speedy homebirth - excellent service (Home Birth Versus Hospital Birth)

Member Name: scottsmum

Product:	Home Birth Versus Hospital Birth
Date:	17/10/08 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: own midwife throughout, better care, more relaxed

Disadvantages: midwifes may not arrive in time

With my 1st being nervous about the whole experience I opted for a hospital birth despite being given the choice, good job I did as went into labour a month early and had him 6hours later. Thorughout the labour the care was poor and the aftercare was none existant to the extent I didnt see a midwife for 12hrs after moving down to the post natal ward. It was then I asked for help breastfeeding to be told they were short and were some bottles in the fridge. I felt so let down.

Even before I fell pregnant with my 2nd last year I had decide I wanted a homebirth, I had the same midwife and she was really supportive as was very pro homebirths, although we did agree we would have to see how things went and if I went early again it would no longer be an option.

After being refused a homebirth at 36wks due to the huge size of my bump, after a lot of emotion and talks with my midwife we agreed to go ahead when she came over on a sunday to see me. The following day she phoned to say all had been passed and was all go, so we rushed about and got the few bits we needed. The homebirth box was to be delivered the following day along with the consent form I needed to sign. I was the happiest I had been all the way through as knew things were finally going right. Midwife was on duty that night, but was only 37+3 so not to worried, that was till she rang back at 6pm to say she had been mistaken and was off call, but I wasnt worried as had had no signs. Then just after 9pm my waters broke unexpectantly, phoned the midwives straight away as it was a different town and was a 40min drive away. I was really calm though and although contractions were constant immediately I just felt relaxed and calm, 50mins had passed then an hour and felt like I needed to push, but no midwives. i then felt the baby head crowning and panic did set in, but then I realised how much more in control I felt this time, I staggered back to the bed and got on all 4s ready, by then I heard the door open and as soon I heard the midwives on the steps, I pushed, followed by another and they arrived just in time to catch her.

I cant really comment on the labour care as was none existant but the care afterwards was fab, although felt slightly let down I had midwives I didnt know and was looking forward to someone I know and trusted being there. None the less they were real friendly and great they weighed her and did all the checks etc, but still making sure we had the time and space we wanted. I then went for a shower to come back and find they had stripped all the bed and put clean sheets on and apart from a bin bag in the corner was no trace of a homebirth. They left about 11.30 about 1.45mins after the birth and we were left to cuddle in our clean bed as a new family whilst my son was still asleep next door.

The folowing morning my normal midwife came to check everything, followed by my gp visit later that day and the service was great. My partner is now the biggest fan and had me booked in there and then for the next. Im due again the 1st may and will definately being having a homebirth providing all goes well as the service is so much better and more relaxing.

Summary: the best ever experience and cant wait to go through it all again next year