Homebirthers: Tell me about your care providers?

[stellarella]

Trying to decide what configuration of care providers I want.

So what is everyone else having?

Unassisted?

Midwife? How many?

Doula? How many?

Student midwives or doulas??

Are you seeing your GP for care or your midwife or no one?

Thx

[Lillynix]

Not quite sure where I fit in really! It's been 4months since i've had any kind of ante-natal care. The last time I went was when I went to see a hospital midwife for my check-up at 20weeks. She ****ed me off (as did hospital "policies"), and that's when I decided to freebirth, so haven't been back to the hospital since. I just don't feel the need to. I am getting regular BP checks at my local chemist though as I had BP issues last time.

I am heading back to the hospital next week though for my 36week check with the Ob, only reason i'm bothering is because I know they'll do a quick scan and i'd like to double check the position of the placenta and for peace of mind before the birth.

I've been really happy with this option for myself, I feel fine and healthy and positive everything is all okay, and i'm finding this pregnancy a lot more relaxing and enjoyable than my first, because i'm not stressing about what might happen at my next appointment.

I suppose it's all just what you feel comfortable with! I for one will always have the 20week ultrasound and the 36week check for peace of mind, but other than that, I don't think i'll bother with any other care next time :)

[ikis84]

I have hired an independent midwife. She has a few backup midwives that she works with (I get to choose which one I want out of who is available at the time and I get to meet them towards the end of the pregnancy). Although, she said she would be happy to work by herself or with just a doula if I prefer. I haven't decided if I will have a doula or not - I am hoping that my midwife will be that kind of support to me, yk?

I am seeing my midwife for all of my antenal care, which is at her home/office, with one in-home visit at 38 weeks. That is one part I don't like - I would much rather all or most appointments at my house as I have a toddler. Also, I think it changes the dynamics somewhat by me being in her home/office... I know I would be alot more assertive in my own house. Not that I really have any need to be assertive as she always asks before she does anything (like listening with pinnards or doppler, palpatating belly etc) but you never know when the need would come up.

[AM]

First time I had mw with backup

Second time I had a mw without backup, and a trainee doula

Third time I organised a doula, and would perhaps have had a mw on call if I felt the need at any time. My DH was so opposed to freebirth, i felt compelled to compromise slightly. (I had a m/c so it all fell through anyway! :))

[Duchessa]

I am having midwife with no backup - given her distance from us we are educating ourselves pretty well. My mother will attend as a support person for the kids and she is, well was, a nurse and has had quite a bit of birthing experience.

I initially saw a fertility specialist for care (until 12 weeks), then my regular ob/gyn, until about 24 weeks when I found my middie. Now midwife only, though I had to see a GP recently as part of the (precautionary/courtesy) booking procedure for the hospital.

[mamajess]

I'm not currently preg, but am following this thread with interest!
I had both bubs at home as planned
First with 2 mids , my partner and best friend (then a student mid)
Second as above, plus another close friend as support person for my then 15mth old
Both times we had mids booked for backup, a backup booking at a hospital, and also regular checks at my gp, who was v supportive of my choices, and helpful too
Next time round, think I'll consider freebirthing...

[Pixie]

Unassisted? Thinking about it

Midwife? Yes hopefully a community midwife

How many? Just one throughout pregnancy then who knows at the birth:rolleyes:

Doula? No

Student midwives or doulas?? Never a student midwife and maybe. maybe a student doula but only a slim chance

Are you seeing your GP for care or your midwife or no one? The midwife comes to my house every 6-8 weeks or so. Then it will only be to check BP and HB usual stuff.

[ShadyCharacter]

Unassisted?No way.


Midwife? How many?1 midwife, who is also a friend. Hhmm, I know she has another midwife she works with, but we haven't really discussed a backup - maybe because I expect my birth to be her first priority :laughing:


Doula? How many?No doula, as I see my midwife much like a doula also (she had offered to be my doula if I went through the BC again). I also have my sister who lives next door as another support person, and she is fine if I want her there or not at the time, so no pressure.


Student midwives or doulas?? Nope.


Are you seeing your GP for care or your midwife or no one?See other post in your thread about tests. But primarily my midwife, though we have just played it by ear appointment wise up until now. Have a supportive local GP who is happy to check my BP/urine, etc if needed, which is handy as my midwife lives an hour away. She is also happy to write scripts for my midwife, which is convenient and saves some $$

[V8]

I am having a midwife and a student midwife/doula.

I am only having them there for the birth, i get my antenatal care with my GP who insists i see her once a month, although i'd rather not really see her, but it's better than not seeing anyone i guess. All things are going well with this arrangement so far. :)

[stellarella]

Did you get in touch with a midwife straight away? I am only 5 weeks.

[ikis84]

I called around straight away, but didn't book in with anyone until about 12 weeks. I think it really depends on how many you have to pick from...

[ShadyCharacter]

I did (well as soon as I found out), but only because she was a friend anyway. In any other situation, I would be playing it safe and finding a middy asap :)

[MoonstoneMumma]

when i finally fall pregnant and after my first scan then i will book.

i have found the midwife i want but still have to interview her yet. there is one im i would love love love to have btu she is too far away from me - i have worked with her a few times and she is fantastic!

i will also be having my dh, my mum and one of my bf to video for us. most of the time it will just be me and dh, the others in the other room. i am a doula myself so i will be informing all of my support people of what iw oudl be telling my clients - and what i expect from them. hopefully the midwife will already know all that kinda stuff anyways

best of luck!

[stellarella]

Well I have spoken to one middy so far, there a few more on my list...anyway this one said she usually provides all the emotional and physical support to her women, she feels a doula is great for hospital births but is quite confident in supporting me herself. So that is good.

I am still concerned about Oscar though. My mother lives 2 hours away but then on an island and the ferries only run at specific times.....

So I wouldn't like to rely solely on her to be Oscar's support person.
He might need his own doula.

But then again, if I labour at night he will be asleep anyway....and the taxis run in the day....

[Duchessa]

That is a tricky problem, Ella. Can your mum come and stay for a couple of weeks, or would your relationship with her not support that? She could help out over those last couple of uncomfortable and tiring weeks too... Would she be willing/able?

[spiritedfamily]

Stellarella - the joys of birthing at home :D

Your little one is in his own home surroundings so this helps alot during the birth.

I've birthed at night with the whole family asleep waking up to a new sister so you might find if its a nighty, it will be very convenient.

I've also birthed in my birthing space while the kids were sent outside and only occasionally being monitored by dh and the back up midwife. I realise this might not be ideal for your little one as he's abit younger and my kids had each other.

Have you thought about having your little one with you with your dh coaching him.

I think we worry far more than there is anything to worry about. So long as you talk before birth with your little one and his mind is prepared, go with the flow, homebirths are filled with plenty of positive surprises :goodvibes:

[stellarella]

Yeah my mum could come stay, but she did that last time and it just pressured me when I was 'overdue'....I felt like everyone was waiting for me iykwim.

Oscar will be too little I feel, he is very needy, especially of me.

[HappyMumsy]

For my first child I had 1 midwife, no need for a doctor or doula as she did everything herself. Was there in a medical capacity and also in a supportive emotional role.
Also had my husband.
Midwife has a backup midwife that i saw at about 16 weeks for one meeting, she is thre just in case my middwife can't make it- very unlikely.

For this baby I'll have the same midwife, same hubby, the first child now 2.5yrs and probably Granny to look after first child if she needs it.



Thx