Thinking of homebirth after having 5 in a hospital.

[howellpartyof7]

The thought both thrills and frightens me, but after having 5 babies in a hospital with an epidural I am seriously wanting to have this next one at home. I need some advice as to how to prepare for a homebirth as well as what to expect. Also, when should I be looking for a midwife? Thanks in advance for the help!

[miriam]

. 

Edited by miriam - 5/28/12 at 9:06pm

[naturalmama1974]

I have had 7 in the hospital and want a homebirth as well. I have had pain med most of the time except for once. There are techniques out there to help you relax and make the pain easier to work with, I am having a tough time finding a midwife in SD so we may just do it unassisted. I am somewhat scared but not really. I know my body pretty well and have become a lot more educated on why you dont always need a doctor!! Good luck to you!!

[mommamegan]

I had my first four in the hospital with epidurals. With number five, I started researching homebirth, and she was born in our bathtub at home. It was the most amazing experience! Even my DH, who was adamantly against homebirth at the beginning, says we'll never have another hospital birth. :) We're having another, and she will be born at home as well.

I would look for a midwife as soon as possible. Your relationship with a midwife is much different (much better!) than your relationship with your doctor. After you find a midwife, ask her about childbirth classes. Many midwives have childbirth instructors they work with who specialize in home childbirth classes. Now, after five, it may sound silly to take a childbirth class. However, since you're changing situations, everything is different. I would also try to find lots of homebirth birth stories. They will help you understand what it will be like and also increase your confidence. Read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. There are so many amazing birth stories in there!

As for the pain, my friend has a favorite saying (I can't remember who originally said it though): The secret about childbirth is not that it hurts, but that women are strong. My midwife asked me right after DD was born how it was without an epidural. I smiled the biggest smile at her, and said, "I could do it again!" The release of hormones after natural childbirth is incredible. You just don't get it with an epidural.

It's normal to be a little scared, but I also know you can do it. If you feel like this is the right thing for you, go for it! I know you won't be disappointed.

[BirthTender]

I am a Certified Nurse Midwife, doing homebirths, only for over 28 yrs, and still I remain very non-interventive!

I have had several clients who have had their first hoembirths after 4 or 5 in the hospital and one lady had two homebirths w/ me after having her first 7 in a hospital. Many folks look for & consult/chat with potential homebirth midwives before they get pregnant,a gain.

Homebirth is not like a hospital birth,

Karen Benfield, CNM, & Owner of BirthTender Midwifery, covering a 2 hr radius of Hickory, NC (all over central & western NC)

[cameragirl]

I highly recommend reading birth stories to get an idea of what it might be like, how you might things to go, etc. There is a birth story forum here, and Birthing Without Fear has a lot of great birth stories, as well.

[Churrl]

Originally Posted by mommamegan 

Even my DH, who was adamantly against homebirth at the beginning, says we'll never have another hospital birth. :) 

I have had one hospital birth, that wasn't the best experience and before we have another baby, I'm researching all my options.  I LOVE the idea of having a homebirth, but need to do more research.  DH needs A LOT of convincing.  His only concern is safety, and he's a real worrier and is always wanting me to take LO to the doctor for every little thing.  I tend to be the opposite.

So... how did your DH come around?

We have an appointment with a practice of midwives who attend homebirths coming up, but I'm totally curious what you did?

Thanks!