Tuesday, 17 August 2010

Homebirths


I read a article in the Guardian yesterday which was about a survey claims over home birth being more of a risk then a hospital birth. Apparently a home birth carries three times the risk that the baby will die then if you were to have the baby in hospital. I do not believe this to be true , I believe that both have just the same risks. Which the Royal College of Midwives has confirmed.

It got me thinking about my own thoughts on home birth. I never really knew my options when I was pregnant with Oli , I think even with the choice of a home birth I would of still gone to hospital through those first labour fears and because I just didn't know what to expect , I always assumed something like giving birth to a child should be handled in a hospital around medical equipment/doctors.

After giving birth it was only then I started to find out more about different birth options and actually hear real life stories about mothers giving birth in the comfort of there own home and surrounded by there family. Luschka's homebirth story bought tears of joy and happiness to me, It sounded just simply beautiful the way she had total control and power over what was happening. Reading about Amy's preparation for her planned home birth got me excited and made me think of home birth as a safe option to choose. She even shared what she got in her homebirth bag.

I've decided that I want a home birth with the next one (when the time is right!) for many different reasons. I wouldn't fault at all the treatment I was given when I gave birth to Oli in hospital. The midwife was there with me from the moment I arrived to the moment I gave birth, this is one reason why I think a home birth may be for me next time - I had a straightforward simple & quick (don't hate me!) labour which was done with one woman in the room.


It went downhill after I had given birth and was put down on the ward. I had no support with me not being able to breastfeed and even though I was in shock , they kicked the other half out. This still upsets me to this day. He should of spent that first night with his son like I did. I didn't want to be away from him. I wasn't allowed to discharge myself because of the set hours you have after given birth and the fact there wasn't a pediatrician handy to do some checks.
That was a horrible experience and like I said still upsets me today , I felt alone in a strange place once everyone had left me. I don't like overnight stays in hospital so why do it if I have other choices available to me.

I will look into my options come the next birth and I will be the one in control , after all it is my body and I am the one giving birth.

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