Brissy Mater Mothers Public Midwifiery Programme

[little_fish]

Following on from the previous thread about this programme...

I am booked into it and have had my first two appontments (Midwife at home and Ob at the Antenatal clinic)

The midwife told me that part of the programme is that you try and labour at home as much as possible, and then you get to go home as soon as 4 hours after the birth. The theory being that everyone is actually heaps happier at home than in a hospital, and that your midwife is always only one phonecall away.

I am a little nervous about the part where she said you don't go to the hospital until the last stages of labour (transition). Although the ob I talked to today said that for a first birth the last stage will last an hour, I still am a little worried that I will be caught int he car with something gone wrong. (probably irrational fear?)

Also when I told my Mum and Grandma about going home within hours of the birth, they both went "oh". I reassured them that I'd stay there if there was any intervention, but today when I asked the ob, she said even if you get stitches they will send you home quickly.

I was wondering if anyone had been through this program (or a similar one at another hospital) and could tell about their experience. I'd love to hear about it.

[aardvark]

I would not want to be travelling in a car in transition. No way, not even for five minutes.

I'd be of a mind to go earlier, or look at staying home to birth with an independant midwife.

[little_fish]

Thanks for your reply Aardvark. But being someone who has never been in labour, I am curious as to why you say absolutely no travel in transition?

[mum23girls]

cause it Bloody HURTS like you would not believe!! :laughing: I suppose there would be nothing wrong with going to the centre grounds and walking around when you know that you are in full labour though....

[kadownie]

Hi, congratualtions on getting into the MGP!!

I would say that your midwife has suggested that you go in at that time to minimize your time in hospy- which will minimize possible interventions in your labour- however, if you went before then, then that would be fine- they won't tell you to go home if you are in established labour.

I would go when you feel like you need to- in consultation with your midwife. It's such a shame that the midwives aren't able to come to mothers homes in early labour.

If you feel uncomfy about being at home without support- you could think about having a birth support person/doula who is familiar with birth/ transisiton etc

Hope that helps

[LizzyT]

Hi Little Fish

For my first I travelled to hospital while I was in transition (I didn't know it at the time) and I was fine. It wasn't much fun, but I don't think it would have been any better or worse than any other time in labour. Everyone is different I suppose.
In hindsight I am so glad I stayed at home rather than laboured at the hospital. My own space, no time limits and no tempting drugs.
If you can afford it, I think that a doula is a great idea.

[jojojonsey]

Hi Little Fish

You'll find that they are very discouraging early on about when to go into hospy and how long you may be in after birth because they don't like you to be prepared for a long stay and they don't want you in too early taking up space. They assess each case as it progresses pre and post labour. If this is your first baby you have some intervention during the delivery they will probably keep you in for about 24 hours.

[*mumof4*]

I've been in the car with 2 pregnancies during transition and the 1st one came VERY close to being born at the hosp emergency car park! This was with my 3rd and 4th baby and I STILL was packing it! I've found each and every pregnacney I've had to be very different in just about every way!!
I'm just thinking, with this being your first, you really don't know what labour is like to know when your in transition?? I sure didn't know what it was like till my 3rd where I actually knew every stage I was going through ...then come my 4th....although the labour was just as quick and drug free, it was still different.

[Adria]

Kadownie is right.
I am actually booked through that program, well i left a message to say i got into royal womens birthing centre and to be completely honest it scared to cr@p out of me.
It didn't feel like a lot of support, especially if it is first time. Second time round is not so bad, cause you know more about what is going on. I have heard brillant reports about this program though.
My advice to you is (this is what i was told at my antenatal classes with number 1)
when you feel you can no longer cope and need more help/support go to the hospital. I went to the hospital at 3am, while not being able to stay comfortable or focus on a well loved simple dvd.
When i arrived all seemed to be going well and then it all slowed downed. Which is normal. They transfered me back to the ward until things picked up 4-5 hrs and boy did i know it then, nothing like what it was when i first went in. DD was then born at 1pm so i was there for about 9-10 hrs and never once did they suggest sending me home. Once DD was born, there was no suggestion or hint of me being discharged early i only wanted to stay one night and had trouble getting discharged 24hrs later due to breast feeding and DD not likeing a particluar side.
This time round i want to be home ASAP, but it's number two and i feel i could cope.
I would not worry too much, if you say you don't feel ready to go home they wont send you home.
I do believe this program and the follow after care would be great having the same midwife to come and check on you at home after the birth but also being there for the birth!