Also posted in traumatic births but wondered if any ladies in this forum could offer advice too? My first labour was fairly traumatic for me - fairly short labour but long journey to hospital and was kept waiting for half an hour before a midwife saw us. My waters finally broke whilst I was locked in the toilet and had Meconimum in them.

They had to monitor Mollie througout the birth but in my opinion she was only distressed because of the long journey to hospital and unnecessary wait. Mollie was born naturally with me only needing gas and air.

I had heard that if I had had a difficult 1st birth they would be unlikely to consider allowing me a home birth. I live 20 miles from the nearest hospital (well 6 miles to the nearest but it is only open 9am - 5pm!!). Has anyone experienced a 'difficult' 1st birth but been allowed to give birth at home the 2nd time?

Any advice most appreciated, Liz

I can't see any reason why you couldn't have a home birth. Talk to your mw next time you see her. I hope you get what you want. Michelle

Hi, your first birth certainly sounds as if it was pretty traumatic for you but it also sounds like it was caused by circumstances and apart from the meconium (? baby stressed because you were), your baby was fine. You also managed to have a normal delivery with very little pain relief and I totally agree that your baby was distressed because of the journey and the wait.
There is no reason at all why you can't have a home birth next time (the only thing that would stop you would be at the time if there was meconium again but there is also no reason why that would happen again and much less likely if you are at home in your own comfortable environment).
It is your choice to have a home birth and you should make it clear that that is what you want.
My first 2 deliveries were pretty awful (I was induced with the first, had an epidural, forceps, ventouse and episiotomy and with the 2nd had a 10lbs 3 1/2 oz baby with forceps again) but I still managed to have a wonderful home water birth with my 3rd and pushed her out despite being back to back and big with no intervention and no pain relief.
Go for it!! xx

Hi

I don't see that there would be any problem at all.

I also had a difficult first birth - third degree tear and pregnancy induced hypertension, leading to induction and a reaction to the pessary. I was initially told no i couldn't have a homebirth (which they cannot say - they can only advise you not to) which I challenged.

I also had problems in this pregnancy - problems with BP again and, what they thought was a small baby but I delivered at home early hours of this morning - hope to post my full home birth story soon.

Have a look at the homebirth.org.uk website which has loads of helpful info, speak to your midwife and if you experience any negativity try aims.org.uk these have been my lifeline to getting the birth I wanted.

They cannot tell you you can't have a home birth. They can only advise you. Consider an Independent Midwife as well. I have been considered high risk throughout my pregnancy and I told them I was having a homebirth. I didn't give them a choice in the matter, and then I booked an Independent Midwife who is marvellous and incredibly supportive. I have hospital as a backup but hell will freeze over before they get me in there. The hospital I am booked into as a backup is 35 miles away so don't worry about the distance.

I'm with Carolyn Philip on this one. They can advise against it, but it really is your choice. Plenty of women are more relaxed at home, so the birth is more likely to go smoothly, and with less stress.
You say the first time the only problem was the long wait, which made you and baby stressed. Take away that stress... feel any easier?
I'd say go for it!