We planned a homebirth with a midwife and transferred after a long labour at home which didn't progress beyond 8cm dilation. Our midwife figured out the baby was lying asynclitic (with the head slightly to the left of centre on my cervix), and we tried all sorts of methods to move her, with no luck. We had a few group discussions at the time to decide what the best options were, and eventually (after 30 hours) decided to transfer to a public hospital for assistance. My husband drove me there, with my midwife and doula following us, since there was no medical emergency. We arrived at midnight and were admitted, given a syntocinin drip with an epidural and then a ventouse delivery.

I am so glad that I had my own team with me at the hospital to advocate for my wishes. I was so tired, but still coherent enough to make decisions if people addressed me to my face (which wasn't what was happening with the hospital staff most of the time). My midwife sat with me to explain every procedure fully, including the benefits and drawbacks of each intervention offered, and then ensured I had time to make a decision. I cannot imagine not having them there to support me. In the end, we got the best outcome possible given the situation we had to deal with. And mostly because of the care I received from my midwife and doula.

I have planned another homebirth for our second child who is due within a week from now. Our plan in case of transfer is to drive ourselves (if medically stable) or call an ambulance. My midwife has all the medical equipment we need to assist baby or me if there is an emergency- to cover the time it might take for an ambulance arrive. The only real risk of an emergency transfer is if I were to lose blood after the birth (I have a syntocinin script with my midwife in case this happens) or if baby was having trouble breathing (she has oxygen for this). The truth is there are very few risks to myself or to my baby having a homebirth because I am with medical professionals who have what I need to make it safe.

Good luck making your own decision! It's not easy.

xo