NJ law re: homebirths.... :(

[chaibaby]

So, I'm not there yet, but at 42 weeks, in the state of NJ you can not legally have a homebirth. I won't reach that date until next Friday. However, the other part of the law is that once you reach 41 weeks, you are legally required to have TWO ultrasounds in that week (which starts this Friday).

So, basically, if this baby doesn't arrive by Friday, then I have to schedule myself for two ultrasounds next week and if I don't give birth by next Friday I automatically have to have the baby in a hospital and be induced.

Are there any other NJ moms out there or any moms who have dealt with something similar? I don't want to put my midwife in an awkward position but this just sucks. I was so worried about making 37 weeks (legal to have a homebirth) that I didn't focus on the 41 and 42 week rule. And now I"m getting a bit worried b/c it's coming up so quickly AND this baby seems content to stay where he or she is.

Any suggestions? TIA!

[faithhopelove]

Are you able to find any lay midwives that you could switch to? I had an awesome midwife in MD when I lived in DE. I ended up unassisted but I really liked her a lot and they don't have rules there I don't believe since it isn't a legal state. (may have changed since I lived there, I dunno. )

[leurMaman]

I can't give any suggestions - but I'm sending you good birthing vibes that baby will come before then

[boscopup]

I hate it when states put such stupid restrictions on midwives.

Just remember that they can't force you to birth in the hospital (it's just illegal for your midwife to attend you), and they can't force you to be induced even if you decide to go the hospital route. So if you can't find a lay midwife to attend you past 42 weeks, and if you aren't comfortable with going UC, you can always show up at the hospital when you're in spontaneous labor - regardless of how far past 42 weeks you are.

[citizenfong]

Originally Posted by chaibaby

So, I'm not there yet, but at 42 weeks, in the state of NJ you can not legally have a homebirth. I won't reach that date until next Friday. However, the other part of the law is that once you reach 41 weeks, you are legally required to have TWO ultrasounds in that week (which starts this Friday).

Keep in mind that that law applies to your care providers and NOT to you. You are *NOT* required by law to have two u/s! You can absolutely refuse. You still maintain control of YOUR body.

I hope that baby comes right on out and you can avoid any unpleasantness!

[Lizzo]

Who are you midwives? I know a few NJ midwives and most of them will fudge with EDDs b/c they know the 42 weeks law is ridiculous.
Also, you are not required to have the U/S. The midwives simply (for their sake and keep in mind please that NJ is actually a *good* midwife state- they are legal which has it's drawbacks, but for the most part, it is a pretty awesome thing) have to suggest it. Then, you can decline. And to save their butts, they put in your chart they reccomeneded it and you said no. No big deal.We have to do the same thing here in PA. Most mamas say no the U/S and although we are not legal, we still put it down in the chart b/c to some extent, PA recognizes us.
You can also maybe adjust your EDD. Were you nursing when you got preg? That can alter EDDs. Were there any factors where your periods are not really regular?
And plus, there are always lots of gentle ways to get labor going on it's own. I'm sure you midwife knows plenty and if you are really getting down to the wire(your own or the state's- if you have chosen to do the U/S) and nothing is happening, you can try some natural tricks.
And if you're not ok with doing that, you can have your midwife there as "doula"...?
Anywho...good luck! I am not from your DDC, by the way, just a midwifery student who wanted to help! and I know the laws suck and can be pretty unfair to who it matters to most:the mama, but all in all, a legal state tends to be better than a illegal state!!!