Need help making a choice re: home or "the farm"

[prancie]

I am 12 weeks preggo with baby #2. We have been planning an HBAC since the beginning with a midwife. Our last homebirth was a transfer for an occult cord prolapse and it resulted in an emergency c-section. Our state is not homebirth friendly (Alabama). I'm not sure who was more traumatized, me for the emergency C or my poor husband for the abuse he took from the staff. He is still very angry about it 2 years later, although he totally supports me in whatever I choose.

I brought up the idea of going to Tennessee and birthing at The Farm. My DH immediately liked the idea because if we had to transfer we would not face the same harassment as before. I am not sure what I want, there are pros and cons to both ideas. I love my midwives here and am very loyal to them.

Any thoughts or advice would be welcome. Especially anyone who has done the farm and could tell me their experience there.

[Pookietooth]

I have a friend who had her VBAC at The Farm and she was really happy about it. It went well and she felt completely supported there. It's been nearly six years though so I don't think her birth story is available. It sounds like for you, it might be a great option. I know for her it was a three hour drive but still she really felt it was worth it. She didn't have any home birth options in her town to speak of though.

[Peace+Hope]

i'm so sorry about your previous experience, and that so many maternity ward personnel are antagonistic to home birthers! .

i can say for me that i had to know my midwives had a track record of transfers with accepting, kind hospital staff as part of considering a home birth.... i don't think i could relax otherwise. so, i'd probably go with the farm b/c of the rapport they have for transfers.

how cool to live near enough to that fabled place to experience labor with those women!

[ACsMom]

Is cord prolapse something that's more likely to happen during a second birth once it's happened in the first? It sounds like something that is not very likely to happen again, that's why I ask. I guess my meaning is that you'd probably have a successful home birth this time. Having said that, given your last experience, you and your husband might both be more relaxed and at ease knowing that in the unlikely event you'd have to transfer again, you'd be well-treated. That confidence alone could make this birth experience just over-the-top wonderful for everyone!

[kltroy]

I would think carefully about the pros and cons of each, as well as the risks associated with each. Off the top of my head (I had a hospital VBAC 15 months ago)...

Home VBAC:
Convenient, no need to travel. If there are no complications this is a great option, as long as you feel comfortable with a home birth. BUT since your state is not HB friendly, you may have difficulty finding a care provider that you are comfortable with, esp. in the context of VBAC. What is this person's experience? Where would you transfer should it become necessary? Does this person have a good relationship w/ transfer hospital? How far away is it? etc etc. Given that the incidence of UR is rare (0.5%) but it's bad when it happens, you will need to decide whether you are comfortable with an HBAC given the circumstances.

The Farm:
It's a few hours away from your place at least, so not nearly so conveneint. What will you do with your older child? When will you go there, logistics, etc. BUT you know you'll be in a good place, well supported, with a very established proven track record of successful VBACs and a very transfer-friendly hospital. Main issues are logistical that I see. Possibly insurance.

So... if it were me, I would make my decision based on the exact circumstances of a HB and would work through all potential scenarios to make sure I felt comfortable with them. Good luck!

[IndianaMomToBe]

I live in Indiana and still birthed at The Farm. I am glad I choose to and had an amazing experence. If you are looking for a good hospital backup like we were for homebith I can attest to it. Had to transfer after birth for 4th degree repair work.
Just shared my stor and birth video here:
http://wp.me/pbXEE-1h9

Hope it helps! Trust your gut instinct mama.

[Right of Passage]

I thought I read recently that the farm doesn't take VBACs anymore?