On 9 May 2004 10:39:52 -0400, Jay wrote:

Hello, first post to a newsgroup in a long, long time!

Well, this is the situation. My wife, who usually insists on doing
everything herself, also wants to give birth by herself (keep reading...
with NO help!!!
We live in Australia.
\
Just wondering if the $3000 baby allowance thing announced in the
budget last night might bring an independant midwife within your
reach?

At any rate, your wife *can* do it all by herself. You could be a
great source of support to her- do some research. People have already
given you some good reading material. The Cbirth and empoweredbirth
lists (both @ yahoogroups) are both well worth joining. I think your
wife is awesome for being mentally ready for UC with her first baby!
What a woman.

Oh, one more thought... the kinds of things that happen during
labour/birth that justify a trip to hospital are usually things that
take too long, or don't happen. Sudden emergencies (that medical
intervention would actually help) are rare. THink about it like this-
if you plan a hospital birth, and she has a nice normal pregnancy, the
hospital won't want your wife to come in at the first contraction.
The midwives will encourage her to stay home as long as she can, and
labour in peace. So, imagine things going so smoothly that the baby
is just born, at home. Even in a planned UC, there's always the
freedom to transport if needed.

Anyway try to read up and get on the same team as your wife, because
she will never forgive you if you force her into a hospital birth.

Hope

--
Riley 1993 c/s
Tara 2002 HBAC
TTC #3