benefits of a private patient. Is the Ob you are looking at VBAC friendly? I guess if she is willing to back up HBers then she would be quite pro natural birth?

HotI, have you had another meeting with your midwife yet? I hope that you gel well with her and have the support you need for this next birth :hug:

My MW just sent me an email with how we can help with the current situations. If you would like me to email so you can all help out please pm me your email address

Maternity Action Coalition just posted this on FB

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Just in from the NMBA:

Once a woman is admitted to a health service as a public patient, the current professional indemnity insurance arrangements for the privately practising midwife cease.
should the woman request it, the midwife may choose to remain as a support person to the woman either as paid or unpaid as agreed between them. The decision by the midwife to remain as a support person is linked to the woman’s right to choose the person(s) whom she wishes to be with her during birth

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hmmmmm

aww Pip that suxs.... it would be nice to just be able to go to a dr and not have a lecture about that stuff. my gp's wife has had 4 hb's so he is pretty reasonable about it all.

Hot! thanks for that info from NMBA. BTW I totally agree with what you were saying about it not being about where they are at that makes the practitioner. I went to a hb last weekend of a gf of mines. The mw's were so intrusive and kept touching her vagina without asking and generally the whole process was so far away from the "undisturbed birth" that I think she wanted. I wasn't surprised when she ended up with a c/s to be honest, although I was very sad for her. I know how much she wanted a VBAC.... :( I felt pretty powerless to help her control the environment because she was very vague about what she wanted me there for other than to take photo's despite alluding to wanting me in a doula role. It was difficult to tell the MW's to back off and stop constantly talking to her and over her and commenting on her unusual labial skin tags...:wall: Eventually I did say that I really thought she was having a hard time shutting down her neocortex whilst people were constantly interupting her, but I think the peace she recieved as a result lasted all of 10 mins before they were back in harrassing her and telling her to change positions and get back out of the water etc, etc, etc...... Sorry girls a bit of a debreif there. Just sad because I think she would have had less interruptions in hospital to be honest. It makes me much more clear about what I want from my support team tho. In fact both the last 2 HBAC that I have attended in recent months have resulted in repeat c/s and I am just trying to learn from them. One was so negative going into the birth that in some ways I wasn't surprised and the other was still dealing with loads of anger. Lots to take away from both tbh. It has made me aware also that dealing with fears or at least acknowledging them before this birth is really important for me. So is being really honest about what I want for myself. I think that is part of what has prompted me to start to seek out private back up rather than public. Because it isn't about the facility, it is about the person/s who are supporting you.

Anyway that was a lot to get out.

XX Bella

That's a relief, thanks HotI. A little bit of common sense at last.

How awful for your friend Bella!

Bella: you are right, it is about the team you have. that is what i liked about in the film the business of being born. that Abby was able to transfer knowing who the face on the other side of the door was going to be (and therefore able to protect her from the disparaging transfer comments that seem to follow).
I am really sorry for your friend :hug:. you are onto the right thought process though, i think that it is imperative to be constant and vigilant about what you need to have achieved in any birth process and situation and it is imperative that the birth support team is just that...to support you. we were very thorough in our appointments to really get it home what was acceptable and what wasnt. i had my IM and calmbirth practitioner (and back up midwife) discuss the importance of letting me alone (thankfully my IM was already on board in that respect) to allow the calmbirth full space. and then i threw frederick leboyers "birth without violence" at both of them and told them that we were following that to a tee. it raised a few eyebrows but i didnt care and wouldnt budge lol.

Arte: i havent had a chance yet, but am sending you happy birth blessings for your new little addition who should be making her entrance soon :loveshower:

It's my little home-birthed bubba's first birthday today :)

I cannot believe that one year ago I was embarking on what turned out to be one of *the* most magical and joyous moments that I think i will ever experience...

Happy Birthday again to beautiful Marta! Have I ever said that I really love her name?

I managed to remember to buy a scented candle to replace the smell of gun cleaning fluid in the birthing room - DH has graciously moved stuff around in The Man Room to fit the pool but the smell of solvent doesn't have much serenity for me :)

Happy birthday marta and birthing day cassius. Can't believe its been a year.xxxx

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Woohoo, happy birthday to Marta and happy birthing day to you, Cassius! I think an honorary viewing of your HB video is in order. ;)

Nothing new to report here, this is a very boring stage of pg and birth preparation!

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It's my little home-birthed bubba's first birthday today :)

I cannot believe that one year ago I was embarking on what turned out to be one of *the* most magical and joyous moments that I think i will ever experience...

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WOW a whole year! Happy birthday little Marta.........

so the goal of getting a private OB on board for back up in case of transfer is proving harder than I thought... So much for optimisim. I had thought that because my gf was able to get care thru this OB that I would be able to as we are both having hb's, but the acronym VBAC appears to be putting them off. So I have written a letter asking them to reconsider and have made an appointment with another OB to see.... last one I asked over the phone whether she would support me where as this one I will ask in person. Not going to lie about the hb, just wish that it wasn't like this... Oh well. shan't let it bother me if I can't get an OB.... So much for collaboration is all I can say.

Bella29, it makes it hard when you know what 'should' be done, but beaurocrasy gets in the way. Hope you can work things out.

I just had an appt with my midwife, so different to the other (FBC) appt. Got tips on diet (to increase protein and iron), how to protect my back /tummy from my tummy seperation and overall just got listened to and respected. ah, i can breathe again...

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I just had an appt with my midwife, so different to the other (FBC) appt. Got tips on diet (to increase protein and iron), how to protect my back /tummy from my tummy seperation and overall just got listened to and respected. ah, i can breathe again...

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:loveshower: and this is what it is all about...love, support and gentle guidance...gotta love it!

Oh that is great hot1! Very pleased for you.

That's great HotI

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Australian Premiere

More Business of Being Born

Down on The Farm: Conversations with Legendary Midwife Ina May Gaskin

Follow Executive Producer Ricki Lake and Director Abby Epstein to The Farm Community in Summertown, Tennessee, where pioneer midwife Ina May Gaskin talks candidly about the latest birth trends. Gaskin, who was featured in the original The Business of Being Born, sparked Lake's initial interest in home birth and has continued to inspire the filmmaking duo's advocacy efforts. Also on the journey is pregnant actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who joins them in getting to know The Farm's famous midwives and touring the picturesque birth cabins situated in the woods.

Guest Speaker:
Kelly Winder

Date/Time:
Thursday 22nd September, 2011
7:00pm - 9:00pm

Venue:
Northcote Town Hall - Room 2
189 High Street, Northcote, Victoria
(MEL 30 E9)

Cost:
$10 - Pre-paid booking
$15 - at the door (numbers pending)

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I gotta be there!!!! ok, where do i get tickets from? must search the forum!

HotI - so so glad to hear your appointment went well! GD has had so much great advice about diet & nutrition for me too :) I just love her energy - she's so calm and reassuring without even saying anything.

DH and I are planning on coming to the next MC movie night - have to organise tickets! Hopefully will see some of you there :)

Wish I could come :)

Hi Ladies,

Just popping my head in...I'm 6 weeks pregnant with baby #3 who will be born at home.

Still early days but I have a Midwife in mind and have briefly spoken with her. I have met her previously as she came into a Tutorial at Uni to speak about Independent Midwifery. She awesome :D

So will be in and out for a bit but I am looking forward to sharing this journey with you all!

Love and light!
x

Just thought I'd let you know I had a little girl Sat night after a 2 hour labour, at home, in water. All good :)

Congratulations Pip!!!

Sara: welcome

Congrats pip! Can't wait to hear all about it :happyforyou:

Welcome Sara!

Hoti do you have Gaye? She was at my dd's birth... I luff her!

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Hoti do you have Gaye? She was at my dd's birth... I luff her!

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Yep! She is awesome.

Congratulations Pip! Enjoy your newborn cuddles :leap:

Sara, what month are you due? I can add you to the list if you like.

Last movie night i bought tickets at the door, but i reckon this one might sell out before.

Here is more info

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For Bookings:
Email: MCmovie@birthattendants.info
Phone: 03 8677 1881

Pre-Payment:

Paypal or credit card:
www.maternitycoalition.org.au

Direct deposit to:
Mojain Pty Ltd
BSB: 013313 A/C: 498690669
Ref: MC1109-'your name'

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Please note, tickets will not be issued, but names will be held at the door.

Future Movie Night Dates:

Tue Oct 18 - Australian Premier - MORE Business of Born - Special Deliveries

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Congrats Pip! Enjoy your babymoon.

:cheer: CONGRATULATIONS PIP ON THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR BABY GIRL!!!! :cheer:

So lovely having a baby in the water :)

Hi Sara and welcome :hello:

Aaaww, congrats Pip. Sounds awesome, I can't wait to hear more.

Hi Sara, Welcome.

Oh, the movie sounds awesome - I wish I could go to.

HotI, I am glad your appointment was wonderful.

AFM, still trying to find a midwife! I have connected with one who lives 75 mins drive away. I get a great vibe from her. She is reluctant to travel as she also does caseload at her local hospital, so the 'on-call' nature of her job means she likes to stick close to the hospy. It probably means that I will be travelling to her for most of my appt's. It's not ideal but I don't know what other option I have. Anyway, I have asked if we can come to an arrangement, and now the ball is on her court!

Hi to everyone!

Congratulations pip! Can't wait to hear all about it.

Welcome sara, congratulations o. the pregnancy and choosing hb. Looking forward to sharing the journey with you.

Afm, not much to report, 16 weeks today. Will be meeting my midwife soon. Its actually been really nice not having to run around to appointments, all ive seen is a gp back in melbourne. Although, I am looking forward to meeting my midwife and getting that rolling. I feel so much more relaxed this time around. Its awesome.

Ive also managed to half my antidepressant meds ( pnd with ds) and am hoping to be off completely in 2 or so months.Thats a huge deal for me, I was told last pregnancy that I would'nt cope without etc. ha, im feeling great. Im pretty stoked if you cant tell!

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Thanks for the welcome ladies!

Congratulations Pip! Can't wait to hear all about it!


I'm due May :)

Just out of curiousity...Is everyone planning on having regular antenatal checks?

I've decided to have reduced antenatal visits. This is pregnancy number 6 for me and baby number 3. I had fairly straight forward pregnancies so I don't really feel the need to have all the check etc. Plus the bonus for me is that I work in Womens Hospital and have quite a few Midwife/Student Midwife friends who I can get to check me out if I feel anything is up.

My only regret is that I will miss out on the relationship I can form with my Midwife through regular check ups. Email/phone will have to do :)

:leap: YAY Pip :)

Sara: Congrats on your pregnancy. If i went again i would have all the appointments. Mollys pregnancy showed me that i need/needed support from on continious carer and a strong relationship, even tho i was working in a maternity ward...... Each to their own, its so hard with how expensive it all is.... i know you have the strength to have the birth you want!

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.