masi

After finally meeting a supportive midwife we are hoping for a home birth (my other 3 babies were born in hospital)
I was just wondering which room in your home you plan to give birth in, and if you have children, will they be present? My plan is to have a pool in the dining room, and to also make a makeshift bed out of a paddling pool, and some old duvets .etc. My children can be present if they wish (probably just the oldest 2)
I look foward to hearing from you
Gemma xxx

Sarahkka

In Alberta, you'd want a midwife for a home birth, and midwives aren't covered under our health care (I think we're the only province that doesn't cover them - pretty scandalous!). To hire one privately, you need about $3500.
Really too bad, because I was very keen to try a waterbirth.
As this is my first baby, I am okay going to the hospital. I really like my maternity clinic, so I feel pretty confident that the doctors are going to follow my wishes of minimal intervention, etc. I still wish I could have a waterbirth, though.
And I wish our province would get out of the dark ages and fund midwifery. It's ridiculous that we don't have that choice.

ryder

Sarah, does your hospital not offer suites where you can have your own waterbirth??

I know the hospital im going to is very accomodating to your wishes (im in ont), the birthing suites can be set up as you want, and you can have waterbirths and whoever you want to be present.

Im not interested in a homebirth really as this is my first baby... And I dont really want to have to clean up afterwards LOL!

Sarahkka

No, I don't think they're at all open to that, unfortunately.
I asked about it and the hospital seems pretty conservative.
Like I said, Alberta is way behind the times when it comes to birthing choices.
It doesn't help that Calgary is having a major baby boom. We'll probably be lined up in the hallways, trying not to give birth before a room is available!
I can rent a birthing pool and do my own water birth at home, but it is expensive and like you, I want the security of the hospital for my first birth.
I'm open to a home birth or a midwife-run birthing centre next time, if everything stays low risk. Maybe by then, it will even be funded! I'm not holding my breath, though....

Uvlollypop

www.homebirth.org im in the process of planning mine! pm me if your like to chat :-)

masi

In england the midwife does the cleaning up afterwards, because the mess is classed as clinical waste. I'm glad about that bit actually.
I think for me aswell the fact that i have three kids already,helped in my decision, but i know 2 other mums who had sucessful home births 1st time round.

Uvlollypop

yep the midwife cleans up the mess! mine also gave me advice on how toget blood out of carpets! lol

Uvlollypop

i forgot to put the .uk on there! its www.homebirth.org.uk

:-D

lifeguard

We're still trying to decide. I love the idea of a homebirth & think the home we're in right now would work so great (big master suite, big, deep tub, all tile floors everywhere, huge shower) but as we have some legal issues we need to contend with we may go with a hospital birth. I am meeting a new ob this week & that should hopefully help us sort out our decision.

carries

Yep im having mine at home (hopefully). AM planning a waterbith and am in the process of trying to decide which pool to get. Too many to choose from!