bump (for 1st baby home birth poster)

I agree also. Had my dd at home in June 07. She was my 1st. she was 9lb 5oz and it was lovely to get in the bath and then in my own bed after.

Hear, hear! 

I had my DD at home (planned) in 2004.  She was 9 lbs 7 0z and I ended up transferring to hospital for suturing, but I am still soooooo glad I had a HB.  So despite being adviced to have a C section this time, I had baby Oliver at home 2 weeks ago.  He was 10 lbs 7 oz, but I got away with just a second degree tear this time (and no pain relief).  Both of my labour were really calm and I felt completely in control.  I am already planning my next HB in a couple of years (just don't tell my DH - don't think he is quite ready to discuss another baby, LOL!)

I completely agree with you. I had my first baby in June 2007 and I planned a homebirth after freaking out about going to hospital halfway through the pregnancy. I had a TENS machine, a pool, and gas and air, along with two midwives, my boyfriend, and my sister. I felt so calm throughout the whole thing and I never remember feeling really out of my depth or screaming with pain. When people ask me how my labour was I always reply "really good" and I don't think many women can respond like that! I am definitely going to have home births with any future babies I may have and will enthusiastically speak about it to anyone who asks (or doesn't, in some cases <G>.

my first was born accidentally at my mums in holland where the hospital to home birth ratio is about 50/50. my labour progressed a bit too fast to go to hospital and tbh i wasnt that keen on going to hospital anyway as the only pain relief on offer was pethedine or an epidural, neither of which i wanted. i only wanted to go to hospital as i thought i would disturb the neighbours with screaming, but i was absolutely quiet in the end! i had a wee pack of stuff already at home (you have to by dutch rules) and my mums a retired midwife. all in all was just under 5 hours start to finish.used a tens machine for pain relief but ditched it near the end. midwife turned up about 10 minutes before baby was born, and afterwards we all had a nice brew and some toast.

compared to my sweep at 2 days overdue, labour/pains all flippin day, b***ing at everyone, trying to find someone to take me to hospital and someone to take the first kid for a while, being made to stay strapped to that flipping heart monitor thing, not able to move around, do what i want, etc etc, third one i am thinking of another home birth. have to check it out in uk when i get home. tbh my hospital birth thoroughly put me off. not to mention no one in the flippin doctor staff could speak english. and thats burnley lol!!!

Thanks for sharing your story, hopefully it will help to encourage more people to go for a hb, especially first timers. Sounds like it went really well for you.

i would highly recommend a home birth to every pregnant person out there.

i had my baby 5 months ago and had a planned homebirth and it was the best decision i ever made. it was so peaceful, calm and relaxed. my labour was about 10 hours. it was my first baby aswell. i had no pain releif. when my midwife arrived i was already at 10 cm.

after 40 mins of pushing sebastian luca was born weighing 8lbs 13 he was a pretty big baby for a 1st. i had no stitches. it was as i planned.

i would highly recommend the active birth book by janet balaskas.

i loved giving birth so much im trying for number 2 and hopefully will have an unassisted birth next time.