This is exactly what I've heard - they don't tell you the possibility of not getting a hb exists until after you are 37 weeks, as you are less likely to want to put up a fight - and when you make the call, they may say it's the wrong time of day/they are understaffed due to holiday or sick.

My mw (who has had two hb's herself and is extremely supportive) told me that, depending on when I call, I may be told there are no mw's available and I need to come to hospital.

When I asked her what would happen if I stand my ground and say I'm not coming in, she said that they find someone and send them - poss agency mw's. Not knowing my mw is what would happen in hospital anyway, so that wouldn't be the end of the world as far as I'm concerned.

And regarding having to fight for it - don't engage in a discussion. Tell them that their staffing problems are not your concern and you will be expecting a mw. Better still, tell them your OH is speaking on behalf of your family and get him to insist! (This is what I've been told by more than one person.)

I doubt that you will encounter resentment from the mw's who do eventually show up - I think it is a political issue that happens above their level of responsibility i.e. the trust, who are business managers not medical practitioners.

I am planning to write to the CEO of our local hospital trust, cc the head of midwifery there and my local MP to inform them of my decision and my expectation of their support. Getting this in writing (which I know I will, with persistence - again, what I've been told by others) will help, I think.

Phew!

PS AIMS website is really good for this info and the lady in charge (Beverley something) is quoted in loads of books I've read as being someone who will support you if you are being given the brush-off.

That's fab, thanks! I've had a good read through of them and I've crossed my fingers that I have an understanding midwife tomorrow!!


And Star-dust, whilst I'm not quite as adventurous as you obviously are, mine was conceived under the christmas tree in the lounge!

Either your very tiny people or you have one hugemongus xmas tree!!!!!

I just spat water all over myself!!

We're not that tiny, we just had a gigantic Christmas tree.. has to be to fit all the kids' presents under it.. and we weren't literally under, under it, oh, I cant explain it, too tired.. wish me luck for an understanding nice midwife who likes homebirths tomorrow please!

***hands over a cloth and bib



good luck tomorrow, let us know her thoughts etc, would love to hear, (N thats a geunine comment!)

Hope it all goes well today hun xxxx

I am soooooooooooooooooooooooo excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can have my homebirth!



sorry, I cant help it. I saw a really, really, really lovely midwife today, who said I am totally fit and healthy, and based on my previous labours she cant find any reasons or problems to suggest I have to be in hospital. So, if I want to go ahead, then I've got the green light. She's going to talk to me more about it at my 34 week appointment, and help me plan it, which gives me lots of time to work on hubby (shouldnt take too long, he never listens anyway).

Obviously, she said if my GTT comes back high, or I develop any probems, or baby is breech, then we may have to reassess, but that's fine by me.

Its just so nice to meet someone who isn't put off by the fact I'm 14 stone and pregnant!! Honestly, I feel like dancing in the rain, which I may well do once I've picked hubby up from work tonight!!

I'm away to cook him a roast, so I can butter him up for the big homebirth chat tonight!!

Thanks for all your advice

yay congrats...fingers crossed ur GTT will b fine x x

GersPrincess thats fantastic news
Im so pleased your MW was nice and positive about it .... fingers crossed for your GTT etc ... im really pleased for you hun xxxx