Homebirth after 42 weeks, the pros and cons of publicly funded homebirth, 3 planned homebirths || Mel's birth of Oscar, Zara & Archie (New South Wales)

This is the 62nd episode and it’s shared by mum of 3, Mel from Newcastle who shares her incredible stories with having 2 babies after 42 weeks and planning 3 home births through the publicly funded system. 

Mel chose to have a publicly funded homebirth with her first baby, but at 42 weeks, she was coerced into an induction due to the criteria of the program. After a 5 day induction, Oscar was born. 

For her second baby, she planned another homebirth with the the publicly funded program, however at 41+2 her baby girl Zara arrived before the midwives did, in a fantastic unassisted homebirth. 

For her 3rd baby, after choosing the PFHB program, as the clock ticked past that arbitrary cut off again, Mel connected with a privately practicing midwife and she was supported to have a fantastic homebirth   4 days later. This also happened to be on her mums birthday, who passed away the year before. 

I am so grateful for Mel who recorded with me when Archie was only 5.5 weeks old. I know these stories will mean a lot to so many listeners. 

As we talk about in the ep, going past 42 weeks is a rarity these days so please make sure to share the ep in whatever way you can.

Resources: 

• Post dates baby - Induction of Labour https://www.rachelreed.website/blog/induction-of-labour-for-prolonged-pregnancy
• Post Dates Birth https://consultations.health.gov.au/health-services-division/pregnancy-care-guidelines-review/supporting_documents/Prolonged%20pregnancy%20evidence%20evaluation%2015Oct18.PDF
• Meconium in post dates baby https://midwifethinking.com/2015/01/14/the-curse-of-meconium-stained-liquor/

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