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Settling for a home birth...


I have mentioned a couple of times now that I'm edging towards a home birth for a few reasons, and well it looks like the plans are now in place. I say plans because as you'll know labour and pregnancy itself doesn't really like to follow a plan and anything could change, but the hope and dream is to have my baby in the comfort and familiar surroundings of my own home. 

What made me consider it?!

A friend of mine planned to have a home birth last year, sadly it didn't quite pan out that way due to her baby being too excited to meet her and coming early (you have to be minimum 37 weeks for babies health risks) and I guess this maybe planted a seed with me. But subconsciously maybe! 

Then when we started to have such regular trips to the hospital to see the obstetrician it hit me how nervous and clammy hospitals make me, this isn't a new fear and it's nothing new for me, I'm a regular fainter when it comes to hospital visits! I've no idea why... It also then made me realise I wasn't the only one who hated the environment, Ben isn't comfortable there either- I guess no one is really? 

With the visits to the hospital and the complications we have had it made me realise I want to be in a comfortable place I feel safe and content not only for the labour but for after delivery in those precious first few hours and days. I don't want nurses, midwives and other mummy's etc in and out of my space, I want time to just absorb our baby with Ben and adjust to the reality she is here! Lock ourselves away I guess and enjoy those first hours as a little family alone, all I keep thinking (dreaming) is of the cuddles in our own bed, with tea and toast after, just the three of us. Before we decide to show her off to our family! 

I should say that although we have had regular appointments with the hospital the pregnancy is a healthy, non complicated one and baby is showing no signs of being unhealthy in the slightest. If any of that was a doubt then they wouldn't agree for it to be planned at home and I wouldn't want to either, my baby's health is my priority! 

Other reasons for me are there are statistics out there that show that women who labour at home tend to have less intervention as they don't have the stresses of the environment which can have an affect in labouring such as slowing it down. Another big reason for me is that I want to attempt to have a water birth, our hospital has just one pool and if it's in use at the time then tough!!! So the likeliness maybe of me having that birth isn't necessarily in my favour where as at home I can hop in and out as I please. 


I make the 37 week mark tomorrow and this then gives us the nod to go for it at home all being well. I had the midwives come out yesterday to look at the house and chat through the process. It's exactly as I expected, they told you any reasons that I may need to be transferred to hospital before, during or after labour, they have to prepare you. Examples could be:

- labour is not progressing and I need a hand
- baby is showing signs of distress 
- I feel I need more pain relief such as an epidural (you can have gas and air and pethidine at home) 
- your waters go but within 24 hours no contractions have started

There are some serious reasons and some not so risky but either way you have to be open to the thought that you may well end up in hospital anyway. I have my bags packed just in case, I couldn't trust anyone else to pack it for me in a rush!!!! 

So when the midwives came out they brought their kit with them, a big yellow medical waste bin filled with lots of medical bits that they may need such as towels, gloves, catheters, sick bowls, you know all the really exciting, glamorous things!!! Eurghhhh! I also have the birthing pool now ready to go, I just need a test run of it so we know how to set it up and how long it takes to fill etc! 



I am really lucky that those that matter to us support our decision for a home birth, not everyone would like it and not every one agrees in general but it has to be your own decision. It definitely helps though when your family understand why you want to and are actually excited for you to give it a go! It will be Ben and my mum with me on the day and both show no signs of panic or distress at the idea, they know we will be in safe hands of the midwives and only a short ride from the hospital should we need it.

So I need to do a little shopping trip for a few things this week and then we are all set! 

- a liner for the pool for hygiene and cleaning reasons 
- a new hose to fill pool, you don't want to use the grubby garden hose that's been sat outside for 36 years!!! 
- some nice smelly candles, because I love them and it will make it cosy! 
- some snacks for labour and drinks- for me and the midwives! And my birth partners obviously!

So that's it...  :)

Lots of love,
Hayley xxxx


7 comments

  1. Aw I am so excited for you and I cannot wait to hear how it all went after the precious bundle arrives!
    Although I'm only 23 and have no plans for kids anytime soon, I do know that is what I want for my birth. Hospitals are so freaky!
    Wishing you lots of luck and love!

    Best wishes, Danielle
    http://underlandtowonderland.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Thank you! It's nice to hear peoples positive thoughts on it :) xx

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  2. I love how focused and organised you are Hayley it's really inspiring! As you know we are trying and can't wait to start getting everything in place like this. I love the idea of a home birth- although I'm a real panicker and so it would only add to the stress for me! You're going to be an amazing mum and I can't wait to see her. I hope everything goes according to your plan xxxxx

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    1. Thanks Hol, trying to be organised but it's hard when everything is out of your control !! I can't wait for you to meet her either. Xx

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  3. wow home birth is kinda new to me but best of luck for everything and your soon to be newborn baby! <3

    Check out my latest posts on the Blog! :)
    AL xx
    RASSP | Coachella Style Inspo
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  4. That's great that you can have the choice & do things that make you feel comfortable, that's how it should ideal be - a low stress & well supported time. Me, I work in hospitals & altho don't find them scary I def don't like being a 'patient' so I'd have to a long hard think about how I'd do it! Good luck, you sound so well organised, fingers crossed all goes to plan, just an idea you may want to get a playlist sorted for music you like it may help take your mind of things better than TV in background OR you could have one born every minute & have a race who gives birth first? lol Bad joke - I know!

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