Legally, they can't stop you insisting on a homebirth. However, you need to weigh up the risks to you, I'd take lots of advice if you're already deemed high-risk, look for research etc.

However, I have heard stories where people have been misguided as to the exact risks, to make them more likely NOT to opt for the homebirth in similar situations. i really don't know how true they are though.

Im soo looking foward to having my LO at home but getting worried about the MW situation!I dont want to be told there is no-one availible to come out to me and have to go into hospital last minute like last time, Iv'e got visions of arguing with them until they send someone out and then having my baby in a hostile atmosphere!

I know, its really hard, but they are literally only classing me as high risk, because I've gained a couple of stone since my last pregnancy. Both of my other labours I used gas and air (+ pethidine with my first, but never will again) and gave birth with no intervention at all. I've not had any medical probs in this pregnancy so far, and am fit and healthy, so I'm going to ask whether I can have one.
I really like the thought of giving birth in the same room that I conceived!!

Also to you girls who are planning a homebirth do you have a list of things you will need?I havent a clue!

I understand where your coming from with the pethidine issue!It makes me feel like im not really there really woozy and horrible!

I had an allergic reaction to it.. stupid Doctor, I am also allergic to codeine, which is from the same family, but they didnt pick that up!!

typical doctors!

Must admit I have thought about this myself recently, when we called to see a m/w a few weeks back we were told a m/w wasnt avaliable coz one lady was in labour, yep one lady! How would they cope if they had 2?!
So a bit concerned I may also be told ones not avaliable, I wouldnt mind tbh, as this isnt my first and my last was pretty easy (asleep through most of it) so i dont mind waitin till last mo when they will have to send someone out, or gettin a ambulance to deal with it, Its just hubby I worry about, hes already said home or hospital he aint going south!! no way so hope in hell chance of him doing anything!

Another thought, re birth home or hospital, when almost delivering has anyone thought about maybe delivering it themselves, ie instead of the midwife gettin baby and pullin it onto you, you puttin your own hands down and bringing the baby up onto your front yourself?
Its just something i have thought about and could be cool, maybe in a strange way?

I like gers idea, give birth in the room you concieved in (hmm star-dust now would that be the bedroom, lounge, kitchen sideboard or the shower.....!!!) so to add to that almost delivering your own baby who needs midwifes?!!!?!

A high bmi has no affect on your labour. Iv been looking into this as my bmi is 40, im loosing wait at the mo and am not going to be trying for 2 years so im going to be skinny by then but was looking just incase i fell pg now.
http://www.homebirth.org.uk/

Go to the side and it says something like "you cant have a home birth because" and theres a bit about being overweight.

FOr me with my last and with this one the list was ...

Old towels (for gunk and mess)

Clean towels (for Baby)

Shower curtains (for over the mattress)

Extra heater (even in summer your room can be classed as to cold for you LO, my last was born on a HOT summers eve in July and i had to have the heating on)

Torch/lamp (so the MW can look to see if you need stitches)

Moses basket set up to put baby in,

Large absorbent pads for under your bum for when your waters go or when the worse of the mess comes out (like these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=120407792586 .. you dont have to have them but i found them really useful .. especially if you wee a bit or somthing, the MW can just keep changing them for you)

Loads of tea and biscuits for your MW's!

Thats it really other than stuff you need anyway like clothes for your baby and nighties, camera, music etc,
Unless your having a water birth that is lol




Good luck hun, i hope you can find a supportive MW xxxx




My MW told me that it cant/wont happen ... but worse case scenario she told me to phone to get a ambulance and that the ambulance people will assist until a MW can get there xxx