Who had a Midwife / Home Birth?

Voodoo · Jul 1st, 2008, 11:03 AM

I had my DD at home with a midwife (who is also my sister-in-law!) and, altho it was 12 years ago (weep) it is still the most beautiful and wonderful experience of my entire lifetime.

So I want to hear from my fellow tPF-ers who had their baby(ies) at home with a midwife!!! Tell me all about it!!!!

ChristyR143 · Jul 1st, 2008, 03:34 PM

I had a home birth with my second baby. I wanted one with my first baby but ended up with pre-eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome so it didn't work out. Even though it was the hardest thing I have ever done, it was worth every single contraction...and trust me...there were plenty of those, as I labored off and on for 3 days!!

Sternchen · Jul 1st, 2008, 03:48 PM

I did not have a home birth, but I did have a midwife help me throughout my labor and the doctor was mainly just there to catch the baby when it was time (water birth)

StageMum · Jul 1st, 2008, 06:33 PM

I've had two! The funny thing is that I was quite convinced when my dh first mentioned homebirth when we were expecting dd2 that it wasn't for me. We had our first two in a hospital, both induced. (Grr, I'd do that differently if I could go back and do it over.) But when we got pg with our 3rd we were self employed with no maternity coverage and being the frugal people we are, homebirth started looking like an attractive option! LOL
We hired a midwife, and I have to say I was glad to have the opportunity for a natural birth which is what I had wanted with my first two, but I doubted my ability to really do it. I am such a wimpy gal. And the pitocin contractions I had experienced before were so awful that I caved and had the epidural. My midwife assured me that natural labor would most likely be considerably milder and I hoped she was right. Well, in my case she was right on the money. In fact, my labor was so mild that I didn't know I was in labor until I got to transition and my water broke. The midwife got there just in time! I pushed out an 8lb 14 oz posterior baby (you'd think the "back ache" would have clued me in, but no...)
With my second homebirth (baby was facing the right way this time) I had just started to feel like my contractions were getting serious when the midwife arrived. She checked me and I was 10! I started pushing and it was (don't hate me) so easy! But after a couple of pushing contractions my water broke and then all h*ll broke loose for the next 20 minutes. I was making lots of noise and trying to bite my poor dh's shoulder and pushing like mad and gave birth to a 10lb 5 oz baby - no tearing!
I loved my homebirths! And would absolutely do it again at home.

LT bag lady · Jul 5th, 2008, 01:31 AM

All 3 at home with Midwife, DH was my doula, lol! I would change nothing and I hope my dd's will do the same. Both dd's (they were 5 & 7) were present to annouce their bother's sex! They will never forget that moment. DS was born on the 5yr's b-day!!!
Highly recommend HB.
Cheers,

ive_flipped · Jul 6th, 2008, 12:21 AM

I am against it just for the fact that I worked in LD and I know how many things can happen that even that slight delay in getting to the hospital can result in death. In fact just this week while I was in a hospital a mother lost her baby because the midwife had her at home and by the time they got to the hospital it was too late. My friend also bled very heavily right after the birth of their son and need immediate transfusion.

The hospital is equipped to handle any and all issues that could arise. I love the idea of home birth but never in a million years would choose it.

Mrs. MC · Jul 6th, 2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ive_flipped

I am against it just for the fact that I worked in LD and I know how many things can happen that even that slight delay in getting to the hospital can result in death. In fact just this week while I was in a hospital a mother lost her baby because the midwife had her at home and by the time they got to the hospital it was too late. My friend also bled very heavily right after the birth of their son and need immediate transfusion.

The hospital is equipped to handle any and all issues that could arise. I love the idea of home birth but never in a million years would choose it.

I am glad that you posted this. This is the reality of why less people die in childbirth and less babies die from their complications at birth because we have technology equipment, hospitals and trained professionals who are experienced to deal with these emergency situations. I would think that people could deal with whatever inconvenience they feel like they have to endure while they are in the hospital just a few days as opposed to risk their baby dying or themselves leaving their child without a parent. Some people have great experiences from what I have read but that is out of the small percentage of people who choose to homebirth compared to the greater percentage of people who giver birth and I feel like they were very lucky. I am glad someone from the medical profession is on here writing from experience !

StageMum · Jul 6th, 2008, 07:58 PM

I hate to break this to the pp but women and babies die in the hospital too, not just at home...
And I submit that because the number of women birthing at home in the first place is so low, that the number experiencing significant complications as a result is very few. Far fewer by comparison than the number of women that experience complications in a hospital.
There is a study (and I will try to find the link) that compares infant and maternal morbidity in a hospital setting vs at home and the outcomes are virtually the same.
My midwife is a trained EMT. I never felt I was risking my life or that of my children. She was fully able and equipped to keep me stable in the event that I (or my children) needed to be transferred.
Not trying to start anything, just giving another view on this topic.

ChristyR143 · Jul 6th, 2008, 08:10 PM

The only thing I would say to those that say they are "against" homebirth is that they need to do some serious extensive research on the subject and how birth in general is handled around the world vs. how it is handled here in the U.S. Trust me, those of us that have chosen homebirth didn't take such a decision lightly or go into it without knowing all the risks/benefits.

StageMum · Jul 6th, 2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT bag lady

All 3 at home with Midwife, DH was my doula, lol! I would change nothing and I hope my dd's will do the same. Both dd's (they were 5 & 7) were present to annouce their bother's sex! They will never forget that moment. DS was born on the 5yr's b-day!!!
Highly recommend HB.
Cheers,

LOL My dh was my only "doula" too. He was fantastic! Makes me love him so much more!

Mrs. MC · Jul 6th, 2008, 09:34 PM

I still don't see what a person would do if they required an emergency c-section on the spot ? Even if the midwife was a trained EMT, they still wouldn't be able to perform a c-section and it wouldn't be a sterile environment for one. To me this is a huge price to pay and I don't think I would be able to forgive myself if I chose a homebirth and my baby died because the option of an emergency c-section was not an option because of the choice that I made.

ChristyR143 · Jul 6th, 2008, 10:24 PM

Again, all I'm going to say regarding that is that if a person wants to know the realities of the safety of homebirth, versus the things that go on in a hospital, c-sections, and the like, you really need to do some serious research on it. (And again, this is applying only to those pregnancies that are a candidate for a homebirth, as not every one is...and thank goodness we do have hospitals for those that aren't!)

I'm not going to go into detail, because I really don't want to open the can of worms that is the discussion of US medical establishment where birth is concerned. The information is out there if one is interested.

snoozle · Jul 6th, 2008, 10:34 PM

Im not having a homebirth but I am hiring a doula so that our hospital birth is as much as can be possible stress free and our doula can be our advocate while I'm in labour. Everyone said it was the best $600 they have ever spent so it makes me feel better. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to remember how to breathe and I know my husband isn't because he will be too freaked out. That said, I want the drugs and a doula and my doctor and the hospital. But I'm giving birth in a very good womans hospital so I'm hoping it will go as pain free as possible for me. My ob clinic is so busy I dont even know who is delivering me so this will be I guess my personal person that can help me through labour.

ChristyR143 · Jul 6th, 2008, 10:47 PM

Yes, doulas are a wonderful thing and are especially helpful in a hospital birth. I think you will be very pleased you hired one!

HauteMama · Jul 7th, 2008, 12:02 AM

I had considered it, but for a number of reasons I was not a candidate for home birth. Given the situation with my second son (cord around his neck, TTN, and he was in the NICU for a while), I am grateful I was not a candidate.

After extensive research, I think even if I had been a candidate I would have chosen to give birth either in a hospital or in a birthing center connected to a hospital. The most important thing is to have a dr. who understands your positions and for you to understand the risks and/or benefits associated with medications (pain and inducing), inductions (cytotec, pitocin, others), procedures to induce labor (breaking the water, stripping the membranes, etc.). positions in which to give birth, monitors (scalp and external) and more. The more a person understands those things and how one choice can cascade into many others, the better equipped they will be to make the right choices for themselves.

I would never tell a woman who is well-informed that home birth was wrong for her. Likewise, I would never expect someone to assume that it would be the right choice for everyone.

Jul 1st, 2008, 11:03 AM	#1
Voodoo Obsessed Tano-Ite Joined: Jul 2007 Location: Orbiting Jupiter Posts: 5,529	I had my DD at home with a midwife (who is also my sister-in-law!) and, altho it was 12 years ago (weep) it is still the most beautiful and wonderful experience of my entire lifetime. So I want to hear from my fellow tPF-ers who had their baby(ies) at home with a midwife!!! Tell me all about it!!!! __________________ My Kids

Jul 1st, 2008, 03:34 PM	#2
ChristyR143 But it was on sale!! Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,384	I had a home birth with my second baby. I wanted one with my first baby but ended up with pre-eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome so it didn't work out. Even though it was the hardest thing I have ever done, it was worth every single contraction...and trust me...there were plenty of those, as I labored off and on for 3 days!! __________________

Jul 1st, 2008, 03:48 PM	#3
Sternchen Member Joined: May 2006 Location: Beauty RAOK Posts: 10,231	I did not have a home birth, but I did have a midwife help me throughout my labor and the doctor was mainly just there to catch the baby when it was time (water birth) __________________

Jul 5th, 2008, 01:31 AM	#5
LT bag lady Another addict Joined: Apr 2007 Location: USA and Ireland Posts: 1,467	All 3 at home with Midwife, DH was my doula, lol! I would change nothing and I hope my dd's will do the same. Both dd's (they were 5 & 7) were present to annouce their bother's sex! They will never forget that moment. DS was born on the 5yr's b-day!!! Highly recommend HB. Cheers, __________________ LT Bag Lady

Jul 6th, 2008, 12:21 AM	#6
ive_flipped In LVoe Joined: Jun 2007 Location: eh!! lol Posts: 1,141	I am against it just for the fact that I worked in LD and I know how many things can happen that even that slight delay in getting to the hospital can result in death. In fact just this week while I was in a hospital a mother lost her baby because the midwife had her at home and by the time they got to the hospital it was too late. My friend also bled very heavily right after the birth of their son and need immediate transfusion. The hospital is equipped to handle any and all issues that could arise. I love the idea of home birth but never in a million years would choose it. __________________

Jul 1st, 2008, 06:33 PM	#4
StageMum Member Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 85	I've had two! The funny thing is that I was quite convinced when my dh first mentioned homebirth when we were expecting dd2 that it wasn't for me. We had our first two in a hospital, both induced. (Grr, I'd do that differently if I could go back and do it over.) But when we got pg with our 3rd we were self employed with no maternity coverage and being the frugal people we are, homebirth started looking like an attractive option! LOL We hired a midwife, and I have to say I was glad to have the opportunity for a natural birth which is what I had wanted with my first two, but I doubted my ability to really do it. I am such a wimpy gal. And the pitocin contractions I had experienced before were so awful that I caved and had the epidural. My midwife assured me that natural labor would most likely be considerably milder and I hoped she was right. Well, in my case she was right on the money. In fact, my labor was so mild that I didn't know I was in labor until I got to transition and my water broke. The midwife got there just in time! I pushed out an 8lb 14 oz posterior baby (you'd think the "back ache" would have clued me in, but no...) With my second homebirth (baby was facing the right way this time) I had just started to feel like my contractions were getting serious when the midwife arrived. She checked me and I was 10! I started pushing and it was (don't hate me) so easy! But after a couple of pushing contractions my water broke and then all h*ll broke loose for the next 20 minutes. I was making lots of noise and trying to bite my poor dh's shoulder and pushing like mad and gave birth to a 10lb 5 oz baby - no tearing! I loved my homebirths! And would absolutely do it again at home.

Jul 6th, 2008, 07:58 PM	#8
StageMum Member Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 85	I hate to break this to the pp but women and babies die in the hospital too, not just at home... And I submit that because the number of women birthing at home in the first place is so low, that the number experiencing significant complications as a result is very few. Far fewer by comparison than the number of women that experience complications in a hospital. There is a study (and I will try to find the link) that compares infant and maternal morbidity in a hospital setting vs at home and the outcomes are virtually the same. My midwife is a trained EMT. I never felt I was risking my life or that of my children. She was fully able and equipped to keep me stable in the event that I (or my children) needed to be transferred. Not trying to start anything, just giving another view on this topic.

Jul 6th, 2008, 08:10 PM	#9
ChristyR143 But it was on sale!! Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,384	The only thing I would say to those that say they are "against" homebirth is that they need to do some serious extensive research on the subject and how birth in general is handled around the world vs. how it is handled here in the U.S. Trust me, those of us that have chosen homebirth didn't take such a decision lightly or go into it without knowing all the risks/benefits. __________________

Jul 6th, 2008, 09:34 PM	#11
Mrs. MC Member Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,563	I still don't see what a person would do if they required an emergency c-section on the spot ? Even if the midwife was a trained EMT, they still wouldn't be able to perform a c-section and it wouldn't be a sterile environment for one. To me this is a huge price to pay and I don't think I would be able to forgive myself if I chose a homebirth and my baby died because the option of an emergency c-section was not an option because of the choice that I made. __________________

Jul 6th, 2008, 10:24 PM	#12
ChristyR143 But it was on sale!! Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,384	Again, all I'm going to say regarding that is that if a person wants to know the realities of the safety of homebirth, versus the things that go on in a hospital, c-sections, and the like, you really need to do some serious research on it. (And again, this is applying only to those pregnancies that are a candidate for a homebirth, as not every one is...and thank goodness we do have hospitals for those that aren't!) I'm not going to go into detail, because I really don't want to open the can of worms that is the discussion of US medical establishment where birth is concerned. The information is out there if one is interested. __________________

Jul 6th, 2008, 10:34 PM	#13
snoozle wetside! Joined: Jan 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 310	Im not having a homebirth but I am hiring a doula so that our hospital birth is as much as can be possible stress free and our doula can be our advocate while I'm in labour. Everyone said it was the best $600 they have ever spent so it makes me feel better. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to remember how to breathe and I know my husband isn't because he will be too freaked out. That said, I want the drugs and a doula and my doctor and the hospital. But I'm giving birth in a very good womans hospital so I'm hoping it will go as pain free as possible for me. My ob clinic is so busy I dont even know who is delivering me so this will be I guess my personal person that can help me through labour.

Jul 6th, 2008, 10:47 PM	#14
ChristyR143 But it was on sale!! Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 2,384	Yes, doulas are a wonderful thing and are especially helpful in a hospital birth. I think you will be very pleased you hired one! __________________

Jul 7th, 2008, 12:02 AM	#15
HauteMama Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,862	I had considered it, but for a number of reasons I was not a candidate for home birth. Given the situation with my second son (cord around his neck, TTN, and he was in the NICU for a while), I am grateful I was not a candidate. After extensive research, I think even if I had been a candidate I would have chosen to give birth either in a hospital or in a birthing center connected to a hospital. The most important thing is to have a dr. who understands your positions and for you to understand the risks and/or benefits associated with medications (pain and inducing), inductions (cytotec, pitocin, others), procedures to induce labor (breaking the water, stripping the membranes, etc.). positions in which to give birth, monitors (scalp and external) and more. The more a person understands those things and how one choice can cascade into many others, the better equipped they will be to make the right choices for themselves. I would never tell a woman who is well-informed that home birth was wrong for her. Likewise, I would never expect someone to assume that it would be the right choice for everyone.