Anyone here who had a home birth?

Question

I had an amazing home birth a few months ago and was wondering if there's anyone else out here who has done the same. We're a small group of "brave" women (although I think it's wise...not just brave)! Let me here from you!

- It wasn't very expensive. We paid out of pocket because we don't have insurance and it was $2900, including all pre and post-natal care. We used an awesome midwife and I had my husband and my mom with me through it all.
- We also used the Bradley method of childbirth preparation which helps you avoid getting toxemia. I'd recommend it to anyone aspiring for a natural birth!

I don't know how I could pick a "best answer" for this question! Thanks for sharing your stories with me!

Answer 1

Yep, 5 months ago! It was great. We had a fabulous midwife who charges $3000 for all the prenatal visits, the entire birth, and post-birth visits (for 2 months). Our insurance covered her as an out of network provider so we ended up paying only about $900 out of pocket- much less than a hospital birth would've cost us even if it had been covered more. You know, with all the unnecissary machines, tests, etc... plus the increased chance of a c-section... it would've really boosted the cost.

I did see a hospital based midwife (we called her our "fake midwife") for the first few months of pregnancy before we moved out of state. It was a joke! 15 minute visits, and she didn't know things like why you shouln't eat soft cheese when pregnant- she just said,"the hospital just tells us to let you now your not supposed to. *for the record, it isn't all soft cheeses, only unpasturized cheese. In the US we pasturize all our grocery store cheeses, so it is only farm bought cheese you have to worry about.* ANYHOW- when we moved and finally met with out real midwife it was like night and day! So well educated and up to date. And she would schedule an hour with us for each visit! And the rate of c-sections for women with homebirths who get transferred to the hospital is something like 11% compared to an average of about 30% in hospitals in the US. With mortality rates being the same if not better for homebirths, I would rather plan for my birth to be normal and utilize a hospital only when necessary. I am SO glad we have modern technology and skilled doctors for emergencies... but I don't think an average low-risk pregnancy needs to be overseen by a surgeon. It didn't take long to convince my husband- in fact, a few good articles from www.mothering.com was all he needed and now he (and the rest of my family... even grandma!) is a HUGE advocate for homebirth.

Back to the birth- it was amazing! We had only been in our new home for 10 days when our son arrived. We had him in a tub in our family room, it was quiet, calm, and best of all, when we were done we could just tuck on in bed upstairs. We had our food that we wanted, and got to spend the most importand bonding time with our baby in a comfortable environment. The midwife and her assistant came to us for all post birth visits.

I can't say enough what a great experience it was. I thought I would be screaming to get me to a hospital for an epidural but honestly the thought never crossed my mind. I didn't think the pain was as bad as everyone made it out to be... breastfeeding challenges were way tougher (but well worth working through!).

Answer 2

Yes!
Our first was an unmed hospital birth during which I fired the doctor on call.
Our second was a waterbirth in a freestanding birth center with a midwife.
Our third was waterbirthed at home with midwives.

If I could go back and do it all over again, I'd have had them all at home. Our homebirth was AMAZING! I was relaxed and comfortable. We listened to music and I labored in front of our fireplace. (It was February.) I moved around and ate and drank as I wanted. My midwives and doula made food for me and rubbed my back. We had a big birthtub in the kitchen and my hubby got in it with me. "We'll Be Together Tonight" by Sting played when I was starting to push and it made me laugh and cry all at once. My hubby held me in the water for a while. Then my midwife supported me from the outside while I squatted inside the tub. My hubby caught the baby and put her in my arms. She nursed for the first time right away, with the cord still attached and pulsating. Afterwards my hubby, the baby and I got to cuddle on the sofabed in front of the fire. It was a beautiful, perfect, romantic birth.

Answer 3

I had a fantastic home birth 7 months ago! It was a fantastic experience. I went into labour, one and a half hours later I called the midwife out, and hour later I got in the birth pool (fantastic, could not recommend it enough) and 2 hours later my beautiful baby daughter was born! Only gas and air to help. I was totally in control and am planning on having all my babies at home! I'm already trying for number 2

Answer 4

I had several. In fact, one of my kids probably would have died if I'd been planning a hospital birth because he was born so quickly that I wouldn't have made it to the hospital. And the cord was wrapped *tightly* around his neck. It was only because I'd planned for a home birth that I knew what to do about it--my husband was the only other adult in the house at the time, and he had no idea!! I had to talk him through it.

Answer 5

I envy you! I wanted an all natural birth but ended up with toxemia so I had to spend three days laying in a hospital bed! Luckily my daughter was healthy but I would like to try it with my second...is it expensive? Did you use a midwife or a doula?

Answer 6

I haven't yet but I will in December. Home birth is not as uncommon as you may think. It has become quite commonplace-here in the U.S. at least. I prefer homebirth -probably b/c I was raised thinking it was the best choice-in fact I was even born at home. It's just more relaxing and respects that fact the the woman gets to make teh decisions-itt is her body after all

Answer 7

well, not at home, but in my sister's car!!! en route to the hospital, my baby girl just decided it was time, so it happened before my sister could even park the car!!! it wasnt as scary as i thought, after the fact, i mean.. as soon as my water broke, i did have some fears, but the second she was in my arms, i was filled w/ nothing other than peace and contentment... and, she was the healthiest of my 4 babes!!! we called 911 for an ambulance, and the operator kept asking if she was ok, bc she wasnt crying... i said, "no, she isnt crying, she is sleeping and smiling and perfectly fine!!!" unbelieveable, but true, she is a miraculous lil' gift from God... and, her big sister and 2 big bros couldnt disagree over that at all...

Answer 8

You're not alone! In the Philippines, most indigents have home birth. Hospitals are expensive and remote. Also, There are mothers here who are afraid of hospitals. Besides, midwives are available anywhere that hospitalization is unnecessary.
I salute you, brave woman!

Answer 9

YesI did but it wasn't planned that way. I waited to long before I went to the hospital and my son was born on the living room floor. And I felt like I was going to die fron natural child birth. But once he arrived and I heard him take his first breath I wouldn't have cared where he was born I was just really glad he was here!!!!!!

Answer 10

One planned uc/hb, and two hospital births. I think that there are a lot of great benefits to hb, but one needs to very carefully weigh the benefits and risks before deciding.