09: Alice + Dave’s birth stories — choosing homebirth after private obstetric care and navigating pregnancy loss

In this episode we hear from co-host Alice and her husband Dave about their road from birthing in a private hospital under private obstetric care, through the grief of two miscarriages, to then birth at home via a publicly funded homebirth program. Alice looks back on her first vaginal birth, which she emerged from feeling victorious, now through the lens of greater understanding of birth and the role that her model of care and place of birth played in influencing the dynamic in the birth space, and the interventions that resulted.

We speak about the process leading up to the decision to birth at home, and the common questions that come up for partners and support people along that road. This is a great listen for anyone wanting to hear about the difference in experience between continuity of obstetric care and continuity of midwifery care, for those considering homebirth, and for partners who would benefit from another story from both sides (see also Elysia & Andrew’s episode!)

Links:

• Fiona Hallinan & internal pelvic release via The Pelvic Space, and birth education with Agia, Fiona + Ilana
• Women’s Health Physio - Embrace Physio & Pilates
• Doula Sue Lee
• The Great Birth Rebellion on Episiotomies 
• “Is Home Birth Safe” Summary of Evidence
• Safer Care Victoria Homebirth Guideline
• “Puts the magic back into life — Fathers’ experience of planned homebirthhh
• “It could not have been more different.” Comparing experiences of hospital-based birth and homebirth in Ireland: A mixed-methods survey
• Private birth education with midwife Danielle Sorbello 

Chapters 

(00:54) Introduction 

(06:34) Choosing private obstetric care 

(25:25) Hugo’s labour and birth

(42:17) First postpartum

(48:36) Pregnancy loss  

(01:06:09) Billy’s pregnancy and the road to homebirth

(01:19:18) Experiences of midwifery continuity of care

(01:23:32) Managing other people’s opinions on homebirth 

(01:36:35) Billy’s labour and homebirth 

Disclaimer: This podcast aims to share stories and education to assist you in navigating your pregnancy and birth and in discussing these choices with your chosen pregnancy care provider. The information and resources provided are educational in nature and do not constitute or replace medical or midwifery advice. 

While we have worked hard to ensure that the information we provide is accurate and based on reliable and up to date evidence, we do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of this information. Our website and podcast are intended to complement, and never to substitute, your midwifery or medical clinical care.