Homebirth and Waterbirth options?

Question

I'm 18 weeks pregnant with my second child and in the planning phase for how we want to deliver.  The hospital where I see a CNM (certified nurse midwife) has a tub for labor and birth, so waterbirth is an option there.  My first pregnancy was uncomplicated, delivered at 39 weeks.  I chose an epidural then because it was my first, but this time I'm exploring options of medication-free birth.  I've heard epidurals slow the birth process down, and my concern is this: with my first child (which takes longer) I had drugs (which slow it down), and from the time I walked in the hospital to the time I held my baby was less than seven hours.  I showed up at 4cm and got the epidural about 2 hours later, and then 5 hours later I had my baby.

I live in Alaska.  I'm due in February.  My concern is that I won't make it to the hospital in time because my first child came so quickly (with meds).  To avoid the possibility of having a baby on the side of the road in -20 degrees, I'm starting to lean toward homebirth.  And, I can rent a waterbirth tub for $350 or so.

Anyone have any information that can help me with my decision?  I've scoured the Internet.  Now looking for books to read, personal stories you don't mind sharing, and the like.

Sunshine Swirl · Accepted Answer

I have experience, roughly 1.5 weeks ago! I did it in a birthing spa that was rented from my midwife and had an awesome birth! I did it my way and had no problems, even doing a VBAC! My husband who was against it at first, now proclaims we should have done it from child #1! Honestly though, do you have more specific questions? Great book:  Ina May Gaskin' Guide to Childbirth! She's the Gandhi of midwifery and home birthing! Good luck with your choice!

? · Answer

i've got had 3 toddlers in the medical institution. i'd like to have a homebirth, even even with the undeniable fact that regrettably our coverage does not cover place of residing-transport midwives so it hasn't been an determination as a consequence a techniques. And now I actual have a historic previous of pre-eclampsia and severe blood stress, so it incredibly is in all likelihood no longer an determination sometime for those motives. I additionally love the considered a waterbirth, even even with the undeniable fact that our medical institution does not enable that the two, even even with the undeniable fact that i wish with a purpose to difference. I did have a midwife, in preference to ob/gyn, for my very final 2 toddlers, which was outstanding.

m smartie · Answer

I have to agree with the user before me and say that epiderals speed up labor, I was in labor for over 30 hrs with my daughter, 7 of which with epideral, I was stuck at 3 cm not progresing because of all the pain i was in and the fact that I was just plain exhausted. I lied in a tub for hours of my labor (before epideral, and although relaxing, it did not compare to the pain meds) The epideral helped me relax and I have to sing it's praises. I know many women want to try the natural thing, but I'm not one of them, I figure your child isnt gonna know otherwise, You have to always concider that something could go wrong with the labor process and if it were me, I would opt to be in the hospital should something happen. It is very rare a baby is born on the side of the road and I don't know how far a hospital is from where you live, but i dont think a baby would pop out within and hour of labor pains. Whatever you chose, good luck and congrats

Princess Cherbs · Answer

First off...epidurals speed labour up, as your body relaxes, and it able to dialate easier.  An epidural is the only form of "medication" that does not cross the blood/brain barrier with a fetus, thus the fetus still does its job, and your body relaxes and lets it happen.

Anyways...every option has its ups and downs.  Have you thought...being that far from a hospital, that having a home birth would be more dangerous?  Does your hospital not support waterbirths?

Homebirth and Waterbirth options?

4 Answers