Can you get an IV at home?

[CookAMH]

I wouldn't automatically get one, but in my labor with DS, I felt it helped me later on. I initially refused (had ketones in my urine) and thought about it for a little while (around 8cm) and felt that I would go ahead and do it for energy. I felt it gave me more strength after.

Is it very common for homebirth midwives to have an IV available?

I was eating honey from a spoon, had vomited twice that day. Had some gatorade, some water.

[Marissamom]

my WA state midwife told me she carries the supplies for an IV for fluids if needed. Though places where midwives are un-regulated the may not be able to do an IV. 

[babymango]

My CNM who does HBs said she can put in an IV if needed.  Either for abx for GBS, or for hydration

[tracymom1]

I your midwife is a CNM, then she will carry items for IV hydration and medications if needed.  If your midwife is not legal in your state, she may carry these items but may not - depends on her skill level and ability to obtain them.

[lovebeingamomma]

Most likely it's available, my CPM has it. 

[KLM99]

My CNM does them at home.

[IdentityCrisisMama]

My CNM in CA didn't offer it to me and, in retrospect, I would have been really great for me to have.  I transfered and think the IV was the thing that did the trick.  I don't know if she had it available or not.  Here in Maryland my CPM uses an IV if necessary and it sounds like she is quicker than my CNM was to give it a try.  

[ocelotmom]

It varies by state, and by the midwife in question. Mine didn't do them, and if i'd needed and IV, I would have needed to transfer.

I've heard of midwives who have an RN come in and do an IV if needed, or some other way of doing them on an outpatient basis if they can't actually do it themselves at home.

[labortrials]

Homebirth midwives in my state are not able to start IVs.  Hate that.

[BirthTender]

CNMs in my state of North Carolina can and do, when really warranted. CNMs are the only legal homebirth midwives here in NC. I have rarely started an IV at home, on birthing women. can think of 2 cases in over 850 out of hospital births.

Karen Benfield, CNM and owner of BirthTender

[L&K'smommie]

Originally Posted by ocelotmom 

It varies by state, and by the midwife in question. Mine didn't do them, and if i'd needed and IV, I would have needed to transfer.

I've heard of midwives who have an RN come in and do an IV if needed, or some other way of doing them on an outpatient basis if they can't actually do it themselves at home.

Depends on the state. My CDM can and did give me one during my birth on Tuesday though my was used postpartum but I know she can give them in labor as well.


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[AmaraMonillas]

In Wa state LM's can start IV's.  I had IV fluids after my son's homebirth b/c my body handles blood loss very poorly (I was almost sent to the ER when I donated blood!).

[BananaBreadGirl]

My midwives (CPMs in WA state) said that they take them along to labor, but have never used it. They do know how, and have used them for severe morning sickness and other issues during pregnancy, but never during labor.