Home/water birth?
ByWith my last baby I was contemplating the idea of a home water birth but when trying to get midwife, she would not take me because I had a few seizures when I was 14/15 years old (caused by bright lights) and because I am hypo-thyroid.
Was she right to turn me away, or should I have consulted other midwives? I really want to have a home birth….but I am feeling a little let down that it might never happen! I have had 2 babies now with no problems! I hated having to follow all the hospital “rules”……Any other advice/links on this subject would be great!
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8 Comments
May 13th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
The midwife is just protecting herself… can’t blame her there.
May 13th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
the main thing is you had a healthy baby, the midwife wanted to avoid complications, sure you will feel let down that thing didn’t go your way, their are hospitals you can go to that recommend water births
May 13th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
i would definitely search out a diff one – an experienced midiwfe can handle ANYTHING an MD can, but without medical intervention. there are things that those would argue can put baby at risk of death – the thing is baby would be at risk of death from those same things no matter where you deliver!
May 13th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
I think she was right, me personally…..felt MUCH safer in a hospital. I ended up pushing for 1 1/2 hours and then the heartbeat started dropping and they had to use the vacuum…it turned out he was stuck under my pelvic bone. Anyways, the point being…if I was at home I wouldv’e had to of been rushed to the ER for a cesarean.Being safe is way more important than comfort.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Midwives’ policies on what constitutes high risk vary pretty widely. It can’t hurt to consult with more than one midwife next time to get a broader perspective. Be up front with your previous medical issues, adn have a copy of your medical history, including the medical records from both your previous births.
They may say no as well, but then you can be confident that for you, birthing in the hospital really is necessary. But I hope you get to birth at home next time- both my sons were born at home in the bathtub, and I wouldn’t trade either of their births for the world.
May 13th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
i never really thought one way or another about home births but after reading some posts here i realize
why would you want too?
why do anything that might jeopardize the health and safety of your baby?
have your baby at a hospital ….you are feeling down? sorry but the babies needs come first
May 13th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Granola Mom gave a great answer. You might also want to check into the option of using a birthing center or see if there is a hospital that has waterbirth options. You don’t have only two choices; there are ways to get the birthing experience you want and still be near medical facilities just in case you run into problems.
May 13th, 2010 at 6:05 pm
It may also be that the backup physician to this midwife considered you high risk because of your medical history.
Check out more midwives in your area, and if they have concerns, find out why… what are the risks involved with delivery and your specific medical concerns.
Since you have been through this twice with no complications, you are probably a good candidate for a home birth at this point.
You can also consider, though I do not recommend it, having an unassisted home birth, with just your husband and close family there.
As with choosing any medical professional, you are better off if you interview more than one. And don’t forget to hire a doula to assist in your birth as well. She can do anything from holding your hand and coaching to keeping your older children out from underfoot.
Good luck! You deserve the birth that YOU want .