HypnoBirthing® UK

[jojonic]

Morning all,

Been reading birth stories and comments on this site for a while now but hadnt registered as didnt really have anything to say! Did a course in hypnobirthing a couple of months ago with Bonnie in Fife (who is wonderful!) and was really really looking forward to the birth experience. We'd planned a nice relaxed home birth and have our birthing pool etc all ready to go...

However today I am 41 + 5 and on thursday the midwives will no longer be on call for a home birth. They have already advised me I will need to go to the birthing unit if my labour starts naturally, but they are also making noises about the baby measuring big and the possible need for induction. I know we still have a little time for a natural labour to start, but am really worried about being induced and ending up in obstetrics and needing an assisted delivery... this was exactly what we were trying to avoid.

Am going to be gutted if we dont get our home birth but Im also aware of the risks to babies in prolonged pregnancies... hopefully something will start today / tomorrow but if not Im sure my hypnobirthing practice will still help.

Sorry to start with a moan, thanks for letting me get it off my chest!!!

Jo x

[kaz]

Hello there Perhaps you could contact your HB practitioner? There are some scripts that they can use to help start things off

[bernieUK]

Hi Jo,
Sorry you're feeling dejected. Don't let negativity get in the way of your instincts or plans - keep zoning out with relaxation practice to keep the buzzing thoughts away for now.

Not everyone may agree with me, but, as a practising midwife i am more aware than some of the variety of women and circumstances there are out there - i have had more than a few post 42 week clients still following a homebirth plan - with recommended guidance (N.I.C.E).
They got their plan by accessing their rights via N.I.C.E. guidelines for low risk women who reject induction at this time. Obstetricians (R.C.O.G) guidance is to meet with you and plan what level and frequency of monitoring is applicable each few days - clear documentation in all case notes is paramount and continuity of health personnel is good for everyone's sake.

Poor planning by obstetricians may make you seek the help of the local supervisor of midwives - every maternity unit has them - to help advocate and plan with you and the midwives.
No-one can make you come in to hospital when labour starts and midwives have a legal remit to be present if called - but good planning and clarity of situations prevents emergency strategies, which, generally no-one likes. That's what S.O.M and obstetricians do in cases such as this.

So, you have to very clear what you want; review every few days and re-plan; keep to the HB philosophy - it works whatever turn your birthing should take; induction isn't the end of the world but can be if you throw away all your good work; communicate appropriately with the appropriate people, using the B.R.A.I.N acronym.

Having said all of that, i don't know whether many laws/rules are different in Scotland.
Re-touch base with your HB practitioner who should know the local lie of the land.
In the absence of true evidenced special circumstances - babies come when ready; follow your instincts and change direction when this instinct changes direction.
I wish you a great birth experience.
Bernie - midwife & HB practitioner.

[Humph]

Did a course in hypnobirthing a couple of months ago with Bonnie in Fife

Are you in Fife yourself? Contact the KCND midwife or even Head of midwifery and state that you plan to birth at home, whenever baby comes, and request suitable care plan for this. You HAVE to go to the top, you cannot negotiate this through community midwives who have standard policies and procedures to follow.

You will be 'offered' induction, but you must remember that it is not compulsory. You should be offered Expectant Managment to ensure that both you and baby are ok to continue to await spontaneous onset of labour, but you should not be coerced into accepting anything you are not happy with.

How was your EDD calculated? Does you mother have a history of long gestations? I would be happy to talk to you if you wish, I am a Doula and did my HypnoBirthing course in March. I have a few contacts who may be able to support you if you want to.

Obviously, I hope you miss this

Karen
http://angushypnobirthing.moonfruit.com
http://angusbirthcompanion.moonfruit.com

[shanna]

You're overdue? You poor thing, you must be so ready to give birth! How long overdue are you? Do you have any expectations for when you'll be having your baby? I was overdue with my first baby, too. I eventually got so tired of waiting that I went to the hospital and had the birth induced. In retrospect, I think I should have waited and stuck with my original plans, but at least my baby was healthy. Usually the international medical insurance pays for some of the hospital bills, which is a relief.