How old and safely home birth?

[kdabbler]

I'm getting baby brain. It may not happen. And in truth, I should be crazy wanting one more at this point in my life. If I get pg, I will be firmly planted in the mature maternal age category.

My two previous births were in hospital, no drugs.

Given these circumstances, would you consider HB? Would a CM turn me down?

[kcparker]

I think age is sort of relative. You could have a super out of shape 25 year old who is at higher risk for complications than a 39 year old who has taken good care of herself. Don't let statistics generated from thousands of data points determine whether or not YOU are a good candidate for homebirth. If your blood pressure is good, you are reasonably fit and healthy, you don't have other underlying health conditions that would complicate the pregnancy, you understand that there are slight increases in maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality in older mothers as compared to younger ones and are willing to have appropriate monitoring (which might mean you agree to go in for a biophysical profile and non-stress test at 41 weeks gestation), and you are making an informed decision, I think a homebirth midwife would find you a perfectly good candidate for homebirth. You have a 'proven pelvis' and have had what sounds like two uncomplicated births prior to this. I would look into it at least.

[deymm]

how old are you?

I'm only 35 and that's considered "advanced maternal age" in most obstetric books. I'm planning my 2nd homebirth.

[averlee]

my midwives only served moms up to age 35, but i've heard of mothers having homebirths into their 40s.

[Hezzie]

As far as I know, age isn't a factor for homebirth. What most MW seem to care about is your general health and risk-factors, like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, that would risk you out to an OB's care. I know my MW has attended births of women in their 40's having their first babies. Since you've had 2 uncomplicated vaginal deliveries already, that seems to make you a good candidate.

I will probably have my next after 35 and will have another home birth, as long as the pregnancy goes well and I'm still a good candidate!

[Gracerenee]

I am 38 and will be 39 at the time of birth and age never even came up in the conversation.

[badgerbaby]

I guess it all depends on how old you are! : )
Some people think 35 is "old" and some people 45...
If you are over 40 and wish to avoid being "tested to death" in a traditional setting, I would say a homebirth would be the way to go.
I would never consent to any kind of "genetic counseling" or other testing, so insisting on declining all those things with a staff full of people trying to talk me into it would drive me crazy.

[cathicog]

Originally Posted by kdabbler

I'm getting baby brain. It may not happen. And in truth, I should be crazy wanting one more at this point in my life. If I get pg, I will be firmly planted in the mature maternal age category.

My two previous births were in hospital, no drugs.

Given these circumstances, would you consider HB? Would a CM turn me down?

Sounds like you would be a great candidate for hb, and I highly recommend it. It would avoid a lot of garbage you might get about your age in the mainstream medical community.
It's never too late, in my book. We have worked with moms who were 47 having thier last baby...and the baby was normal, btw, no Down's syndrome. I have heard of a couple ladies having a hb at 53, so there's no telling.. I never regretted having my last when I did(at 33) but I have wished i had more. We tried...

[Gray's Mommy]

I'm 38 & will be 39 when this baby is born. I've had two prior vaginal births & one homebirth.

[jencen]

I was 37 when I had my HB and it was not an issue at all. If you are in good health and have a good midwife, should not be a problem.

[kdabbler]

Originally Posted by deymm

how old are you?.

40:

Originally Posted by badgerbaby

I guess it all depends on how old you are! : )
Some people think 35 is "old" and some people 45...
If you are over 40 and wish to avoid being "tested to death" in a traditional setting, I would say a homebirth would be the way to go.
I would never consent to any kind of "genetic counseling" or other testing, so insisting on declining all those things with a staff full of people trying to talk me into it would drive me crazy.

There is definitely some truth to that. That did happen. The testing. I turned down most of the invasive genetic testing. We were going to keep the baby no matter what so I didn't see the point in challenging the 1% risk. I did allow for regular ultrasounds and monitoring. I had so much going on during my last pg that was completely non-pg related, the reassurance of these visits were calming. Would you believe I had mono? I think I had to see my PCP more than the OB because what was going on with me was not within the expertise of an OB.

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. We're not trying or anything. But if things happen, I will definitely explore our HB options.

[Kidzaplenty]

I don't think 40 is in any way HB inhibitive. Hope you get to enjoy the experience soon.

[babywolverine]

I was 36.5 when I delivered and my MW never mentioned my age.

[MidwifeErika]

I think 40 is still quite young. I would absolutely explore the HB option if you do become pregnant.

[thewaggonerfamily]

I'm 40 and having my first homebirth after 6 hospital births. : I'll turn 41 around my due date.