My son was born not breathing, no heartbeat. It took 6 minutes to resuscitate him. He was then diagnosed with sepsis and possibly meningitis. I would not have wanted all of that to be dealt with in my home, and not just because of concerns over standards of care, but I'd feel like that experience would taint our home. But that may be just how I am. I relive things when I see certain objects, smell certain smells etc. Thankfully my son is absolutely fine but I can't even begin to imagine the alternative. It took 8 staff. Do you get 8 staff at a home birth? Apologies for any ignorance here but after a traumatic birth, I personally couldn't hope to relax into a home birth. Respect to those who do but why put yourself through that fear? Genuinely interested in a response to this if anyone has one?
Because going near a hospital caused me to have panic attacks.
I was treated absolutely abhorrently in hospital. I wouldnt treat an animal the way I was treated. As Ive said previously its caused me so many mental health issues throughout my life since having my eldest. Both of my kids were born completely fine and no issues with my babies so that wasnt ever really on my mind, all research I read and discussions I had with midwives supported tbe train of thought that there was no higher risk to my second child to be born at home than in hospital. I had all my pre natal appointments at home, I found that aspect of it very relaxing, no medical buildings or smells which was a trigger for me. I had the same midwife through all of my pre natal care. When my waters broke at home very late at night she text me continually to check on me and when she knew which midwives would be attending my birth she text them for updates.
The continuity of care made such a difference to me and I got a lot of support from my midwife. In my health trust all routine pre natal appointments are not carried out by community midwives unless you are having a home birth.
I can fully appreciate if youve had a sick baby in the past why you wouldnt want to home birth and had that happened to me I may well have chosen a different path. I was happy and confident with the facts given to me by my midwife. FWIW you are required to sign a document with all of this on it or you were when I had my youngest. So you do get the facts. AIMS is also a very good source for facts.
I would never judge anyone for choosing a hospital birth as Id assume (maybe wrongly) that they were making the correct choice for themselves and as said previously its a completely valid choice and for the majority of women where they do give birth.
Therefore I think its respectful to respect the choice of those women who want to home birth. Noone wants there baby to die or have complications but maternal health physical and mental is so important and for some for whatever reason hospital would be a last resort.