Going Unassisted?

[punkmama3]

I'm planning for a UBAC (unassisted birth after ceserean) in July.
I was just wondering if there are any other mamas here that plan on having an unassisted birth?

*hugs*

[Tangy]

I had an unassisted pregnancy and birth. It was an amazing experience. My sister is having a UC in September and I am very excited to be there for it.

[Luv2bemommy]

I would love to have one but I'm scared cause I go so overdue!! There is a mama I know that had a UC, I her birth story was amazing..

[zonapellucida]

I am hoping to go uc this time. I called the midwife too soon last birth but am going to wait this time.

[scatterbrainedmom]

yay!! i have not and never would (my babies come early and all have needed lots of oxygen), but as long as you are prepared for anything I think it is a wonderful plan!!

[punkmama3]

I had an unassisted pregnancy and birth. It was an amazing experience. My sister is having a UC in September and I am very excited to be there for it.

That's awsome (both things you said, lol)!
I'm nervous/excited. The only people that wil lbe here is me (obviously), my hubby, my brother (cause he lives here), our kids, and my friend (who offered to help with the kids while I had the baby). No one else will be getting a phone call til after the baby is born. But I haven't decided if I just wanted to wait a week and then call, or call after and tell everyone not to call or come over for a week. *shrugs* We'll think of something, I'm sure...

[punkmama3]

I would love to have one but I'm scared cause I go so overdue!! There is a mama I know that had a UC, I her birth story was amazing..

Well, I wont' lie, I am nervous. I mean, my other 3 were born in a hospital (well, technically, my 3rd was a planned unassisted birth, but we needed to go to the hospital. Kinda long story). So, yeah, it's a bit scary, I mean your in charge of what's going on and you MUST have someone you trust, and won't annoy the hell out of you (LOL). We dont' have many people that will be here: hubby, friend, my kids, and my brother.
But, yes, I'm doubly nervous cause I'm going to have this baby in 2 mths (or so)!!!

[punkmama3]

I am hoping to go uc this time. I called the midwife too soon last birth but am going to wait this time.

Aw, good luck to you! I'm sure you'll do beautifully:goodvibes:

[punkmama3]

yay!! i have not and never would (my babies come early and all have needed lots of oxygen), but as long as you are prepared for anything I think it is a wonderful plan!!

I am prepared, I mean, I feel like I need more meditation or birth art or something like that, to help calm my nerves, but deep down I feel like it will be fine. it's funny, because part of me is feeling dumb saying to myself "But I dont' know how to catch my baby!", lol. This, I know, is instincts, and I'll definitly be alright, along with anything else that needs to be done, it'll just be instinctual.

[bobandjess99]

I had my first baby UC, and will have any future ones the same, unless something comes up to make me feel that is not the best choice....

luv2bemommy - I'm sure your babies come when they are supposed to...they prolly just don't know some male doctor a couple centuries ago arbitrarily decided they should take 40 weeks to cook, LOL!!!!!

[SheilaJoy]

Hannah was accidentally an unassisted birth. My labor went too fast, and dh ended up delivering her on the bedroom floor (hydrogen peroxide works wonders, btw!). I was very unprepared, so it was extremely painful for me, but I feel so blessed that we were able to do it that way. Dh was soooo proud that he got to catch his own baby. It really made me realize that OBs don't really do that much!!

[Shannon]

There is no way I could do it. I would be way to worried something would go wrong. And I don't know what all I would need to do to get the baby good to go after birth or myself...what do you do if you need to be sewn up? Or if the baby has something wrong with it when it is born that requires immediate medical attention? Do you know how to clamp the cord and all that stuff??? Sorry, so many questions...it's just something that I truely don't know anything about...I had NO idea women would do this unassisted...lol I thouhgt the most extreme was a homebirth with a midwife...LOL

What does UC mean?

[Quiverfillin]

UC=unassissted childbirth

I really love my MW, and feel better having her there. But she's a very hands off mw, only catching and applying some perineal massage so I didn't tear. Other than that, I did my thing.

Birth works. It's amazing how little meddling is required. Many, many "complications" are actually caused by medical intervention like fetal monitors & internal checks. OB's will tell you those things are essential for birthing a baby, but fetal monitors can lead to needless c-secs and internal checks dramatically increase the risk of infection! Birth was designed to work on its own, and it does.

[Shannon]

I do believe birth is a natural process...It was designed for us to do. I guess I personally would just not be comfortable because of all my fears. But I really admire those of you that do embrace this....it sounds like it can be a very peaceful entrance to the world...right on mommy's bed...how much better can it get...:)

[MamaLove]

I am so glad that I had an unassisted pregnancy and homebirth! Feeling trust and being aware of what to do in every possible situation are all you need!

Nature has so many cures for any possible problems. If you tear, there are alternatives to stitches...vitimin E oil, seaweed, comfrey. You can get a clamp for the chord, or just tie it with a shoelace. Those nose suctions bulbs work great for helping a baby start breathing if needed. Sheaperds Purse extract stops a hemmorage in 5 minutes! Many complications are caused by intervention, and natural risks are less likely. For example, cesareans are 50% of hospital births and 8% of homebirths. The hospital is always there if needed, but usually it's not.
I read a lot of Midwifery today and basically trained myself to be my own midwife.

About VBAC, I know a mama of 5 who had a cesarean for her first, and homebirths for the rest, 2 of which were twins!

Good luck, mama, you can do it! Have faith and trust that childbirth is an ancient, natural thing!

[lindsayncadence]

If you want to have a UC do you still go to an obgyn/midwife during the pregnancy ? trying to get resources for when we ttc!

[MamaLove]

If you want to get a birth certificate, you need to proove you were pregnant if there is no midwife or docter to witness the birth. So, you at least need to get a slip proving you are pregnant or else you can't get a birth certificate!:thumbsup:

[lindsayncadence]

ok i figured you went to the dr but what if they dont agree with UC??? I doubt highly doubt i can find anyone in my town to agree with it my obgyn is realllly hesistant to remove my iud even so im gonna go to another to get it out its just sad we dont have many midwives here only one and idk if they would agree

[navars2]

It sounds very nice in a lot of ways but I would not personally feel comfortable having one. I hemorhaged after my DD and am diabetic. My midwife/OB are very hands off, though, and and I've agreed with the medical interventions they requested.

[scatterbrainedmom]

ok i figured you went to the dr but what if they dont agree with UC??? I doubt highly doubt i can find anyone in my town to agree with it my obgyn is realllly hesistant to remove my iud even so im gonna go to another to get it out its just sad we dont have many midwives here only one and idk if they would agree

so..uh..don't tell them what you are planning lol. i think a lot of women who UC also UP (unnasisted pregnancy). for documentation i would just take pics of my face and belly (shirt lifted to see the real thing) and hold a newspaper with the date beside it and sort of track it, like weekly or monthly pics.

[bobandjess99]

If you want to get a birth certificate, you need to proove you were pregnant if there is no midwife or docter to witness the birth. So, you at least need to get a slip proving you are pregnant or else you can't get a birth certificate!:thumbsup:
ACTUALLY..... this varies by state.
some states require proof from a doctor, others just a statement from someone who knew you were pregnant...etc.....it's best to find out what your state requires!

[lindsayncadence]

but if i do UP then i wont know what im having LOL it dont matter though but should i google laws on birth certificates????

[my3punkins2005]

i don't think i could do the unassisted birth i would love to have a home birth when we get pregnant with #4 but really don't think there is anyone in my area that would consider it..we have a midwife birthing center a reasonable distance but in the city (which i really hate to go in as we have a high crime rate) but i think i would be more comfortable at home..anyone out there in baltimore maryland?

[MamaLove]

Thanks for correcting the state law thing, Jess. I didn't know it was different in every state.

It was a fun suprise for me not knowing if it was a boy or a girl, and to see that all the dreams I had were right! I even had a dream where I could see him in there, just like an ultrasound. (I didn't want to go to a doc unless absolutely neccesary, but my MIL was RH-, and she insisted I get my blood checked, which was the only time I went, and they said I was rh+, so no problem there, but a high risk pregnancy because I hadn't seen a doc earlier (not a convincing reason for me!) I did need that proof of pregnancy, though, so it had it's purpose.)

It's so important to do what your motherly instincts feel. If you do get an ultrasound, you will know the sex, have proof of pregnancy (if needed), and also be assured that there won't be any complications. I'd google your state laws on birth certificates if you don't have any experienced friends to ask. :thumbsup:

[Luv2bemommy]

I had my first baby UC, and will have any future ones the same, unless something comes up to make me feel that is not the best choice....

luv2bemommy - I'm sure your babies come when they are supposed to...they prolly just don't know some male doctor a couple centuries ago arbitrarily decided they should take 40 weeks to cook, LOL!!!!!


Oh they cooked alright.. I wouldnt let them induce me until 42 weeks.. LOL I wonder how long I would have went past 42 ? LOL

[*~Mindy~*]

i wanted to, i was 17 though and my dad found out when i was 26 weeks. by 27 my mom had called every docs office around us and had dragged me because he was threatening to call cps and stuff, and she was scared my baby and my brother would get taken, and she wouldnt listen to me :sigh:
i just refused everything but blood tests, and urine tests (and they told me i had a uti when i didnt....) no GD test (but i was checking my sugar myself, so there was no point) and no anything else either. they listened to our hearts and poked at me a bit and tested my urine and thats about it, though the wic and medicaid offices were in the same building and i had both for a few weeks so i had to talk to them a couple trimes, but no biggie at the docs!! i just refused everything and drove them insane LOL!!
and i went 5 times total to a doctor and once o a midwife, and it was worse. i want to go unassisted whenever i get pregnant again.

lindsay- you can go to a freestanding ultrasound place if you want to know badly, plus you can get a 3d or 4d us... they do ask who your doc is, but ummm...they dont check it out, lol. the one i went to asked and i told her and shes like oh, okay like shed heard of her before. shes not an ob,and its a community clinic an hour and a quarter + away from there, but okay, LOL.

the only thing i was going to do was get a doppler towards then end and get an ultrasound so there wouldnt be any surprises if something was wrong, kwim? well i ended up getting 2 hospital ones and a freestanding one, but thats besides the point, LOL.

candice- i wonder about that, too. i knew he needed out so i wentt o be induced at 42 weeks too :) i definitely wonder if he didnt need out, how long i could have gone, the only thing i had to compklain about was he was laying funny on my hip and it was grinding my bones together but i solved that- i just didnt walk much unless it was a certain way, LOL.

[Shannon]

I was wondering about the RH factor..I'm glad that was brought up...I am Rh- so I have to have my shots...

[lindsayncadence]

http://onlinedocs.andersonpublishing.com/oh/lpExt.dll/PORC/1952d/19bf0/19c55?f=templates&fn=document-frame.htm&2.0#JD_370515


i found that but this stuff confuses me lol

[bobandjess99]

I was wondering about the RH factor..I'm glad that was brought up...I am Rh- so I have to have my shots...


Hi there...I'm not saying you shouldn't get the after birth shot...but i just wanted to jump in and say that many negative moms choose not to get the shot
I just want to make sure you understand it is an option to NOT get the shot, *if* that is your choice. I'm not in the business of convincing people of anything...just trying to get them to understand all of their options, LOL!

Personally, i woiuld not get the shot at 28 weeks....in fact, my CNM will NOT give them, because, in her own words, "you can't tell me that stuff doesn't get to the baby" But she does recommend post-birth shots, if the mom wants them.

If you do get them, be sure you have your doc/midwife special order the ones without mercury in them, especially if you go through with the during- pregnancy shot!!!!!!!

[bobandjess99]

Oh they cooked alright.. I wouldnt let them induce me until 42 weeks.. LOL I wonder how long I would have went past 42 ? LOL

Have you ever been to the "ten month mommas" website?
GREAT stories of moms who gestate for 44+ weeks!!!
It is normal for *some* moms to gestate that long.
(I'm pretty glad my darling came at 40 weeks though,:laugh: )

[mommyof2girls]

We aren't TTC'ing for a while. but i've been thinking about a UC. when I labored at home, with just my family, my daughter right there. The contractions seemed so natural. I felt so connected with myself.
Then when I got to the hospital, the contracts got painful (but weren't any stronger than they were at home..so it was a mental thing I guess).

I have a couple of UC ?'s.

1)if you have a uc birth do you see a m/w during the pregnancy? What do you tell them..thanks for the prenatal stuff, but I won't need you during the delivery.?

2) What do you do with all the "stuff" after the birth. cutting the cord, sucking the nose...all that.

I feel comfertable birthing at home, but don't know what to do to with caring for the baby after it's born.

[Radish4ever]

I was wondering about the RH factor..I'm glad that was brought up...I am Rh- so I have to have my shots...


I just wanted to say to make sure you know your DH's blood type..........


I refused Rhogam bc my DH is A- just like me so the shot is completely unneccesary - I think most practicioners give it regardless (much like the eye drops to the baby) bc they don't know if you're lying about your past (in this case, the father of your child)

[MistyP]

You might be interested in this website:

http://www.unassistedchildbirth.com/ucstories

This is Laura Shanley's web page. She wrote Unassisted Birth.

[Luv2bemommy]

Have you ever been to the "ten month mommas" website?
GREAT stories of moms who gestate for 44+ weeks!!!
It is normal for *some* moms to gestate that long.
(I'm pretty glad my darling came at 40 weeks though,:laugh: )


Ohhh I have!! It's bookmarked!!! I didnt get a chance to read that though until after my last child was born, but its something I will look into when I get pregnant again!

I don't mind inductions as far as the pain but its just the interventions I hate! I just want to be able to give birth without being messed with for once! I know no OB or midwife in a hospital setting will allow me to go to 43,44,45 weeks either unless I just flat out refuse and not show up. :laugh:

[daisybaby]

Well, if my dh ends up deploying before the baby is born, I may just have a home, UA birth!!! I have 3 other children and my "helpers/labor partners" that have volunteered live 20 minutes away and I'd have to do something with my children. I'm thinking the easiest thing would just be to have the baby at home!! :laugh:

But really, I dream of having a home birth, or at least one without an epidural, but it scares me! I thought I would try without the epidural with the last one and the contractions just came on too strong, too fast and i broke down and got one. However, I had a hard time pushing because I couldn't feel the muscles too push. I mean I still only pushed for about 15 minutes, but that was a little scary that the baby was kind of stuck for a couple of minutes. And then when they want you to transfer beds, I couldn't pick myself up to transfer. So, I'd love to at least do it without pain medication, but I don't know if I want that to happen if I have to have other people besides my husband with me. Agh! I've got about 15 weeks to figure this all out and I don't know what to do!!

[punkmama3]

I haven't been on in a few days, and WOW. LOL. I will have to find time later to come back and read all the replies!

But right now, I'm off to clean some more (I'm on perma-clean, seriously, lol).

[punkmama3]

There is no way I could do it. I would be way to worried something would go wrong. And I don't know what all I would need to do to get the baby good to go after birth or myself...what do you do if you need to be sewn up? Or if the baby has something wrong with it when it is born that requires immediate medical attention? Do you know how to clamp the cord and all that stuff??? Sorry, so many questions...it's just something that I truely don't know anything about...I had NO idea women would do this unassisted...lol I thouhgt the most extreme was a homebirth with a midwife...LOL

What does UC mean?

Oh, no worries about all the questions :mrgreen:

You don't always need to be sewn up. As someone else said, there are things you can do without needing stitches.
You'd call 911, and do everythign you can to help the baby while they're on their way. We have 2 hospitals that are 5 minutes from us, and it takes them about 10 secnds to get to our house.
Yup, clamping is the easy part, lol. We plan on using embroidery floss, with clamps as back-up. We have a digital hanging scale (like the ones you'd use for fishing)to wiegh the baby, and a tape measurer to measure. I have a huge box packed full of things we'll need, or won't need hahaha, but it's all in my closet. I could make a list if you're curious to know what I put in the box :thumbsup:

[punkmama3]

About VBAC, I know a mama of 5 who had a cesarean for her first, and homebirths for the rest, 2 of which were twins!

Good luck, mama, you can do it! Have faith and trust that childbirth is an ancient, natural thing!

Oh, that's AWSOME! Especially the part about the twins: how amazing!

[punkmama3]

I was wondering about the RH factor..I'm glad that was brought up...I am Rh- so I have to have my shots...

I'm RH- negative as well actually. I see an OB, for a few reasons:
1. He's very nice, and I swear he should be female and a midwife, lol
2. My 3rd was a planned UC, that ended in a csection. If I actually feel like I have this unexplained reason to go in to the hospital (like I did with my 3rd), I want to have someone I trust there (I have his home number, cell number, and pager number, so I dont' have to call the office).

I had my Rhogam shot, no problem. I dont' plan on getting another one, unless I really need to. From what I read though, the 2nd dose is to protect the next baby from the antibodies that could potentially build up. I could be wrong though. If that is the case, I dont' need it, cause I don't plan on having any more babies...

[punkmama3]

We aren't TTC'ing for a while. but i've been thinking about a UC. when I labored at home, with just my family, my daughter right there. The contractions seemed so natural. I felt so connected with myself.
Then when I got to the hospital, the contracts got painful (but weren't any stronger than they were at home..so it was a mental thing I guess).

I have a couple of UC ?'s.

1)if you have a uc birth do you see a m/w during the pregnancy? What do you tell them..thanks for the prenatal stuff, but I won't need you during the delivery.?

2) What do you do with all the "stuff" after the birth. cutting the cord, sucking the nose...all that.

I feel comfertable birthing at home, but don't know what to do to with caring for the baby after it's born.


1. You don't have to tell them anything. No one HAS to know. I havent' told any of my family or friends, EXCEPT my brother and my one friend, that's it. Same with the M/W. Plus, if she's a homebirth midwife, she might not make it anyway, so you end up delivering by yourself. I'm currently seeing an OB (explanation of why a comment up from this I believe), who is VERY supportive of me and my family. You will run up against people that think you are totally insane and out to kill your child. It's best to ignore them, lol.

2. The after stuff is the easy part! You wait for the cord to stop pulsing before you clamp and cut, OR if you plan on doing a lotus birth, you might want to read up on that (basiclaly the placenta stays attached until it falls off by itself). All you need is one of those nose bulbs if you do need to suction, or you could apply some light sucking to the nose/mouth (like mouth to mouth on an infant, only you'd be sucking instead of blowing). Most babies don't need to be suctioned when they're born though, but you should have one of those bulbs on hand, just in case. Get a digital hanging scale to weigh, and a measuring tape to measure. if you want, you can purchase a home PKU test kit. I could make you a list of what I have for us if you'd like:mrgreen:

[canadiannancy]

I would be really interested in hearing what you have prepared for your birth. I am planning a homebirth...and depending on how it goes future babes might be uc.

[Shanna]

Have you ever been to the "ten month mommas" website?
GREAT stories of moms who gestate for 44+ weeks!!!
It is normal for *some* moms to gestate that long.
(I'm pretty glad my darling came at 40 weeks though,:laugh: )

I'm pretty sure I belong there. Induced at 42 wks w/ my first when there was NO sign of labor. Only went to 41 wks w/ my second since it was an attempted VBAC (or would have been attempted if I'd have ever gone into labor). No sign of labor that time either. Actually the closer we got to the 41 wk date, the fewer the contractions got. Of course my 42 wk DS was 8lb 13oz and my 41 wk DD was 7lb 4oz, so they were well cooked. I seriously think I'm a long gestater (sic). Next time I'm lying about my LMC. Even though a VBAC is less likely then pigs flying, I don't want pressure to schedule before at LEAST 40 wks.

[Shanna]

BTW, do you mean unassisted or unattended because there's a big difference! A lot of midwives would be OK w/ the unassisted hands off approach. I have a TON of homebirth friends, but I don't think any went unattended. My bradley teacher lost her baby attempting an unattended VBAC home birth when she was going through her midwifery (sp) training. I don't know that it was her first VBAC, she has 5 boys VBAC homebirthed and I don't know the order. But I don't think I could live w/ myself if that happened, and though it's not all that common it does happen. One of our Mommy and Me Moms had a uterine rupture about 2 mos before our due date. It's a little different when you meet the 1% face to face.

Anyhow, :2cents:

[Bluemoon]

my last 2 have been unassisted pregnany and births. Now I wouldn't have it any other way
Barbara:thumbsup:
oh..my 1st unassistated was "19 days late" and was fine

[punkmama3]

BTW, do you mean unassisted or unattended because there's a big difference! A lot of midwives would be OK w/ the unassisted hands off approach. I have a TON of homebirth friends, but I don't think any went unattended. My bradley teacher lost her baby attempting an unattended VBAC home birth when she was going through her midwifery (sp) training. I don't know that it was her first VBAC, she has 5 boys VBAC homebirthed and I don't know the order. But I don't think I could live w/ myself if that happened, and though it's not all that common it does happen. One of our Mommy and Me Moms had a uterine rupture about 2 mos before our due date. It's a little different when you meet the 1% face to face.

Anyhow, :2cents:

Unassisted. I won't have a midwife, but my husband, children, and a friend will be here.

I live 5 minutes from 2 hospitals, it takes them approx 10-20 seconds to get here. I've read up on the risks, and have started a page of "What to look for"s for my husband and friend. I trust myself to know if I need to go to the hospital, then the hospital I will go. My 3rd was a planned UC, and I went to the hospital because deep down I knew something was wrong. I was right, and he was born via csection, at my request.
And trust me when I say: I've been very vigilant these past few weeks (I plan to be for the next 6 or so too). I've never had a csection before my 3rd baby, so I've been making sure I "listen" for any signs that something isn't right. So far, everything seems to be just perfect *knocks on wood* And yes, I'm superstitious (my spelling is horrible!!!, lol.

[punkmama3]

I would be really interested in hearing what you have prepared for your birth. I am planning a homebirth...and depending on how it goes future babes might be uc.

Here's the list (Keep in mind, I have more first aid crapola than anyone I know, lol, so I included it in our "birth box" :thumbsup: ):
2 fitted sheets
2 flat sheets
1 bottle rubbing alcohol
4 big,black trash bags
4 towels
4 washcloths
clothes for mom and baby for after everything is done
thermometer/covers
gauze
gloves
q-tips
8 recieving blankets
2 plastic/flannel backed tablecloths
flashlight/extra batteries
large bowl
small bowl
scissors
embroidery floss (backup cord clamps too)
saline drops
tape measure
2 "Peri" bottles (I bought 2 of those travel squirt bottles, largest ones they had)
medical tape

I still need these though, but I'll have them in the next few weeks:
hanging digi scale
fetoscope
PKU kit

[MamaLove]

I made an emergency info birth book for dh, but we never used it because I remembered everything in the moment. I learned all I needed to know from Special Delivery by Rahima Baldwin and Midwifery Today.

Here's more "just in case" stuff to add to the list:

Suction bulb (if baby needs help breathing)
Shepherds Purse tincture (stops hemmorage in 5 minutes)
Angelica root tincture (for retained placenta)
Vitamin E oil (to speed healing or seal a tear)
Lavender oil (to kill germs in the air and promote relaxation)
Comfrey leaf tea (for perry bottle and sitz bath, soothing and speeds healing)
Goldenseal or Rosemary powder (to prevent infection of the imbilical stump)
Juices and light snacks (to keep mama nourished)
Nursing Pads

[Abunchofus]

but if i do UP then i wont know what im having LOL it dont matter though but should i google laws on birth certificates????

most states have independent ultrasound places that you could go to in order to find out gender! places like fetalphoto and others.

[Abunchofus]

lindsay- you can go to a freestanding ultrasound place if you want to know badly, plus you can get a 3d or 4d us... they do ask who your doc is, but ummm...they dont check it out, lol.


Actually - I called several in 4 different states when we were expecting one of ours and I just told them that I didn't use a Dr. that I was using a midwife friend and some said ok just tell us that and others said to just have to write a basic letter saying it was ok for the u/s to be done. no biggie at all.

[contemplation31]

As someone that worked in labor&delivery for years, I just don't think I could EVER do a UB :holysheep: !!!! I would consider a home birth with a MW (and have considered for the one I'm having :hugegrin: !)
If I really wanted it though, I'd go with a MW that is willing to just be there for the unexpected i guess. Just make sure it's a REPUTABLE MW!! Saw my fair share of moms, usually teens, come in with the MW that there's mom friends sisters cousins best friends beautician recommended!!! If they don't have a solid medical background with MASSIVE OB experience, say thank you, goodbye and keep looking!!!

example; had one MW arrive with a 14yr old who was almost 42 wks, completely dilated and had been pushing for "1 hour" before the MW realized that the baby was f***ing BREECH!!!! Of course, even if the babe had been in position, there was no in hell that her pelvis would have been able to accommodate!! This MW claimed to have had 25 yrs experience!!

So, now that I've ranted (:soapbox: sorry), I say good luck :hugs: !!!

[crunchymama]

Good luck with your birth. have you been to the birth free site. It is great. Does your OB know what you are planning or deos he think you are planning a hospital VBAC or a c-section. Depending on your answers there I would tread very carefully.
I personally could never have a UC but not becuase I think they are dangerous. I think having a baby in the hospital is much more dangerous than a UC in most cases. I'm one of those woman like they talk about in The baby Cathcer. I need the positicve vibes from other woman. I have had four hospital births but my last three were with an amazing midwife and were as close to a homebirth as possible. my next one will be at home. Now that we live in a state that homebirth is covered by medicaid. :)

[scatterbrainedmom]

example; had one MW arrive with a 14yr old who was almost 42 wks, completely dilated and had been pushing for "1 hour" before the MW realized that the baby was f***ing BREECH!!!! Of course, even if the babe had been in position, there was no in hell that her pelvis would have been able to accommodate!! This MW claimed to have had 25 yrs experience!!



i see nothing wrong with that at all. whats wrong with pushing for an hour??? and breech lol, mw's deliver breech babies all the time (well, maybe not all the time, but its not something that will risk you out of a homebirth). why wouldn't her pelvis accomodate?

[punkmama3]

I made an emergency info birth book for dh, but we never used it because I remembered everything in the moment. I learned all I needed to know from Special Delivery by Rahima Baldwin and Midwifery Today.

Here's more "just in case" stuff to add to the list:

Suction bulb (if baby needs help breathing)
Shepherds Purse tincture (stops hemmorage in 5 minutes)
Angelica root tincture (for retained placenta)
Vitamin E oil (to speed healing or seal a tear)
Lavender oil (to kill germs in the air and promote relaxation)
Comfrey leaf tea (for perry bottle and sitz bath, soothing and speeds healing)
Goldenseal or Rosemary powder (to prevent infection of the imbilical stump)
Juices and light snacks (to keep mama nourished)
Nursing Pads

OOPS! Yeah, I have those things too, except the snacks and juices. I don't know how I forgot to add them, hahahaha. I figure I'll get the snacks and juices July 1st, since I'm due in July :mrgreen:

[punkmama3]

Good luck with your birth. have you been to the birth free site. It is great. Does your OB know what you are planning or deos he think you are planning a hospital VBAC or a c-section. Depending on your answers there I would tread very carefully.
I personally could never have a UC but not becuase I think they are dangerous. I think having a baby in the hospital is much more dangerous than a UC in most cases. I'm one of those woman like they talk about in The baby Cathcer. I need the positicve vibes from other woman. I have had four hospital births but my last three were with an amazing midwife and were as close to a homebirth as possible. my next one will be at home. Now that we live in a state that homebirth is covered by medicaid. :)

That's awsome that Medicaid will cover it. I don't even think it's covered here under Medicaid (maybe it is? I don't know, I'll have to check that out), but is covered under most other insurances.
And yes, my OB does know, and he supports me in my decision. His wife had 2 homebirths. I told him he needs a sex change so he can be a midwife (LOL), cause he just rocks. He's a certified accupuncturist AND homeopath. :mrgreen: He lets me make all the decisions, and hasn't questioned any of them. He told me if I need him, I know how to reach him, which is good, cause out of everyone in his office, he's the only one I trust.

[lindsayncadence]

ok dumb question.....guys cant be midwives? (midhusbands??)

[punkmama3]

ok dumb question.....guys cant be midwives? (midhusbands??)

Never heard of (nor seen) a male midwife, er midhusband??? umm, yeah, lol.

[Abunchofus]

I've never heard of one but I don't see why he couldn't be - probably though because if he did then malpractice ins. wouldn't want to insure him and other people in his Dr. profession would run him out of town!

oh forgot to add - that he is probably doing a better service by being there to help the few women that might need him for something who do homebirth, either with a midwife or uc. That way they have someone they can turn to and trust if needed! If he were a midwife who would the ladies turn to?

[MamaLove]

Michael Odent is a male midwife who started the water birth movenment and natural birth centers. He's written some books, too. I don't think he is called a midhusband, though. :giggle:

[Abunchofus]

You're right! I forgot about that!

[moonwomb108]

I SOLO UBAC'ED 2 YRS AGO AND AM DOING IT AGAIN IN MAY. HOLY MACKREL, IT WAS AND IS THE MOST PIVOTAL EXPERIENCES EVER. SUPER SENTIENT AND ALTERED. LIFE FORCE, PRIMAL FORCE, TRUST BIRTH, TRUST YOUR BODY, TRUST YOUR BABY...................BE WELL

[Mamatoabunch]

I have had 4 awesome UP's and 5 amazing UC's. This after one c/s for my first born twins and one HB w/ midwife. Nothing can compare.

It is all really quite simple.

[Mamatoabunch]

i see nothing wrong with that at all. whats wrong with pushing for an hour??? and breech lol, mw's deliver breech babies all the time (well, maybe not all the time, but its not something that will risk you out of a homebirth). why wouldn't her pelvis accomodate?

Wondering too.

[tsfairy]

I had a UC pg (except for one u/s at 20 wks) and birth with #2. We had to transfer to the hospital when my placenta failed to make an appearance, but with a bit of negotiation and the clout of the head ER nurse they let the babe stay with me as a "guest" instead of making me admit him to the nursery.

If we have any more children I plan to UP/UC again.

[ramona-lola]

Contractions started for me at 2 in the afternoon. My midwife was out of town until late that night. I knew she would not be back in time for this baby. So my last birth on Jan. 3rd was unassisted. We could have gone to the hospital or had another midwife but decided to do it ourselves. My dearest friend here came over and helped ALOT. It was the best birth EVER! This was my 5th baby. Baby #1 was at a birth center, and all the others were homebirths but none compared to this one b/c without a midwife there my husband actually actively helped and participated and birthed with me. It was awesome!

[sjccheerdoll]

Definitely going unassisted for the next birth. Depending on how the pregnancy goes (since I'm, uh, not pregnant yet), I may have my friend who's a CPM just hang out nearby or be "on call" in the event that something happens. I'm still trying to decide whether I'd have a UP or not.

But that's kinda neither here nor there at the minute.

[nakia]

I had a UP and UC with my new LO who is now 3mo. :)

She was big and posterior and I had a pph, so I transferred after the birth b/c of retained piece of placenta. Other than that I would repeat it anytime!

[jessemommy]

I've had two hosp births and two UP/UCs. Now I'm looking forward to my third UC!:mrgreen:

[pantufla]

Never heard of (nor seen) a male midwife, er midhusband??? umm, yeah, lol.

Just a note, my sister lives in Holland and had a male midwife. :goodvibes:

[jessemommy]

There's a male mw who practices out by the Mexican border somewhere. He has a website. I honestly find it a bit off putting, although he offers care to very poor women who would face c/s otherwise, he seems to make most women lay on their backs :headscratch: (complete with countless pictures of this)