Home birth or hospital birth

It’s so hard to decide beforehand.. pain is different for everyone. You never know how you’ll react or how you’ll feel when the time actually comes.. this is how it went for me:


With the first, I wanted to give birth at home. After 7 hours of contractions and 6cm dilation - only back labor which I managed standing up, sitting or lying down didn’t work - I said, I’ve had enough, take me to the hospital for something for the pain. However, pushing contractions started in the car and once we arrived at the hospital, she was born within 10 minutes.


With the second birth, I decided to try at home again. My waters broke at home, my daughter had pooped in the amniotic fluid, and I HAD to go to the hospital. What a letdown. Again, it went very quickly. I left home with 2cm dilation and within an hour, my daughter was born.


So you see, I brought both of them into the world without any pain relief..


Contractions in the car are no fun, quite the opposite, but you survive it hahaha it was just a side issue for me. I definitely didn’t find it that unpleasant.


Wishing you lots of success with your choice, pregnancy, and upcoming birth!

I have to give birth in the hospital, and I find that really nice and reassuring! This is partly due to certain medications I'm taking, and I'll also need to stay in the hospital for 48 hours after the birth.
I find it nice to be able to rest there for a bit
If I didn't have to give birth in the hospital, I would have chosen a maternity hotel. My preference would be to give birth in water!

I had no choice and had to give birth in the hospital. But I was told to call easily if I felt like labor was starting. So I went to the hospital at 4:30 am with 2 cm dilation. The contractions weren't too bad at first, and she was born at 7:45 pm. Maybe you can first discuss how long you have to wait before you're allowed to go to the hospital and what pain relief might be available at home.

I’ve decided to give birth in the hospital. I really like the idea that if anything were to happen, everything you need is right there—doctors, equipment, etc.
There are also more pain relief options available. I just feel much more comfortable giving birth in a hospital. Luckily, the hospital here is also pretty close—just a 5-minute drive away.

I've given birth twice at home and three times in the hospital (due to premature births, so no choice). If I had to choose again, I'd still prefer to give birth at home, even though I'm not sure if it's wise given my age (44) or if I'd even have that choice. At home, you can just do whatever you want, keep doing your own thing until the end. You feel pain everywhere, it's just part of it, and you forget about it again so quickly...

You'll have pain everywhere. That's true. But the peace of your own home is worth its weight in gold. I'd definitely discuss the choice with your midwife. They know if your age plays a role. Sometimes giving birth at home just isn't possible. Then the hospital is fine. It's about feeling safe.