getting ready

[lovemybabies]

I have 2 children, ages 3 and 18 months and we are ttc our 3rd. I had a c-section and a vaginal deliverry. I did not have a good experience with my first 2 in the hospital, so I would like to try a HB this next time. Any encouragment or discouragment is welcomed. Pro's and Con's. Midwives are not legal here if they practice any form of medicine. I have found someone I think so hopefully we can do this. Now we just need a baby. If my sister-in-law can do it I can. Me-

[2much2luv]

Hi! (I'm the sister in law )
I'm here for you dude, lol
Beth

[OlyMama]

I found out that I am pregnant with my second child 3 days ago. I am very excited! Last time I had a hospital birth and that being said it was not a bad experience, although I was very annoyed with the postnatal care (nurses driving me nuts at all hours). This time I want to have a HB. I just moved to a new state and I don't know much about locating the right people here, whether my insurance is going to pay, and what to do about prenatal care. However, I will just have to start doing my homework, because I am determined to have an even better experience this time. There are many resources esp. here at Mothering and I think we can both have the births that we want. I say "go for it, Sister!" You will have plenty of support and guidance if you just ask for help on these pages. I don't have the prior experience to lend, but you do have my support.
Trish

[Sustainer]

Congratulations to all of us! and to Mothering, lovemybabies!

Here's some reading material:

http://www.healthychild.com/database..._like_home.htm

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articl...irthchoice.asp

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/articles/gracious.asp

http://greenhat.5u.com/photo6.html

[JayGee]

I'm in Illinois too, and considering the same thing. I had a c-section and am planning a VBAC, but want to avoid intervention at the hospital. Homebirth seems to be the best way to do this ! I just talked with a friend this morning who had a c-section, a hospital VBAC, and just delivered her third child at home with the help of an underground midwife here in Illinois. Made me think that I could do it too!

I'm just so worried about something going wrong and needing a transfer and the midwife or me getting in trouble. Any idea how that works in states where homebirth midwives are illegal?

Kristina

[Sustainer]

Homebirth midwives are illegal in my state, too. If it becomes necessary to transport to the hospital, the midwife has to "change hats" and become your "doula." Just make sure you refer to her as your "doula" in the hospital -- not your midwife!

You can't get in trouble in any case, only the midwife.

[lovemybabies]

Thank-you for your thoughts. I appreciate it greatly. I am really looking forward to having a HB. We will find out in 2 weeks or so, if I am pregnant. I am had a VBAC, with my second. I hated the C-section, the first time. And was so happy to be able to have
him without the c-section. The hospital was very quick to try another c-section, I said no way!!!! Since it was so bad the first time, and I almost had it the second, I am doing a home birth!!! I need to keep in touch with you all though so I don't change my mind. Me

[Sustainer]

We're here for you!

[panda]

Where do you find legal information about midwives/homebirth in Illinois? Does that just apply to lay midwives? I'm planning a CNM attended homebirth with Homefirst in the city. It's not for everyone, of course, but so far I'm very happy with my care. We're due in about 6 weeks!

I also talked to one direct-entry midwife who does homebirths, and another group of certified midwives. Birthlink.com is a pretty good resource, you may want to check it out.

[Sustainer]

http://www.cfmidwifery.org/states/states.asp?ST=18

In my state (NY), CNMs are allowed to attend home births IF they can get permission from an OB, which they generally cannot get. It is a felony in my state for a CPM or DEM to attend a homebirth.

[lovemybabies]

I also use homefirst for my regular doctor care for my 2 sons and love it. Child and family services tried to turn me in for not vaccinating and they really helped me out at homefirst. In fact that is where I first got the idea for homebirth. I heard that there still has to be a doctor present at the home though and I think that defeats the point, I don't know for sure though. Please let me know if this is true or not. ME Everyone I know in Illinois that are having a homebirth with just a midwife, tell me they are sometimes hard to find cause they have to practice underground.