Homebirth

Hearing about homebirth was a revelation to me. I had never considered that a baby could be born anywhere but a hospital. I had the very usual concerns. What about safety? What if something happens? Who are these midwives anyway? What I found when I began to search for answers was astonishing. Not only is a homebirth just as safe as a hospital birth for normal, low risk women, but most homebirth women report fewer interventions and complications than women birthing in the hospital.

The British Medical Journal published a study of American homebirth midwives which concluded "Planned home birth for low risk women in North America using certified professional midwives was associated with lower rates of medical intervention but similar intrapartum and neonatal mortality to that of low risk hospital births in the United States. "

I also learned (and then later first hand of course) that midwives are trained experts in normal, natural birth. They (we) are well trained to be alert for signs of trouble. In the event that a labor is taking an abnormal twist, the mother cab be transported to the hospital. Many "complications" can be handled at home. Midwives carry emergency and resuscitative equipment and are well trained in when and how to utilize those tools.

It is my sincere feeling that if more low risk, healthy mothers had their babies at home, then the women who have a medical need to birth in the hospital can receive the quality and quantity of care that they deserve. Because the reality is, some babies do need to be born in the hospital. And, we have a nursing shortage in this country. If more mothers were birthing outside the hospital, we could see better care for those who must be there.

In addition, homebirth midwives offer a more personalized standard of care, termed the Midwifery Model of Care. Your midwife spends a great deal of time getting to really know you, and developing a special relationship. When you're in labor, your midwife can support you in a meaninful way because of the bond you have fostered over the previous months.

Having your baby at home means that you can move around freely, eat and drink when you choose, and snuggle up in your own bed with your baby only moments after birth. Your care providers come to you, and offer a service catered to your family's individual needs. This allows you to be an active partner in decision making. Most of all, there is a deep and great respect for the fact that this is your baby and your baby is a living, thinking, feeling, person with their own set of rights and personal boundaries.

Visit our Links & FAQ page to find more resources related to birthing your baby in the comfort of your own home.

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