I need some advice regarding the safety of having a homebirth

[Oorki Galoorki]

Yes midwives carry all equipment needed in an emergency.
there are only a few instances where "it" can hit the fan so quickly. BUT your m/w is with you the WHOLE time(unless she has to go to the toilet ) and will know the signs of 'trouble' before it gets bad.(unlike in hospitals where they have to go to other patients or fill in paper work in the office)
m/w still monitor your baby to.
M/ws are experts at birth! if bubs get stuck there are position changes that can also help bubs.
i recomend reading birthing from within, ina may gaskins guide to child birth, a thinking womans guide to childbirth... these will give YOU so much power and information over your birth.

[Schmickers]

DOudou is right. Midwives at a homebirth carry oxygen ,equipment for cannulation, IV fluids - all the stuff needed to stabilise you or your baby in the event of an emergency. Emergencies during birth almost always occur with warning signs , and homebirth midwives are generally highly experienced and well-versed in detecting those warning signs. And at a homebirth ,your midwife is youts alone, you don't share her with anyone else, so she can focus solely on you and is more likely to detect problems before they occur.

The research is pretty clear on the fact that there is no benefit to continuous electronic monitoring, in particular for a low-risk pregnancy, and the initial treatment for obstetric emergencies is just the sa,e at home as it is in a hospital.

Homebirth is a wonderful option ,and there is a huge body of peer-reviewed research that indicates it is also a safe option. I say go for it!

[BellyBelly]

It also takes the same time to set up for surgery in the time it takes most people to get to hospital in an ambulance than already being there. If you have bleeding after the birth they have syntometrine on hand which is what they use in hospital to stop bleeding. If you talk to some independent midwives though they can give you their transfer rates. Their c/s rates are very low.

[Inanna]

It is a big decision & I am so glad you are thinking about your options and not just going with the herd. Good on you!

I can't really add more than any of the other great replies. Just know that your body has birthed a 4kg baby - it's a pretty amazing body!

Make an appointment with an IM & have a talk. I believe once you do that you will find it easier to make a decision.

It's my personal opinion that a homebirth is the "hilton" of birth experiences. In your home, your way with a trusted midwife and your DP, candles and a lotta love. Birthing is a normal natural experience and midwives are the experts in the field of "normal" birth.

[Kitt3n]

If you have bleeding after the birth they have syntometrine on hand which is what they use in hospital to stop bleeding. If you talk to some independent midwives though they can give you their transfer rates. Their c/s rates are very low.

Yep this is what happened to me. To add, I truly think having a HB saved me from a fate much worse as my labour was so rapid that I would not have made it to hospital - and the ambo's don't carry the synto therefore I would have bled the whole way to hospital.

Meet some midwives, talk to them. You will meet one who makes you feel very comfortable and secure.

My mw's transfer rate was 17% (from memory!) and most of them were first time mum's who wanted pain relief.

[LadyNoor]

I haven't met many midwives but I get the impression from mine that SAFETY is their first priority. If there's any slight chance towards complication they would access it quickly and get you to transfer if necessary. My hospital is only 10 minutes away though, so no issues for transfer.

Mine also explained that if any of my conditions changes during pregnancy (i.e. high blood pressure, gestational diabetic, labour before 37 weeks, overdue past 42 weeks, and so on), I'd have to say good by to HB and we'd deliver in hospital.

The OB I met at hospital appointment earlier in pregnancy said NO to my plan for HB, he supported my VBAC attempt but would rather me having it in the hospital. I think his main concerned was that I'd go past 42 weeks, or if I became unwell. I can understand that, but so far I am well and under a good quality care of my IM. I haven't decided for homebirth then, I thought I'd stay home as long as I could then birth at the hospital. Then I thought why would I want to do go to hospital if everything goes smoothly?

[Alan]

Hi Lee
No one can deny that things can and sometimes do go wrong at birth, be that a home or hospital birth. Midwives are trained to look for any signs of things going wrong. Many of these things can be treated at home but sometimes it is better to go to the hospital. All IM’s should know their limitations and be afraid to transfer should the situation dictate.
Kelly is right when she says that “It also takes the same time to set up for surgery in the time it takes most people to get to hospital in an ambulance than already being there”. Should I need to transfer I would first call the ambulance then I would call the maternity unit and fully explain why I am transferring. By doing this the hospital is fully aware of the problems and are usually ready to go as the ambulance arrives.
Some of the equipment I carry include Oxygen (enough for about 45 minutes), bag and mask, suction, IV needles and fluids, a small amount of drugs, various tubes, suture equipment, lots of dressings.

[StrawberryMumma]

Thanks everyone. It's a big help getting your input.
I think my main concern is getting transferred to one of the outer city hospitals (which scares me a bit).

If my baby comes in July, would that mean that with the changes I wouldn't be able to get an IM? (I've been looking into getting into the CMP as I thought that would be my only option for a hb?) All a bit confusing!!