Home birth
For centuries, giving
birth at home has been the norm. In the 1900s, an increasing number of women
began to give birth in hospitals. However, as our understanding of anatomy,
modern medicine, birth mechanics, and technology has increased dramatically,
more and more women are willing to consider home birth.
This option involves
the participation of trained midwives or nurse midwives in cases of low risk
and healthy pregnancies. As interest in home birth grows, research will
continue to grow to help us better understand the associated risks and
benefits.
The following
information is intended to help women make an informed decision:
Can home birth be for me?
Home birth may be an
option for you if:
- You have a healthy, low-risk pregnancy
- You want to avoid episiotomy, caesarean section, epidural anesthesia and other similar procedures
- You want to share the experience with family and friends
- You want to move freely, change positions, shower and eat or drink freely during labor.
- You want to enjoy the comfort of home and familiar surroundings
Home birth is not for
you if:
- You are a diabetic
- You have chronic high blood pressure or toxemia (also known as preeclampsia)
- Have you ever had a preterm birth or are you currently at risk of preterm birth?
- Your partner is not fully supportive of your decision to give birth at home
Most doctors bring
the following with them the day of delivery:
- Oxygen for baby if needed
- IV for mom if she is dehydrated or needs extra nutrients
- Sterile gloves, gauze pads, cotton baby cap, protective wipes, waterproof crib covers, thermometer, potty for sitz baths after childbirth.
- Ultrasonic fetoscopes or stethoscopes
- Medicines to slow or stop bleeding
- Special herbal preparations, homeopathic remedies, massage supplies/techniques and maybe even acupuncture needles.
- Product for stitching tears
How often and under what circumstances will there be a transfer to the hospital?
About 40% of
primiparas and 10% of women who have already given birth are transferred to a
hospital for delivery.
Here are some of the
reasons why women are transferred:
- The mother feels exhausted and does not want to continue
- Premature rupture of membranes
- High blood pressure
- No progress with labor
- Fetal distress
- Cord prolapse
- Hemorrhage
Tips for considering home birth
- Establish a care team consisting of an obstetrician-gynecologist.
- Ask a few midwives about their delivery philosophy. You may be more comfortable with a midwife who shares your views on childbirth.
- Write a plan B in case you need to be transferred to the hospital
- Hire a doula
- Find a pediatrician who will examine the baby within 24 hours of birth.
Benefits
Home birth can be
much easier on your bank account. On average, uncomplicated vaginal births cost
about 60% less at home than in the hospital.
Home birth allows you
to immediately become attached and breastfeed. Early breastfeeding helps the
mother stop bleeding, clear mucus from the baby's nose and mouth, and pass on
the disease-fighting antibodies found in breast milk to the baby.
Home birth allows you to be surrounded by those you love. By involving children, family and friends in the process of childbirth, you receive a lot of support, and all involved have the opportunity to form close and close bonds.