[Sunnycat]

With DS I had done hypnobirthing was booked in to the Birth Centre and was planning to have an active, drug free, water birth.

Then at my 40th week appointment things all turned to sh*t, DS wasn't doing well and I had high blood pressure and had to be induced. The induction itself was pretty good, but I couldn't have the active, water birth I had wanted. I did have an epidural. DS was posterior. I didn't end up having any support from the midwife or DH (he was sick during my labour), and didn't find I was able to utilize the hypnobirthing. I wonder if I had more support would I have refused the epidural.

I had previously been against a hospital birth and the epidural because I was worried about having a needle in my spine and because I had never been to hospital before (except when i was born).

The good thing was, that because I was booked into the birth centre, I was able to go back there after the labour.

So this time around I am booked into the birth centre again. But realistically don't know if I should bother. I doubt I'm going to have support again this time and even though I wanted to hire a doula I don't think I'll be able to afford it.

Labour last time with the epidural was fine, so I wonder if I should even bother attempting a natural birth this time as all my concerns about hospital and epidural were unfounded.

So just wondering what others might do in the same situation?

[back*again]

For me personally, I'd go birth centre.....the nearest hospital is soooooo badly under staffed I don't feel 'safe' there. After my son was born I was left alone (still covered in blood) on the delivery table for an hour. My son started to get cold so I had to get up and get myself sorted. I must have lost a lot of blood because I felt incredibly dizzy so I quickly put my son down and got myself cleaned up. After I did all this, made sure my son was warm and had a shower the midwife finally returned and took my blood pressure (I was no longer dizzy), and told me it was really low and I should be sitting down. Thank goodness I didn't collapse or hurt my son!

For my next baby I chose the birth centre. The midwives were not helpful throughout the labour. I got just as much an active birth as I have had previously in hospitals. But, I had a midwife, just for me. I knew someone was there to monitor me, and they could get me to more help on time if needed.

[soontobegran]

There is every chance that this pregnancy and labour will be completely different to your first so I would definitely stick to the Birth Centre plans.
My first sounds similar to yours with all the bells and whistles but the next was as straightforward as could be.

What a shame I am on the other side of the country, I'd be your 'doula/pm' at the drop of a hat.

[Sunnycat]

There is every chance that this pregnancy and labour will be completely different to your first so I would definitely stick to the Birth Centre plans.
My first sounds similar to yours with all the bells and whistles but the next was as straightforward as could be.

What a shame I am on the other side of the country, I'd be your 'doula/pm' at the drop of a hat.

Awwwww thanks STBG if I win lotto in the next 7 months, I'm totally flying you over!

[mum201]

Could be completely different this time, you could have a fast and easy labour this time with no complications. Chances of having a sick DH both times is pretty low, so you should have some support this time.

I would give a natural birth in the birth centre a go if that's what you want, and if it doesn't work they can always transfer you.

[soontobegran]

Awwwww thanks STBG if I win lotto in the next 7 months, I'm totally flying you over!

And me likewise, in fact I'll bring the entire east coast with me

[Bunsen]

I've had 2 water births in the labour ward so being there doesn't mean you will have to go down the intervention route if it's not medically necessary - obviously facilities and policy varies between hospitals so do your research.

I debated going to the birth centre second time around but decided to stick with what I knew, largely because the unknown would make me more anxious and I saw no need to change when I had a positive experience the first time.

With the birth centre option do you see the same midwives before the birth or is prenatal care handled by a different team?

[skae]

Sunnycat, have you considered a student midwife? You can get to know them (and they you) throughout the pregnancy, and they will be there to support you throughout your labour and birth. Plus, they don't cost

[Meelamay]

Your experience sounds like what I had with my son. Its likely you were 'encouraged' to have the epidural as it dilates the blood vessels and helps reduce blood pressure - or at least that is what I was told at the time!

My daughter was completely different - no induction, no drugs, no time for any of that and in the birth suite of our local hospital. I'd only encourage you not to have a set plan of what you want to happen, go with it.

[Eirinn]

A doula is only around $850, and you could pay her with your baby bonus - if a natural birth is important to you, it's a very reasonable price!