Comments on: Homebirth What The Midwives Think!

By: Amanda Dixon

Amanda Dixon — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:53:38 +0000

1] How long have you been a midwife?
6 years
2] Do you think homebirth is more dangerous than hospital births?
NO and for low risk women actually safer!
3] Have you attended a homebirth?
Many
4] Have you given birth at home?
Yes 3 of my 4 were homebirths – my first wasn’t as he was born at 36wks but I took him home same day! my others were born at 42, 43 and 42 wks repsectively
5] Do you prefer to attend a homebirth to a hospital birth, if so, why?
I prefer to attend a birth of a women where ever she is so long as she has made a fully informed decision about where to give birth – not a railraoded decision or no decision at all because no on e told her she had real choice
6] What things make your life easier at a homebirth?
a relaxed homely and supportive environment where every one there has a trust in the woman and her abilities to birth
7] What things make your life hell at a homebirth?
Not Hell but more difficult that it could be – Panicky relatives, Not able to park close to get stuff in easy. Most issues can be ironed out before the big day unless you haven’t had the opportunity to get to know the woman before hand (common in the NHS)
8] What tips would you give to a couple wanting a homebirth that come up against a refusal?
if you have the funds employ an independent midwife – if not – ‘state you intention to have a homebirth to your midwife, the head of midwifery, a supervisor of midwives and copy the letters to the Chief Exec and the Chair of the board of Trustees, get support from others including AIMS
9] What are your thoughts on unassisted homebirths legal, emotional and practical?
it is perfectly legal so long as no one is intending to act as a midwife but only as a supporter, I think it is very sad that women feel this is the only way to acheive the birth they want – Birth is a normal physiological event but occasionally women need help whether its physical or emotional and thats what I like to feel I am there for – I provide the safety net to support the women physcally or emotionally if required – I can quite easily sit quietly in a corner if the woman wants this and is taking full responsiblity for her birth – my advise is try and find a midwife who will believe in you as much as you do, and will owrk with you to try and achieve what you want.
10] What things would make you refuse to go through with a homebirth [eg; breech, multiple, history of complications etc]
Refuse is a very strong word – every situation is individual and I would have a full and frank discussion if I thought homebirth was not nec the best choice for woman or baby in that given instance.
Any other comments regarding homebirths?
Finally, an optional question that you can comment further on if wanted;
In YOUR opinion should the cord be left to stop pulsating before clamping/cutting?
YES……… NO……… MAKES NO DIFFERENCE………..

Yes – unless there is a dire reason for seperating it – such as severe haemorrhaging requiring drugs to be given immediately (rare) otherwise keep cord intact for as long as possible or practicable for mum and baby taking into account mum’s wishes

By: Morag Knowels

Morag Knowels — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:36:08 +0000

1] How long have you been a midwife?
14 years
2] Do you think homebirth is more dangerous than hospital births?
Certainly not!
3] Have you attended a homebirth?
Yes I would say a good 15% of the births I attend are at home.
4] Have you given birth at home?
No! It was seen as the worst place to birth back when I was having my babies!
5] Do you prefer to attend a homebirth to a hospital birth, if so, why?
It just feels RIGHT, calm, familiar, allows me to be the best midwife I can be.
6] What things make your life easier at a homebirth?
Time stops, nothing can disturb the birthing process, no one entering the room whispering in a stage whisper “Can you come help with room 4 please?” having everything the mother needs to make her feel safe.
7] What things make your life hell at a homebirth?
Dogs! They have no manners LMAO
8] What tips would you give to a couple wanting a homebirth that come up against a refusal?
Question the reasons and research like crazy.
9] What are your thoughts on unassisted homebirths legal, emotional and practical?
Sometimes they just happen, but as for a planned unassisted I have to say it’s not a wise choice.
10] What things would make you refuse to go through with a homebirth [eg; breech, multiple, history of complications etc]
Not much would make me refuse, if I felt the birthing area was not suitable, but then I would have a quiet word with the house owner to try and sort that out. MultiGrav with a history of multiple CSections would make me think twice.
Any other comments regarding homebirths?
Finally, an optional question that you can comment further on if wanted;
In YOUR opinion should the cord be left to stop pulsating before clamping/cutting?
YES………100% yes if at all possible!

Thank you! I shall now have a look around and see where I can get my hands on some packs!
Rag x

By: yzzy

yzzy — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:42:41 +0000

Interesting question… My daughter is due her first baby in the first week of March and the ammount of ~~excuses~~ reasons she has been given why she shouldn’t have a home birth… all centered around the “You or your baby could die” rubbish…

Hopefully in a few weeks time she will be able to hold up a happy healthy baby and prove the consultant wrong!

By: Liz

Liz — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:32:52 +0000

Interesting that so many midwives are very much in favour of home births – and yet it seems to be the case that consultants are usually determined to see women birthing in hospitals.
I wonder how much training midwives get in home births and how that compares with consultants?