Homebirth midwife coming, messy house

[avent]

I'm trying to decide on whether to do a homebirth. I called a homebirth midwife and made an appointment. I didn't realize until the end of the conversation she'd be coming to my house, which is a mess. She's coming tomorrow. I am panicked that she's going to check out the house and just say "uh uh". It's pretty cluttered and I've got lots of stuff I've been sorting to donate. It's not dirty, though. of course I plan to get it spiffed up for the birth, months from now.

Should I be worried? I am picturing myself staying up late to clean, which sounds crazy since I'm so tired from the pg. Do homebirth midwives check out the space for the birth when they come? If I shove everything from the living room into the bedroom will I be in trouble if she wants to see the bedroom?

Yes, I am hormonal,why do you ask? Aargh.

[AutumnMama]

Not a birth professional, but I think you should be find if you stash stuff in the back rooms.

I'm sure she'll make another home visit prior to your EDD to look the space over.

Try not to stress over it, you can always just tell her that the back room isn't 'company ready' if she wants to go back there, I'm sure she'll understand!

[onlyboys]

Even at "home visits" where the midwife *does* check out the birth situation, she checks for things like running water, electricity, etc. I know exactly how you feel, though, because I cleaned like a madwoman before my visit. My husband claimed it was the cleanest our house has ever been. :

Don't stay up all night cleaning. The midwife certainly understands beginning pregnancy fatigue and probably gets clutter as well.

[DoomaYula]

My midwife is traveling here from another state, and in the info packet she sent me it says something like, "Client will keep a clean house and space for the birth," and every time I talk to her on the phone, I always ask her about it. "So, uh, HOW clean are we talking... because I have 3 kids... and 3 dogs... and I'm really pregnant..."

I'm sure I will clean like a madwoman before she arrives (next week!)

[Charmie981]

I assure you that any homebirth midwife has seen much, much better than your house, and WAY WAY worse than your house.

I've seen houses that would be candidates for "how clean is your house" and I've seen houses where after seeing them I'd never let that woman come to my house because hers was P-E-R-F-E-C-T. I need to know when I come to your house FOR THE BIRTH that there will be no risk to yourself or your baby from the germs floating around and that you can access to a clean(ish) bathroom, clean water, electricity, and access to a phone.

If the midwife says "so, let's see where you'll be having your baby." I'd say, you know, DH and I have been doing some major stuff in preparation for this baby and I'd rather we set a date for you to look at it later in my pregnancy.

[Maggi315]

I have seen all kinds of rooms and houses. People live different ways. I don't want people apologizing to me, i do understand. In fact, my house is usually fairly messy and cluttered.

I wouldn't bat an eye at a cluttered space, even if it was during labor. howmuch room do i need anyway for my stuff? I can always make room, kwim?

So I would tell you to not sweat it and not stress about it. You are who you are.

[avent]

Thanks everyone. I guess I just feel bad because the clutter really isn't us, more to do with a series of difficulties, and when I found out I was pregnant with #2 we decided to declutter before the baby came so we'd feel better and be less stressed. I've been working on it but still have months to go.

I just didn't really think about someone coming into the space to make what feels to me like a professional assessment. I feel vulnerable at the thought of being rejected (must be the hormones, but I feel like I would burst into tears if the space didn't seem adequate,maybe it's nesting) even though I'm sure it's fine. It's just some laundry, toys, books, etc. Everything is clean. I'll straighten up for another hour and then go to sleep.

Good night, y'all. Thanks to you I'm going to get some sleep.

[durafemina]

as a student I've been to homebirths in houses with no soap in the bathrooms, freezing cold, not one inch of visible floor due to the clutter, etc. No-one batted an eyelid. If the mama is comfortable, the midwives will just work around it.

Also - I'm about due and my mother's house (where I'm having the baby) is pretty darn messy. I'm not concerned at all

I'm sure you'll be fine

[Zoo Loo Naturals]

Yeah, I've seen all kinds of places. Don't worry Mama.

[Jane]

I just want to practice driving to your house, find where the kitchen and bathroom are, and where you are planning to have the baby (ie, what's waterproof). I just don't wanna crash around making a ton of noise when you're in labor - getting some water for you, tea for me, and setting up the stuff. It's doesn't have to be sterile or neat. It would be nice to have a place to sit.