birthing options?

Alisha - posted on 06/20/2011

We have 2 birthing centers in Michigan and they are a minimum of 3 hours away. I dont think I could handle the car trip while in labor...and in December. That would be my first choice option. Im really hoping to have a home birth but my husband doesnt want it to be in our home. He's terrified that something aweful will happen to me and/or baby and then our sanctuary of a home will become a dreadful place. I dont think he understands how unnecessary a hospital can be for a birth. Some people need them and some people are more comfortable there. I think its great that people have choice, I just wish my husband would be more supportive of my choice but I also understand his point of view... :(

Jennifer - posted on 06/20/2011

I'm in Maryland and here Midwives aren't allowed to assist in home birth. But I do see midwives and they deliver at one of the local hospitals. I had my first son at the hospital with a midwife and the midwife dictates all the care during the visit. The hospital has very nice labor rooms with jacuzzi tubs and private mother baby suites with a bed for the dad. I'm doing the same for this one. Other options are home delivery with a doula. If you can find an experienced one near by that may be an option. There are also birthing centers in our area, but they were all a little farther than I wanted to drive when I go into labor.

Liz - posted on 06/17/2011

I live near Kansas City, Kansas. We are a small town about an hour away. There are many options if I want to drive an hour to the city. In our town I have the choice of hospital or home. There is a birthing center in a town about 15 minutes away. I could use a midwife there. I am going to labor at home and then go into the hospital to deliver. It is about 10 blocks from my house. We have a family practice doctor who I LOVE and he is very relaxed and hands off. He tries to do as little interventions as possible but is able to do c-sections if an emergency comes about. He is happy to hear I want to labor at home. He said I would be much more comfortable there then hanging out in a hospital.

Sandra - posted on 06/17/2011

I live in NW Oregon and the hospital I had my daughter at offers doctors, midwives, and waterbirths that I know of. I know you can have a doula with you too if you want. I'm planning this birth at that same hospital because I had a great experience last time. I too am worried about the weather in December. We don't get much snow, but the hospital is up on a hill and the roads can get icy. It's too bad not everyone gets to have the same options when it comes to childbirth.

Alexandria - posted on 06/17/2011

I live in Manitoba Canada and the only option i have is to have the baby at the hospital with a doctor. The nearest birthing hospital around here is a 1 hour drive, so i am sure that will be fun in early December. So dont worry you are not the only one with lack of options. My last 2 births have been really good experineces thou, so i am not too worried!!