Is anybody here considering or had an unassisted childbirth?

Question

The website is www.unassistedchildbirth.com
No negative comments please. Or I will ignore them. Thank you.

I checked the US stats and unassisted birth is legal in all 50 states.

They even have an online support group for unassisted childbirth.

Answer 1

We had two, but they were later pregnancies and we had a LOT of experience.

It's not illegal in most states, but some states feel like they have to legislate everyone's lives. Like some people...so be careful what you share IRL.

We had hospital births, one with a midwife, one prenatal care with midwife and planned UC, and two with self prenatal care and UC. It was lovely, and so much better than a bunch of nurses you don't know and that don't know you telling you how to sit, what to eat, when to push. Birth is like an instinct, that baby comes out!

M

Answer 2

I've had an unmedicated hospital birth, a waterbirth in a freestanding birth center and a home waterbirth with a midwife. I've never had an unassisted birth, but I know a couple of people who have. I think they were pretty happy with the results.

I think one thing you have to consider is if you want prenatal care during your pregnancy to help insure that all is normal before you decide if you want to have a unassisted homebirth.

You need to spend a lot of time reading about birth so that you'll be well educated and prepared to recognize if there is a problem. You need to have a backup plan for if there is a problem. A midwife you could call to come to you at home or a caregiver who might be willing to meet you at the hospital so you don't get stuck with someone you've never met if you find you do need medical care. (Either during labor or afterwards.....for example I think one friend who did u/a needed a MW afterwards to sew her up because she tore.)

You need to make sure any family or friends you would want present at the birth will be supportive and knowledgeable enough to help you if you need it.

Good luck deciding!

Answer 3

I tried to but after three days of labour I had some complications and went to the hospital. Where I was abused and they cause problems with my son, luckily he is healthy. They gave him the wrong IV which he didn't even need (they said he had low blood sugar, he didn't my doctor has reviewed the notes). In addition to it being the wrong kind of sugar they gave so much he was gaining weight and they had to give diuretics. Etc Etc.

I would literally have to be on DEATH'S DOOR before exposing my baby or myself to that kind of incompetence and abuse again. I had a nurse come up --from another section, that home birth is the most irresponsible thing you can do and she didn't care if I left "A LOADED GUN ON THE COFFEE TABLE" it is better than a home birth.

You can find like minded women at:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/empoweredchildbirth/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/c-birth/?yguid=172227525


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Edited to add:

No it isn't illegal, and no it isn't any of child services jurisdiction either. The asshole pediatrician hounded children's services until they agreed to do a home visit, they declined more than once.

All the did was drop of their new baby package and check the crib to make sure it was up to safety standards. (Which where I live the public health does too)

Answer 4

I would at least consider a mid wife. What if there is a problem? Aren't you scared about that. I know, women had babies for years without help. I just think with what hospitals and doctors offer now you'd be safe and the baby too. Good luck to you, you're far braver than me!

Answer 5

I've been to that website. I would do a lot more research before trying it and definately consult a midwife.

Answer 6

I would be scared to do it.

What about a home birth with a lay midwife?

Answer 7

well i'd say do what you want but i think you should have a docter or some kind of medical assistance because you could go into labor or be in any part of your pregnancy and start having big problems and by time you realize that you need assistance you could lose your baby. i want to make that sound wrong but that is the only nices way i could say it.

Answer 8

if its your first then please don't you don't no the risks you could hemorrhage the cord could get wrapped round baby's neck you could both die have a home birth midwives do stand back they knoe there jobs well and know the difference between pain and somethings not right don't believe all the horror stories about hospitals and midwives they do only have your best intrests take care

Answer 9

Perhaps I am mistaken, but I was under the impression that not seeking aid during childbirth is a crime. It certainly is an unnecessary risk.