Birth plan already gone wrong

[Momma`Kat]

Ive always known that I wanted a natural home water birth.

But at my booking in appointment the midwife rushed through all the questions, didnt explain anything to me, and has put down ERI hospital for me!

I hadnt met my family nurse yet so hadnt seen either ERI or St Johns to make a decision. And she hasnt brough up labour plans or anything with me yet, Is it too early for me to bring it up?

I do not want to give birth in a hospital. They cannot guarentee a room with an ensuite bathroom, Or guarentee a birth pool. And unless there is something medically wrong, Or I get a written statement saying I can have that.. I wont go in.

BUT.. Does this mean I need to get a different midwife who can come to the house?
And what about birthing pools, Do I need to buy one? Or does the NHS have some that they let out to mums at home?

 

[megsmeadow]

Hiya,
I'd say it's not too early to late to give your MW a phone and discuss it with her. I don't think I was ever asked if I wanted a homebirth but I know the team of MW from Pennywell Rescource Centre (who also cover my surgery in Corstorphine) do home births so I would presume this is the same across the city!! You have to hire/buy your own pool for home in Edinburgh.
I'm booked in for St Johns as I moved from the Calders area and had all my scans there. Apparently all the delivery rooms are en suite at RIE, but of course the post natal wards are 1 bathroom to a four bed bay. Also where St Johns have big birthing pools (admittedly only), the delivery rooms at RIE have big baths (I think in every room but you'd def have to check my accuracy on that one, wasn't listening so closely as it didn't apply to me!)

 

[megsmeadow]

Oh and I think they closest you'll get is a video of either hospitals, RIE certainly don't do tours!

 

[MrsR]

Hi hon, it is definatley not to early to be requesting home birth-I told my mw on my booking in appt and make sure I mention it every time I see a mw or consultant x I was actually told the earlier you can specify then the better it is because they can begin preparing etc for it x I next see my mw at 28 weeks and will be having an indepth with her then. Mention it next time you see mw whether she asks what you want or not though I would still tour the maternity ward of whichever hospital you might end up at just so you're prepared for if you do have to go to hospital x good luck

 

[Momma`Kat]

Yeah ive seen the video of St Johns, Not RIE though. Family Nurse just ran through a list of stuff for there.

I meant to tell the MW at my booking in, But she isnt the friendliest of people, And honestly rushed through everything like she really couldnt be bothered being there atall, And didnt give me a chance to say anything except yes and no!

I will tell my family nurse on Tuesday, Have the midwife wednesday so will get it done one way or another.

As for pools.. Im REALLY tight on money, Would I be better renting or buying? And does anyone know a cheapie place to get hold of one?

 

[JJ Mum]

I would have another chat with her. Perhaps even if you opt for home birth, they have to mark a designated hosp just incase things change nearer the time, or you need to go in etc, just ask to dicuss more X

 

[Mervs Mum]

It's not too soon or too late to 'book' your homebirth Talk to your MW at your next appointment. Not sure how it works where you are but here they tend not to talk in detail about plans until well in to the 3rd tri.

As for pools I think renting is only really cost effective when you rent a posh heated one. I have a La Bassine and it cost me £50 second hand. You can use a large paddling type pool. I saw one today called a 'family pool' in TK Max that looked perfect for a birth pool

 

[vixforever]

Was about to say buying one second hand is just as cheap as renting in most cases x

 

[xxbeckyxx]

Momma Kat is this your first baby?
I am absolutely adamant that I want a home birth - I have a bit of a 'thing' about being in hospitals - the only time I've ever been in one to have something done was my 12 week scan and I was sooo sweaty and nervous being in that environment. I just don't think it's gonna be great when you add in the fears of giving birth hehe
However, everyone I speak to says, 'ooh you don't wanna have your first at home' and thinks I'm mad :S

I got fed up of explaining to people my many reasons why and now just say 'my baby, my body, my choice' lol.
But even people I've told still mention hospitals when they talk about me having my baby so it obviously hasn't sunk in...I feel like they think I'm the stubborn little girl but I'll come round to their way of thinking soon enough

Sorry for the rant...just wondered if you're getting any of this?

 

[Momma`Kat]

Yeah this is my first, I know exactly what you mean! I keep talking to my mum about home births, and she just rolls her eyes with a "Uh Huh" as if im going to change my mind lol.

To be honest.. Labour doesnt scare me. its the bit when you go home that does !

 

[xxbeckyxx]

Hehe!
In a weird way, I'm actually looking forward to labour, although I'll probably change my mind nearer the time!!

Is it your midwife today? Hope you can get through to her this time

 

[Momma`Kat]

Yep, Midwife in half an hour. And I just went to pee.. Forgot I need to pee in the bottle. Oops Lol *Drinks Loadsa Water*

Imi ac tually hoping I have a different one today, Cause I had to ask my appointment to be brought forward by a few weeks.

Wish me home birthing courage!