Do you think it is too late?... update in post 14

[kolszewski]

Not sure where to post this......

We have been going back and forth since 20 weeks about having a h/b. Our big point in the no category has been the fact that our hospital birth will cost us $10. That being said, I don't exactly know how much, if any our ins will reimburse for a h/b. But, we have no extra money to pay out of pocket anyway.

All that being said, here I sit at 35.5 weeks dreaming about having this sweet baby at home. My pregnancy has been even less than uneventful. Baby is already head down, I have had a previous hospital vbac, bp is always 120/58, and a feel great, pregnant, but great.

So, is it too late? What is your opinion? I mean, I would have to find a midwife willing to take me on this late in the game anyway and I don't know if there are any. But, should I just move past it and birth in the hospital. For what it is worth, I had no major complaints about my previous hospital vbac. I do think that them breaking my water for mandatory internal monitoring sped things up and resulted in my getting an epi and a small hemmoragh after baby was born but really, no major complaints. This time, I am at a different hospital that doesn't require internal monitors and even has a tub to labor (not birth) in. I really like my midwife there although there is a chance that she will not be the one on call when I deliver but have heard only good things about the others.

Short story long, any advice???
Kelly

[Sihaya]

There are plenty of midwives in your area. Call them and see before you assume no one will take you at this point. I think money is a silly reason to not homebirth and my midwife (who serves your area) will make arrangements with clients who can't afford her full fee. I know at least one of the other mws that serves your area is willing to barter.

Having had my first at home, I would do everything in my power to have all future babies at home too. For us, this means saving up before we get pg, but I know that's not an option for you right now. If we couldn't/hadn't saved beforehand, we would put it on credit, and this is from someone who has never had a credit card her whole life (DH hasn't either). It's just that important to us.

[Emmeline II]

My midwife said that it isn't too late until you see the baby's head. I would get a copy of the records of your previous pregnancies to show the mw.

[ErinsJuneBug]

not too late. I went back and forth AND back and forth. I finally ended up with my midwives at 38 weeks!

[MsBlack]

Originally Posted by Emmeline II

My midwife said that it isn't too late until you see the baby's head. I would get a copy of the records of your previous pregnancies to show the mw.

As a homebirth mom and mw, the above is my sentiments exactly!

[wbg]

We came to switch pretty late in the game. As many PPs said, I think it is never too late!

In terms of cost: It cost us a small fortune and we r still dealing with the financial fall out from that 17 months later, but I would do it again in a heart beat. I really would.
And I had 3 wonderful hospital births before finding my way to giving birth at home! And oddly enough my MW support was not even as cool as my previous OB support (this was in another country)!
But welcoming my baby in my bedroom surrounded by my family is absolutely worth every penny.
At the end of the day, follow your heart and your instinct and welcome your baby where ever your heart tells you to!
Wishing you all the best for your birthing journey where ever it takes you!

[Nikki74]

I don't think it's too late...I swapped from a planned hospital VBAC to finding an independent midwife for an HBAC when I was 38 wks pg with my second child.

I've also spoken to a midwife who got a phone call from a lady in labor, and the first time she met her was when she walked in the door to deliver the baby.

I don't think it's too late for you to change at all...

[zonapellucida]

Here you can change providers up to 36 weeks....

[mcgee]

I was around 20-24 weeks when I fired the OB and switched to a HB midwife. I did ask around to see if any were willing to pro-rate their fees, as I was halfway through my pregnancy, and they all said no, since most of the appointments come at the end. So... if you are seriously considering switching and cost is a factor, do ask if they'd be willing to pro-rate their fees since they'd only be seeing you a handful of times before the birth.

[Lineymom]

My HB midwife significantly lowered her fee for seeing the CNM (covered) for all prenatals until after the 36 GBS test visit. We have only met with her twice up to this point (I am 34 weeks). She has all my records and I email her after every appt.

I am in the same struggle as far as finances. I can't even imagine going back to the hospital after so wanting the HB, but the added burden financial that you could avoid by just dealing with the stupid hospital. It is a hard decision! Good luck!

[hapersmion]

Go for it! I switched at 38 weeks also. As for the money, it's worth it! Can you really think of many things more worth spending money on?

[mommy2jonah]

I switched last week!!!

I am so happy! I can't explain the joy and peace I have about this.

[lesliesara63]

Good choice! I hope you have a wonderful birth. My friend put a lot of money on her line of credit to give birth in a birth center across the border (before there was a midwife in our city). She said it was worth every penny.

[kolszewski]

Just wanted to let you all know that we decided (last night actually) to have a homebirth. Insurance won't cover a CPM so we are paying out of pocket. But, I am thrilled with the midwife we have chosen. I am beyond excited and starting pulling together my birth kit today. Thanks for all your responses.

Now, tomorrow is my (hospital) midwife appointment with the one I have been seeing all along and I must break the news to her. But, there is nothing that can contain my excitement!

[ErinsJuneBug]

Congrats!

I told my hospital midwives that i was having a homebirth at 39 weeks. Since its illegal for them to drop you within 30 days of your due date you will still be under their care as well, so if you need to transfer you can transfer to them! Best of both worlds!

Good luck and please post your birth story when your little one is here!

[quiverfull]

Originally Posted by kolszewski

Just wanted to let you all know that we decided (last night actually) to have a homebirth. Insurance won't cover a CPM so we are paying out of pocket. But, I am thrilled with the midwife we have chosen. I am beyond excited and starting pulling together my birth kit today. Thanks for all your responses.

Now, tomorrow is my (hospital) midwife appointment with the one I have been seeing all along and I must break the news to her. But, there is nothing that can contain my excitement!

Happy birthing!

[~Kristina~]

Originally Posted by kolszewski

Just wanted to let you all know that we decided (last night actually) to have a homebirth. Insurance won't cover a CPM so we are paying out of pocket. But, I am thrilled with the midwife we have chosen. I am beyond excited and starting pulling together my birth kit today. Thanks for all your responses.

Now, tomorrow is my (hospital) midwife appointment with the one I have been seeing all along and I must break the news to her. But, there is nothing that can contain my excitement!

Who did you chose? Congrats!!

[wbg]

wishing you all the best for a wonderful birthing experience.....

[sunflowergrrl]

nak
congrats on your decision! i also switched to a hb mw at 37 weeks....paid out of pocket (hospital would have been $25)....and it was soooo worth it!

[Kidzaplenty]

Congratulations! I hope you get the birth you really want.