Anxiety about the "home" aspect

[Marilyn82]

I am very early into my second pregnancy (6w 3d) and am already feeling extremely anxious about having a homebirth this time around. With my first, I went to a birth center and ended up risking out because of a high BP reading and getting bullied into an unnecessary and traumatic c/s. I have come a long, long way in my understanding of pregnancy and birth since then, and have always said I would never subject myself to institutionalized care again. I want a homebirth. period.

Now that I am actually pregnant, I am feeling incredibly anxious about it because I HATE MY HOME! I mean, I'm ok with it on a day to day basis, but I don't know if I will be comfortable birthing here!

I live in a very small 2 bedroom apartment in an apartment complex that I manage. It is a subsidized complex and not the nicest. The apartment is old (build in 1979) and wasn't fixed up very well before we moved in. Basically, I'm embarrassed to even have my MW over for the consult we have scheduled! plus, the walls are thin and sound really travels here and I am afraid I am going to be anxious about making noise during the birth. Also, since it is so small, I don't feel like there is going to be any privacy if I want to be alone. I know it may sound ridiculous, but I'm really stressing about this!

We have an insanely beautiful birth center nearby, but I've always wanted my homebirth and now I just don't know what to do!

[Dese]

I have heard of people renting an apartment just for the bith for the month or two around their duedate, or if you have a close friend who would be willing to let you use their house. Those are some options.

[sunflowergrrl]

Are there any cabins you could rent just for a couple days somewhere....that aren't too far out?

[ktmeyer]

I'd look into checking into a hotel for the actual birth. Somewhere nice, and close to a hospital would be perfect! Especially if they have a big giant tub!

[weliveintheforest]

Try to give it time, it might not be so bad. You could talk to your midwives about your privacy concerns... with the noise thing, it might not be so bad. A lot of women just don't care anymore once they are in the birth process, even if they are aware they can be heard.

[goldenwillow]

I liked the idea of renting out a cabin. Very cleaver idea. I would follow your gut though. Sounds as if you don't need the extra stress of birthing at your apartment! Good luck to you.

[*MamaJen*]

If I really truly didn't feel comfortable birthing in my home, I would probably look at a free-standing birth center, especially one where the midwives also did homebirths. A good birthing center is pretty much like a homebirth in someone else's home. Somehow I don't like the idea of birthing in a hotel. Also, if you have any family or very close friends who would offer up their home, that might be an option.

[rlmueller]

Bed and Breakfast

I'd go that route or hotel (must have continental breakfast)