I need some advice regarding the safety of having a homebirth

[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!!

[Alan]

Hi Lee
You would need to talk to a couple of IM's in your area. I have just taken a booking for July.

[Karen van]

Hi Lee

You are doing a great job of being responsible for yourself and your baby - and that is the first support for a safe birth. As Alan and others have pointed out - there are inherent risks always with birth - even with low risk pgns.

I am very small framed - 5 ft 1/2 in and have birthed two bubs at home with two different IMs - with the support of my midwives, pg yoga and upright positions I have experienced little trauma in the way of collatoral damage to self thru birth.

Seeking out an IM and finding one who you feel comfortable with, who is informed and gives you a sense of confidence both in yourself and her/him is the key to deciding whether hb is for you. Both my midwives were very different people but were both excellent in their continuity of care and their expertise.

You have a good understanding already of birth and an inherent chance to believe in its success and your body's capacity for it - this helps immensely too!

In terms of July, the Fed Govt has created a two year extension in terms of the registration provision - so really there is little difference in how they are operating - there is the declaration of operating without insurance (as they have been forced to since 2001) and your acceptance of that circumstance and the implication of it - different IMs have different ways of doing this - some get you to sign contracts, some have 'handshake agreements' but really until we can resolve this one way or the other - IMs are still operating under the status quo that has existed since 2001.

I understand the opposition you have faced and how that can undermine faith - it is very hard sometimes!! I hope all the contributions here have helped you to decide which path you might like to pursue - and whichever one it is I wish you a joyous and healthy pg and birth!

Much love
Karen van