anyone had a homebirth?

i had my 1st in hospital and i hated it i was clock watching all night dying to go home, i had my son at home 12 week ago and i preferred it because my baby was born where he was living so he had chance to settle in straight away, i also felt more comfy at home. i waited until i was 8cm dilated before i rang the midwife, i had him 2 hours after they arrived! i ran out gas and air in the last 45mins so that was rater painful but i got used to the pain and pushed hm out naturally. x

I had a home birth with my first and it was a wonderful experience. I had to go to hospital with my second as he was premature and it was awful, the complete opposite of everything I wanted. If there are any complications the midwife will send you to hospital and they have all the equipment they need for resuscitating etc. I'd really recommend a home birth!

I had a homebirth with my second daughter and is was the best choice I ever made. My first birth was in hospital without pain relief but it was quite a scary experience as it was really fast. By the time the midwife realised I was in labour and bothered to examine me I was already 10cms and gave birth 20 mins later!! With my second although it was fast again I felt totally relaxed in my own surroundings. The midwife arrived at 5am, 30mins after I phoned her. She examined me, again I was already 10cms so she phoned for the second midwife (which is more than I got in hospital)!! My second daughter arrived with out pain relief just after 7am. When the 2nd midwife arrived she phoned delivery suite to let them know they were attending a homebirth so if there were any complications they could take me straight in. It was so much better than my first experience and with two midwifes just for me and a comfy bed after it was like having private care. If you have any more questions just add me. I'll be happy to answer any questions I can. x

hi, I have 4 children. All very different experiences. 1st in hospital in water, 2 were home waterbirths, one in hospital 4 days ago that was meant to be a home waterbirth but didn't go according to plan. Personally my home births were my favourite in terms of a more relaxed environment. Being in my own home meant i felt in control more which gave me peace of mind. I knew my house was clean with my own germs (which may be fatal to anyone else!:) and I only had my own rules/procedures to comply to. I tend to focus on the 97% chance that everything will go well. I had very supportive midwives and I always believe that they get inklings if things are not right. How often do you hear of things going wrong and people not making it to hospital if needed in an emergency? I had very quick labours with no drugs or gas and air, the water was enough. I went into labour early Monday morning hoping to have my home water birth but i ruptured something getting out of my waterbed to get down into the pool. I started bleeding (not a good sign). I went downstairs wondering if it was serious and i passed a clot. There was no question in my mind about what to do, so we went into hospital. I hate hospitals but better to be on the safe side. Needless to say I dilated 10 cm in an hour and he was out in 15 mins with no medical help, just gas and air. It was frustrating being in hospital after but hey...it was a different experience. The maternity ward toilets were disgusting! I hope this helps. xxx

hi, I have 4 children. All very different experiences. 1st in hospital in water, 2 were home waterbirths, one in hospital 4 days ago that was meant to be a home waterbirth but didn't go according to plan. Personally my home births were my favourite in terms of a more relaxed environment. Being in my own home meant i felt in control more which gave me peace of mind. I knew my house was clean with my own germs (which may be fatal to anyone else!:) and I only had my own rules/procedures to comply to. I tend to focus on the 97% chance that everything will go well. I had very supportive midwives and I always believe that they get inklings if things are not right. How often do you hear of things going wrong and people not making it to hospital if needed in an emergency? I had very quick labours with no drugs or gas and air, the water was enough. I went into labour early Monday morning hoping to have my home water birth but i ruptured something getting out of my waterbed to get down into the pool. I started bleeding (not a good sign). I went downstairs wondering if it was serious and i passed a clot. There was no question in my mind about what to do, so we went into hospital. I hate hospitals but better to be on the safe side. Needless to say I dilated 10 cm in an hour and he was out in 15 mins with no medical help, just gas and air. It was frustrating being in hospital after but hey...it was a different experience. The maternity ward toilets were disgusting! I hope this helps. xxx

hiya, am thinking i would like a homebirth with baby number 2 but i dont really know anyone whos had one so was wondering what your experieces where good & bad. i had lo in hosp but only had gas and air for contractions then nothing for pushing so i think ill be ok with the pain, but i just keep thinking of all the things that could go wrong and the time it takes to get to the hosp to get treatment could make things worse....... so if anyone has had one would love to hear from you! thanks x