Hi,
I am nearly 7 weeks pregnant with my second bub and am really wanting a homebirth this time. I had an uncomplicated natural birth with my first baby in a hospital and really want the more personalised treatment a midwife provides. Can anyone tell me what the new rules are regarding homebirth? I'm abit worried as i'm not due until the end of July. I haven't met with my midwife yet but am trying to get as much information as possible.

oh and i'm in Queensland if that makes any difference.
Thanks in advance.
Ashlee

Hi,

Congratulations on your pregnancy smile

Its def not illegal to have a homebirth but independant midwives are not covered by insurance so if anything does go wrong (not saying it will you kow what I mean lol) nothing is covered if that makes sense!

Im in NSW and having a homebirth so im not sure if its dif in QLD. I will PM you where to get more info

Sorry if that doesnt make sense been a long day

By July 2010 it will be ILLEGAL for an independant middy to attend a homebirth (Australia wide) They will face fines of up to $30,000 for doing so. I've seen lots of different info about what will or could happen, but until the new legislation goes thru I guess anything can happen. Here is a brief rundown
Homebirth factsheet

Posted by: ~Ruby~Gloom~
By July 2010 it will be ILLEGAL for an independant middy to attend a homebirth (Australia wide) They will face fines of up to $30,000 for doing so. I've seen lots of different info about what will or could happen, but until the new legislation goes thru I guess anything can happen. Here is a brief rundown
Home birth factsheet

Holy crapola I never knew that. I thought it was just "talk" of it being illegal. Whats next, it will be illegal if we dont imunise our kids! Stupid Gov

Funny you should say that! There was a thread around Huggs the other day about those rumors (compulsory vaxing) Scaarrreey!

So does that mean i can't have a homebirth?

I wouldnt say that you cant. If it were me i would still plan for a home birth. I guess the risk you take is paying for your midwife than it becomes illegal and you dont get your money back.

Maybe ring a few homebirth midwifes and see what they would recomend.

I guess you could plan a homebirth and if it becomes illegal just accidently have bubs at home lol.

From what I understand there will be hospital/ob controlled homebirths. So a midwife has to work in collaboration with a dr. This means many women won't be eligible for a homebirth. No dr or hospital will let you homebirth after previous c/s, go post dates, overweight, gd.....the list goes on. So there will still be some homebirths but no more indi midwives means no choice for many. I agree with Vanessa, phone around a couple of middies and see what they have to say. Good luck smile

Posted by: Vanessa H
Hi,

Congratulations on your pregnancy smile

Its def not illegal to have a homebirth but independant midwives are not covered by insurance so if anything does go wrong (not saying it will you kow what I mean lol) nothing is covered if that makes sense!

Im in NSW and having a homebirth so im not sure if its dif in QLD. I will PM you where to get more info

Sorry if that doesnt make sense been a long day

Independent midwives haven't had insurance for almost 10 years so in that respect it won't be any different.

With the new laws, midwives will have to be registered. It will be illegal for a registered midwife to attend a homebirth. (unless through the hospy system.)To be registered they will have to fullfill the gov/ama's guidelines which include working in collabaration with an ob/gp etc. This obviously totally defeats the purpose of an independant midwife.

You will find there are independant unregistered midwives that will continue to attend homebirths but they will be forced to practice under a different name. They may also be a lot harder to track down.....

Have a look at the joyous birth website or homebirth australia website. you may get some help in finding somebody.

In short, nobody can stop you having a homebirth. Its just a matter of finding the right person to attend you if you don't want to freebirth.

All the best!

Thank you for your replies. I have actually found an independent midwife who is willing to take me on. She attended the homebith of my friends baby back in August and she's fantastic. I'm really looking forward to this birth journey.

Thats great news! ALl the best with your pregnancy

Whoohoo! How wonderful for you!!

Thats great! Best wishes for a beautiful homebirth smile

All the best, glad you found some one!

Personally i wouldnt do it,(and my ob commented that I'd be a great candidate for one following the birth of DS1 (but a 13month age gap meant i was actually looking forward to my 5 day stay in hotel St Johns!) and i vaccinate, but i'm all for people having choice- as long as they are well informed of risk/benefits of their options!