When do you have to pick?

[DomerJen]

When do I need to decide on HB vs. Hospital? Anyone know if this is something that needs to get done before the first pre-natal appt?

Just trying to get a general idea of how fast I need to move on this.

[Hollin]

Well you've got to pick one to get started with but you can change your mind anytime until you go into labor

[Devaskyla]

:

You can actually even make a final choice in labour. I know a woman who was so disturbed by her midwife that she transferred to the hospital in the middle of labour to get away from her.

[Kessed]

Here - you have to choose midwife VS OB very early. I called my midwife immediately after calling my husband to get a spot.

There's a birth center here where there are midwives in a hospital setting. And if you want that - you basically have to sign up during your 1st trimester.

As for choosing home VS hospital - when ever you want. I have a midwife. She can deliver my baby anywhere I choose. At any point I can transfer to a hospital.

Having had a homebirth - I would say that if it's something you think you're interested, get moving on it as soon as possible. Make sure you have the option with a care provider (if you choose one) and start educating yourself on the important things if you choose to UC.

It is never too early to start preparing for a home birth.

[AKmoose]

Originally Posted by DomerJen

When do I need to decide on HB vs. Hospital?

Anytime before labor begins! eta: actually, any time before baby is born!

Originally Posted by DomerJen

Anyone know if this is something that needs to get done before the first pre-natal appt?

Just trying to get a general idea of how fast I need to move on this.

Depending on the status of homebirth midwives in your state, you may want to start looking now, just because in many places it's hard to find somebody.

Even if you already know some mws, you may want to interview with them and see if you can make up your mind sooner rather than later. I know most people appreciate the care they receive from mws much more than that from a standard OB's office. Just a thought.