Homebirth question

[seraph]

I've done a lot of research and thinking and my husband and I have decided that we would really rather have our baby at home and not in a hospital. I have found a homebirth midwife I like, but I'm not entirely sure she would take us because of my risk factors. I'm 24 weeks now, so I really need to decide soon. I'm 31, my prepregnancy weight was around 300 lbs and I have a history of high blood pressure (in the 140/90 range) for about a year before I got pregnant. I was on meds for it until I got pregnant. I also have insulin resistance which I have been controlling with diet. I have been seeing a CNM who does not do homebirth for my prenatal care up until now and I am waiting to see what my glucose screen (the 1 hour test) says to see if it's currently a problem. My blood pressure has been borderline high - sometimes it's well within normal range, occasionally it gets back up to the 140/90 range and I haven't been taking any meds since I've been pregnant. It's up and down enough that the CNM has been postponing putting me back on meds because she wants to keep watching it.
Am I crazy for still wanting a homebirth? I've been working with herbs and calcium/magnesium supplements and yoga and relaxation to try and bring my BP down and sometimes it helps and other (stressful, I have a lot of stress in my job) days it goes back up again so it doesn't seem to be helping long term. I know I should be asking the homebirth midwife, and I will be asking her when I meet with her next week, but I wanted to get some other input to sort of mentally prepare for the meeting. My husband really wants to have a homebirth and he wants to catch the baby, but he also wants to do the best thing for all of us. I'd really rather avoid all the things that come with a hospital birth, but I don't want to risk my health or the health of my baby.

[indigolilybear]

I personally don't see why (from what you've described) you *couldn't* have a homebirth. IMHO, the most important factor of a woman gettng a homebirth is how much she wants one and is willing to take responsibility for it. And it sounds like you are!

Each MW varies on what they feel comfortable w/, but from my friends and my experience, I've never seen someone turned down (even a HB w/twins, etc) when they truly wanted it. (not t say this can't happen of course)

good luck

[EmmaJean]

I hope you're able to have the homebirth of your dreams and that you're able to control and maintain your BP. I really can't offer any help but just wanted to add that my dad has suffered with high bp for a long time and has recently discovered the benefits of garlic! It has really really helped.

I am interested to hear what the homebirth midwife thinks about your situation. Have you met with her yet? I would trust her instincts and (of course) your own either way. What do you really think is best for you and your babe?

Blessings for a happy, healthy, pregnancy and birth!

Emily

[Jane]

I don't want to seem like I'm homing in on issues with your weight, but are your blood pressure measurements being taking with a "large arm cuff?" I know that using a regular cuff on a large arm seriously reduces the accuracy of the measurements to downright worthless. If you aren't familar with the cuff issue, this site has good info, although it's aimed at midwives:
http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/a...te%20Equipment

[clevah girl]

I also have mild hypertension. My midwife said that as long as it stays under control, and doen't suddenly shoot up, that I am OK for homebirth. I know that she also will continue to care for women who develop gestational diabetes, as long as they are able to control it with diet. Call around, and you may very well find a midwife who is willing to work through any issues you have. I'm glad I did!

[seraph]

Large cuff

Yes, I've always made sure my BP is taken with a large cuff and I have one at home that I use to take my own BP (which is almost always normal at home, of course). I think part of the problem is that the CNM's office makes me nervous and I'm tense about my BP and that doesn't help.
I've had an initial conversation with the homebirth midwife about my health issues, and she is willing to work with me as long as my BP stays reasonable and I'm doing well on the GD eating program. I think my "am I sure about this" freakouts seem to happen right after I have a prenatal visit with the CNM, so I plan to stop seeing her for prenatal care as soon as I get a schedule set up with the homebirth midwife. She would like to have me work with an acupuncturist on lowing my blood pressure, so I am hoping that helps too.
Thanks for your reassurances, I really want to have a peaceful and loving birth at home and I get so much pressure from family to go to the hospital "just in case something happens". I do believe my body knows what to do for labor and birthing and I really want the freedom to go with my body's wisdom.

[joymum]

I had two beautiful homebirths. DH caught both times. My concern for you is not birthing at home where you will be most comfortable and relaxed (so your BP is less likely to be elevated). My concern is what kind of scenario might play out in a hospital with the staff immediately categorizing you as high risk and planning on all manner of unnecessary interventions. If you have a supportive experienced midwife then it seems to me that the best place for you and your babe is home.

At home you will also not be deprived of water and food (didn't want any my first birth couldn't stop eating during second labor) which are so important during labor.

Have you also considered a doula? I think they are the best support possible for a first time mother. Your husband is very supportive but doula's are experienced and can help you in ways your husband wouldn't think of.

Best wishes for a beautiful birth!

[Chloe]

It sounds like you are very well prepared! And you have the support of your dh!

It's true- you will probably be way more relaxed at home than at the hospital, and your BP may be lower.

You are right- your body does know what to do, and I am sure if for any reason you *need* to get to the hospital, you will be fine.

But I really hope you get to have the homebirth you want!!

[applejuice]

I sincerely hope you get the home birth that you desire.

In 1915, in New Jersey a baby was born at home to a woman. The baby was unresponsive, but big! He was 15 pounds! The mother was diabetic. This would be the woman's only child, desipite a cultural desire for large families since she was Italian.

The midwife put the baby under some cold water, and he kicked on!

He grew up to entertain and make many people happy.

Frank Sinatra.

The point here is that women with health problems have always given birth at home successfully.

And they always will too.