If only! (Home Births)

Member Name: pebbles

Product:	Home Births
Date:	20/10/00 (131 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: home comforts!!!

Disadvantages: only if problems occur (but you are taken to hospital if there are)

I planned for 7 months of my pregnancy to have my second baby at home. I had an horrendous birth the first time round and wanted to be in my own surroundings.

The first labour was ok until 1 hour before the end and my midwife had to leave. Another one took over and didn't check to see how far I had progressed. Inevitably I was very near to the end and as she was unprepared the baby's head caused a great deal of damage, both internally and externally. Needless to say it wasn't a pleasant experience it was the baby that brought me through it. I spent 8 days in hospital and 7 of those I couldn't walk , I had to force myself to sit down( on a huge cushion) if not they wouldn't let me go home)

It took 12 years for me to have my second one. The experience was still vivid in my memory, the hosptial even referred me to a doctor to have counselling prior to the birth. To say I was frightened was an under statement.

The hosptial, GP and midwife were brilliant and gave me full support to have it at home. I had all the gear prepared, old sheets masses of plastic sheeting and even the Pethidin from the chemist,should I need it.

In my 39th week my elderly mother became ill and I was nursing her. Changing the sheets and giving her a strip wash etc. I didn't think much of it until I developed double vision and felt faint. I was taken to hospital for a check up to discover I had high blood pressure. Which was a shock as I have always had low blood pressure.

I was put on a monitor and told I had to stay in overnight to ensure the blood pressure stayed down. That night my little girl arrived. It only took 5 hours, 2 of those hours I didn't even know I was in labour, I thought I wanted to go to the loo and it was only nerves for being in a hospital bed. Well it was a long time since my first one!

It just goes to prove that you can plan for a home birth but it doesn't mean you'll get one. If I was
to ever have another one I certainly want to have it at home, it's by far the best place to be. No rushing, your own surroundings and it's so much cleaner!

I'd recommend any women having a baby to consider it, but don't ever bank on it. The baby may have other ideas. Good luck to any mums due to have theirs.

Summary: