Lots o' Questions bout homebirth

emmalee · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2008, 09:40 PM

Hi,

I'm new here, this is my first post.
My husband and I are thinking of starting to ttc our 3rd bub next month and are thinking of having a homebirth this time around.

So I have lots of questions to ask everyone...
How much would it be expected to cost?
How do I go about finding a midwife, I have no idea where to start looking?
Does the birth usually happen in a pool? And does the midwife supply it or do we?
What happens if your midwife is attending a another birth?
Is there lots of post natal care as well?
How prepared is the midwife if something does start to go wrong?
Is there any like 'qualifying factors' involed in the midwife accepting you?
How is your pregnancy monitored, do you see the midwife alone through out?

I guess my biggest problem will be getting over a bit of fear, I really want to do it but I'm scared at the same time.

Sorry, I have so many questions, and I know i have awhile to think about everything, I just like to be prepared.

Thanks.

justincredible · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008, 12:23 AM

How much would it be expected to cost? Generally anywhere between $3000-$5000
How do I go about finding a midwife, I have no idea where to start looking? start at places like HMA (will find a link) or Joyous Birth (Joyous Birth - The Australian Homebirth Network)
Does the birth usually happen in a pool? And does the midwife supply it or do we? Birth usually happens where the mama is most comfortable. You don't have to birth in water. I didn't with my second but did with my third. Some midwives have access to pools, and some homebirthing communities have access to pools. You can also buy them for about $180 from places like Simply Birth (Simply Birth - Home)
What happens if your midwife is attending a another birth? You'd discuss that with your midwife. Some work with a back up system, others have found it a rare thing for women to labour simultaneously.
Is there lots of post natal care as well? Depends on the midwife. Most see you up until about six weeks postpartum. Every day at first, then slowly tapering off the visits.
How prepared is the midwife if something does start to go wrong? As prepared as any professional in childbirth. They're fully trained to handle whatever labour throws at them, and know when transfer might be warranted. You'd discuss this before hand though, so you're both on the same page. Midwives are the normal birth professionals.
Is there any like 'qualifying factors' involed in the midwife accepting you? Depends on the midwife. Some have 'risk levels' that they'll accept.
How is your pregnancy monitored, do you see the midwife alone through out? You can do. You might need to see a GP if you need bloods done, or to order any meds like synto/lignacaine for surturing. You don't have to see anyone other than your midwife though.

strata · #3 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008, 10:57 AM

*cost of midwife* here in tasmania it is generally under $3000. average is $2000.

hanabi · #4 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008, 11:43 AM

The Home Midwifery Association in Brisbane: HOMEBIRTH.ORG.AU - Homebirth Information, News and Support

HMA meets at 10am every 2nd and 4th Monday at Neal McCrossen Hall, Paddington, Brisbane. (hope my spelling is accurate enough that you can find it - just behind the swimming pool on Caxton St/Given Tce). Best bet is to go along, meet any midwives and ask them your questions. General limitations to them taking you on as a client is that they prefer clients in good health and generally 'low-risk' pregnancy.

justincredible · #5 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008, 03:04 PM

Yer that... I couldn't find the link last night, sorry - was overtired

**Nyree** · #6 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008, 05:22 PM

You might like to read Birthing From Within, too. Not specifically about homebirth, but a good way to process your own fears about birthing

emmalee · #7 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 11:37 AM

Thanks everyone for the info, I've been checking out the links. My local library doesn't have that book so I'll have to check out some bookshops maybe.

I just wanted to say, in case I was misunderstood, that I know that midwives are fully trained in childbirth, my question about how prepared they would be if something went wrong was more from an equipment side of things. I wasn't implying that the were any less capable to deliver a bub then a doctor in a hospital, my first 2 bubs were both delivered solely with midwives.

Thanks again for the help.