Having a homebirth away from home--good idea, or not?

[slightly crunchy]

Homebirth is not an option where I live. I do have the option of a CNM practice to assist in a hospital VBAC. I just know that I really don't want another section.

My parents live about 4.5 hours away, in another state where homebirth is legal, with available providers. DH could probably swing a week or two off to come and stay when it gets closer to my EDD, but obviously I would have to be at my parents home by 37 weeks or so.

Has anyone done anything like this? In some ways, it seems like the best solution to me. My only fear is that not being in my own home will in some way keep labor from starting--like I won't be in my own nest. Or is that crazy and will the baby just come when it's ready, no matter what? My parents will definitely support me in this plan. My mom had midwife assisted birth with no drugs X 3 kids, and would have had a homebirth if it was available at the time.

[candiland]

I say, go for it!

[earthmama007]

I think you should definitely try to swing that. Being comfortable at your baby's birth is really important so you don't end up with a section. Good Luck! 2

[pamamidwife]

I just recently had a client hire me that is doing just that.

[Jemper]

Would you be more comfortable at your parents, or at the hospital?

Personally, I am so wary of fighting the battle against hospital protocol, I would go elsewhere. I live overseas (Seoul, Korea) and was seriously considering flying home (to the states!) to homebirth at my parents' house vs. going to the local Army hospital. Thankfully, my asst. m/w from my last homebirth is willing to fly out to attend me!

[Elyssia]

i say go for it!
if you can't do it at your house
somebody else's house is still better than the hospital, IMO
and maybe being at your mom's house will help you to have a longer, more peaceful babymoon too
my mom was at all of my births and i LOVED having her there
after my twins were born she stayed with us for 2 weeks and i couldn't have functioned w/o her
you have a 2 year old, right?
your parents could be really helpful w/ her
(LOL, i say her b/c i have a 2yo dd)
it is great to have supportive moms
and you should take advantage of it

[chow46]

If you become very anxious about birthing in a hospital (and I would be if you def. want vbac), go!!! I think it's unfair that some states outlaw homebirths. I think esp if your parents are really supportive of the idea, it could be a wonderful experience!!! I felt most comfy when I had a few people around who I knew very well, not just dh! Good luck!!

[Silliest]

<LOL!> What a great opportunity!

I wish my parents had been supportive :-)

It's awesome that yours are willing to help you out so much!

It would think of it as a be a minor hassle being away from home, but a *major* relief to not have to be in a hospital!

I threatened my husband that I was going to go crawl off into the woods and give birth by myself if I couldn't trust him to stand by my homebirth decision, though, so I'm obviously a nutcase

[annakiss]

I birthed at my mother's house last time and will probably do it again since my mom is a midwife and we live 3 1/2 hours away. I don't really want a midwife who isn't my mom, yk? So it's deliver at her house (with all the people who live there!!! lol) or go unassisted. I kinda think that doing it with just my mom is close enough to being unassisted for me. I also want the built-in support of my sisters and step-father who can keep DS occupied while I have a babymoon. We'll probably stay a few weeks afterwards.

[lorijds]

We have had people come to our birth center when they have lived hours and hours away. Typically they will either come in very early labor, then get a hotel roomor stay with friends for a day or two until labor really kicks in, or they will stay in the area with family or friends from 37 weeks on.

It's not crazy. It's just doing what you have to do to have a healthy birth.