Home delivery yay or nay?

Just my own opinion: i just want to be as close as possible to the doctors in case of any emergency. I choose the midwife unit to have my baby as the unit is in the hospital so i can get wheeled over to a doctor very quickly if needed intervention. A lot of my friends and family members have the issue of the cord wrapped around the baby's neck and they need emergency C section.

Yes I’m planning a home birth ☺️ it totally depends on what you’re hoping for from your birth! If your dream is a physiological birth without much medical intervention your chances of that happening by planning a home birth are much higher. Whereas if you’d like the option of medical pain relief (stronger than gas and air) or would feel more reassured by being in a medical setting then hospital is best 🥰 home birth for low risk women is as safe as hospital birth! Emergencies can be managed at home in pretty much the same way they would in a hospital for most instances, until an ambulance arrives to transfer you if necessary. But remember, most of the time, birth works! Home is great option, but only if it’s what you want, not to please your partner xx

Homebirth support group U.K. is an amazing Facebook group to join if you’re interested in learning more and reading hundreds of amazing home birth stories

I personally wouldnt as my oldest had to go to nicu at birth (38+4) and id rather be 15 seconds away from nicu than 30 minutes.

However you know your body best, if you live close to the hospital incase of emergency and have a healthy pregnancy theres no reason why you couldnt have a home birth. Theres thousands of women who have home births every year and the chance of something serious happening is very small. Speak to your midwife and ask if you can talk to the home birth team so they can tell you your options and how it all works

There is also the option of a birth centre, its more like a home setting than a hospital setting. They have options for things like water birth but also have more medical staff on hand incase of emergency. Some are still attached to the hospital but theres also seperate birth centres as an option if thats what you prefer xx

I told my partner I would consider a home birth as we are close to a hospital if needed-he became frustrated and said that I’m an optimism killer and he had just been telling how all will be fine and I need to tell myself that-I can’t even talk about what ifs or express that it’s overwhelming to prepare for labour for the first time without knowing what it’s like.

I want a home birth! I got talked out of it by my consultant last pregnancy (they literally laughed and said maybe next time 🙄) but this time I would really like to have a home birth... I am only 5 minutes away from the hospital and my last birth was mostly smooth sailing. The rates of medical intervention are so much lower with a home birth. It could be argued it is safer at home! Xx

that’s a very unfair reaction from him :( of course you’re allowed to think about what ifs and the practicalities of what would happen if you were one of the small number where something was truly wrong! Have you ever considered a doula? They’re non medical birth workers, they can help you in many ways, from one off chats to full support throughout pregnancy and during birth. They may be able to support you in ways it sounds like your partner can’t xx

thank you for that advice-a doula would be great or just a woman I can be open with as you are always cautious either way family and friends as they are naturally bias. My MIL is a midwife so I do have reliable and trustworthy advice which helps at times. She is a practical woman and understands complications but also his views on what ifs.

yes I can totally understand how even though your MIL’s knowledge is very helpful, her bias and personal involvement would make some things tricky! I think a chat with a doula would be wonderful for you, many even offer them online via zoom etc. good luck!