Thread: Hello, introductions

Hi all! I am thinking of doing a home birth. Currently interviewing doulas and reading as much as I can.

A little background info...
I am 18 weeks pregnant with baby #3, due Feb 12, 2011. I have been giving some very serious thought to home birthing (although everyone thinks I'm crazy). With my first baby, I was induced at 36w5d, at the suggestion of my doctor. There really was no reason to do so, but as a first time mom I trusted that my doctor knew best. That was a "wonderful" 49 hours of labor, that resulted in a healthy 5lb,5oz baby girl. I was so uncomfortable laying in that hospital bed for 2 full days, without being able to move, eat, or sleep.
With my second child, I went into labor naturally at 37w3d. When I arrived at the hospital, I was 4cm dilated. The nurses tried for hours to contact my doctor, with no luck. Apparently she was out of town and didn't tell anyone. After my epidural, the labor basically stopped -for hours I did not dilate. Then after 13 hours of labor, a doctor that I never met delivered (he barely made it in time) a healthy 5lb,15oz baby boy. I really want things to be different this time around.

So that's a bit about me and my birth experiences. I am very excited to be here.

Congratulations and welcome! Homebirths are awesome.

Congrats on your pregnancy and welcome!
Yay for choosing a HB this time!

Congratulations and welcome!

Congrats and welcome!

Congrats on your pregnancy, I'm thinking of a homebirth too. Good luck with yours

Congrats and welcome!! The ladies here are AWESOME support for HBs.

welcome!

I just had my 3rd homebirth. Never having had a hospital birth, I have nothing to compare it to. I do, however, have fast labours that give very little warning, and would never want to be in a vehicle to go to the hospital for even the 5 minute ride! Instead, I've birthed in my backyard hot tub twice (AWESOME), and been at home with family and select friends throughout.

The care from a midwife is awesome too. Knowing exactly who you are dealing with, being able to talk with her about concerns etc at any time (phone call away, even at 1am), hour long appointments, homeopathic remedies, and support when various things come up (issues related to loss, medical, family) and all concerns are just as important as each other. MW care is full personal and family care. You aren't just a blood pressure and pee stick!

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I had my 4th child in May and had my first home birth. I loved it and wish may other kids were born at home too! This board is a great place for support, especially if you haven't got a lot of real life support around you.

Congrats on your pregnancy and your choice for a HB! Welcome to the board!