[klone]

Sorry if this topic has been done to death. I've been working since June in OB, focusing mainly on L&D. I have two children of my own, the first one was a fast and uneventful hospital birth, the second was a homebirth (acynclitic and OP, so labor was VERY long and difficult - if I had been in a hospital, I'm pretty sure I would have been sectioned, but all turned out well in the end).

I'm facing the prospect of perhaps having one more in a couple years. I had previously thought that any other children would also be born at home. But now that I've been working in L&D and getting a glimpse of all the potential emergencies and behind-the-scenes things that could go wrong, I'm seriously questioning the safety of homebirth. I guess you could say I'm having a crisis of faith that birth is a natural process that doesn't HAVE to be managed in order to have a good outcome.

Anyway, I was just wondering if other L&D nurses, knowing what they know, would ever opt for a homebirth for their own.

[sunnyjohn]

Not an L&D nurse (yet), but I always wanted to have a homebirth.

[kathc]

I personally wouldn't....but I don't have a problem with those that have the proper support and backup systems in place. The ones I have a problem with are those that want to do it unassisted - and believe me there are women out there that have no problem with that.

[klone]

Originally Posted by kathc

The ones I have a problem with are those that want to do it unassisted - and believe me there are women out there that have no problem with that.

Yes, I believe it. In fact, I believe you and I have debated it at another website (we were on the same side of the argument, IIRC).

[SmilingBluEyes]

I would not choose this for myself, based on some risk factors of my own. I am NOT anti-homebirthing however.

But I feel homebirth is not only a viable, but even I daresay, preferable option for very low-risk, healthy women who want to avoid unnecessary interventions and medications in the hospital environment. I do want to caveat this: I think the homebirth should be attended by a qualified, competent midwife (note: I did not say "only" CNM, but a really well-trained midwife who knows his/her limits, and has a good * pro-unassisted homebirthing. I just can't be, having seen some very dangerous and fast-occuring complications even in the healthy birthing woman.

I realize homebirthing is the "norm" in many other countries (outside the USA); babies and moms do remarkably well when the attendant is someone who knows the normal birth process very well, and also knows when intervention is appropriate to prevent complications or even saves lives. The qualified attendant acts quickly when/if complications occur.

I would also caution, this topic has been done here before, and has gotten a bit heated. Please, let's don't turn it into an ugly debate with one side (hospital personnel) attacking the other (home birth advocates)---- or vice versa.

I also think anyone taking on homebirthing should be educated well on the birth process and prepared for it. This is where a good midwife comes in. I also know, many families choosing homebirthing are rather well-educated as it is. Some, however, I have met when their homebirths did not work out and they became my patient---we not all that well-educated and were very hostile. It's hard to work when two "sides" feel hostile toward one another---and the situation is never either for any of us----both are frustrated and nervous and it's usually an emergent situation that brings these folks to our doors.

I think it's a subject worthy of discussion. Personally I would love to hear, also, from people who live where homebirthing is considered the "norm" or at least, not "fringe lunacy" by a perceived "mainstream " society.

[NurseforPreggers]

I would never. Thats just me.

[klone]

Originally Posted by SmilingBluEyes

But I feel homebirth is not only a viable, but even I daresay, preferable option for very low-risk, healthy women who want to avoid unnecessary interventions and medications in the hospital environment.

Do you think a staff nurse who works in the L&D department of the hospital at which she would be giving birth, and has very strong opinions regarding the use of medications and interventions, has a better than average chance of being able to AVOID these things?

[SmilingBluEyes]

Originally Posted by klone

Do you think a staff nurse who works in the L&D department of the hospital at which she would be giving birth, and has very strong opinions regarding the use of medications and interventions, has a better than average chance of being able to AVOID these things?

Well I think ANYone who spells out her wishes clearly has that chance, not just a nurse. I know for a fact it can happen cause we have done it....

We did have a nurse (not an L/D nurse) who delivered some months ago, who refused all baby shots (but allowed eye ointment) and refused IV and any interventions beyond position changes and massage. She did go on to the "precip" for us---yep---- we delivered her baby before dr. arrived. Her wishes were well-spelled-out and we respected them to a "T". She understood, however, that if medical complications occurred, we may have to have an IV and meds. Both sides were willing to compromise some. Both sides had clear communication going, as to expectations and the whole (short) process.

But she got the med-free, low-intervention, immediately- to- the- breast, birth she wanted. IN a hospital, no less!

[OBRN2004]

I personally would not have a homebirth. I think being a nurse, I would worry too much, especially knowing the potential complications that arise. I do think homebirths are ok, for those pts who are low risk and are able to easily access intervention (ie emer services, hospital) if needed.

[RN2B07]

I would love to have a homebirth! Not sure about the first child though, maybe the second or third. I would be freakin out too much with the first. I would love to have a home/water birth! Thats ideal