Thread: 45 yrs “primigravida” home birth what do you think?

I'm a 45 year-old “primigravida “ , 34 weeks pregnant and I would like to give birth at home. Untill now my pregnancy is a normal, healthy one. I'm looking forward to give birth for the first time. What do you think about the idea that a 45 year-old “primigravida “ (I find this word funny) gives birth at home – am I irresponsible? Thank you wishing you all the best

I think you are a great candidate for giving birth at home (but I think most are great candidates for homebirth...)

Your age shouldn't really matter too much. My MW if always more concerned about your overall health than your age. She knows many 25 yo's who are less healthy than us "more mature" mamas.....

Good luck with your decision!

thank you very much for your lovely answer!

Are you able to find a M/W and maybe a doula at this late date? I'm with Audra on age not being the issue.

(I'm giving a Nana's point of view)

if you have proper support and back up (my feelings on any homebirth) then go for it. there's nothing that say b/c your 'ama' your body will work differently (is there?)

Congrats on your almost-here baby! ITA with Dr. Michel Odent said that the first baby is the most important birth to have at home because:

"If a woman has a beautiful, sexual experience with her first birth then perhaps she can go to the hospital with her second or third. She will never let them do anything to her because she knows her body works from that first birth."

I thought I saw that in the movie, The Business of Being Born, but when I looked for quotes I found these other gems: "Most obstetricians," we learn from obstetrician Dr. Michel Odent, "have no idea what a birth can be like." and from Dr. Marsden Wagner, Former Director of Women’s and Children’s Health, The World Health Organization, "The best thing to do is get the hell out of the hospital."

Here's a good website that refutes all the usual reasons why a first time mom "shouldn't" have a homebirth, and offers some great reasons why she *should* have one. Your age should have nothing to do with it. Your health & baby's health are most important; if you have those, and a supportive partner or doula & a good midwife, then give it a shot. Some older first-time moms do experience a longer, slower labor but a good midwife should be able to help you with things that can get things moving again, like position changes, breast pumping, having a snack, etc. Good luck to you!

P.S. with my first baby, I found my midwife at 36 weeks, so it's not too late!

I think it's almost even MORE important for you to go for a home birth. That way you are not under the microscope in the hospital. It's crazy that sometimes just because of age alone, the pregnancy is considered high risk. I think that is irresponsible of providers. As long as there are no other indicators of a high risk situation, you should be able to birth however you please.

I hope you have a beautiful experience! I'm excited for you.

Many, many thanks for your answers!

I say as long as everything else is ok (No high BP, diabetes, history of bleeding etc etc), knock yourself out

As long as you're healthy and your pregnancy is a no-risk one, I say go for it!