Anyone had a home birth?
By GuateMom
@GuateMom (1411)
Canada
February 14, 2007 3:03pm CST
My firstborn was born in a public hospital. It was an induced labor and I had pre-eclampsia, so I had to have a catheter. I wasn´t allowed to move during the entire 8 hours and it was truly a horrible experience. Since I live in Guatemala, my husband wasn´t even allowed to be with me and I spent most of the labor laying on a metal gurney in a dark hall with interns snapping at me to deal with it, that the pain "can´t be that bad!"
This time around, I want to have a home birth. My nurse-midwife has lots of experience and is confident that if I don´t have pre-eclampsia this time, all should go fine. I just want to hear from others who have had home births, what to prepare for, what to expect, and advice on what to do with a toddler during the birth!
2 people like this
4 responses
@eden32 (3973)
• United States
26 Feb 07
How was your pre-eclampsia diagnosised? What (if anything) did your healthcare provider suggest or try to remedy the situation BEFORE labor? A home birth can be an amazing & fabulous experience; but obviously it's not for everyone. IMO a good home birth candiate is one who's willing & able to take an active role in her pre-natal care. Someone who will investigate options and make informed decisions. If you are willing to take on those responsibilities I am sure you will have a great home birth experience.
2 people like this
@GuateMom (1411)
• Canada
27 Feb 07
I was diagnosed when my pressure started to spike in my 8th month. My midwife noticed it first and then I went to my ob-gyn and he said that it did seem to be getting high. They didn´t do much, just checked my pressure regularily until it went too high, then I had a ton of injections and was induced. I´m afraid it wasn´t terribly well-handled. This time, my mid-wife recommended magnesium tablets if my pressure starts to rise, but so far it´s nice and low. Also, she recommended getting lots of rest (not so easy with a 14 month old!) and not working at my old (stressful) job.
1 person likes this
@ryleesmama (560)
• United States
19 Feb 07
I had a home birth this last October and it was absolutly wonderful. Everyone asked me if it was messy and the answer is no, not if it is done properly. It was wonderful to have the baby in my bed (we bought a plastic matress cover), then to go and take an herbal bath with her and then get back into my own bed. While I was in the bath my husband and the assistant pu clean sheets on my bed, made me some toast and got me some juice. If you have a homebirth they don't tell you that you can not eat during labor. I would suggest to have Gatorade in the refrigerator for after the birth. It is good because it has sugar in it and it being cold it tasted great. Also toast with peanut butter on it is good to eat afterwards. Chapstick was something I was grabbing for so keep it close to you. I don't know if they have these classes over there but check out the website www.bradleybirth.com. They were the best classes ever. I could go on forever so send me a message if you have any other questions.
2 people like this
@birthlady (5609)
• United States
3 Mar 07
Hi! I've taught classes for homebirth since 1978 and I've had three homebirths in 1976, 1981, and 1986. You can read my birth story about my daughter on my website, Auntie Natal 911
http://www.auntienatal911.com/birth_story.htm
Please share your birth story by submitting it in the body of an email (through my website).
It's best to have someone you're very comfortable with, and trust, to be responsible for the care of your toddler during labor and birthing. This person should be willing and able to take your toddler on a "field trip" during labor, if need be.
@SlapItHigh (172)
• United States
3 Mar 07
I have not yet had a homebirth but we are currently planning a homebirth. I have had one induced hospital birth and one all natural hospital birth and I regret being in the hospital for both of them. I won't be having any of my future babies in the hospital unless I develop some kind of medical problem that would make a hospital safer (very unlikely).
