Home Birth
Giving birth at home was the norm around the world for centuries. A woman in labor would have a midwife at her side to help along the process, provide comfort and offer practical aid when and where needed.
In most countries, home birth is still the most common form of birthing. In the US, on the other hand, childbirth has been moved from the home and into the hospital since the 1900’s. Obstetrics has had a tremendous effect on the changes to the birthing experience in the past century. While many have become accustom to delivering in a hospital, there are a growing number of women who are going back to midwifery and choosing home birth over the hospital experience.
A home birth can be an option for you if you are a healthy expectant mother, have a high predictability of a normal pregnancy, and have no medical or obstetrical risk factors. Giving birth at home provides you with the comfort of familiar surroundings and gives you the liberty to choose as many participants to assist you. Mothers who have experienced home births claim that they encountered a more controlled birthing experience, a quality that is not necessarily guaranteed at a hospital.
Choosing to have a home birth is a decision you should feel strongly about. The successful homebirther is one who is dedicated to finding the right birth practitioner for care throughout the duration of pregnancy and the person who can provide assistance and comfort during the delivery.
Research is essential in learning about your childbirth options, and knowledge is key to making the most appropriate decision for yourself and your baby. Take the time to learn about the different birthing options, and try to stay open to unexpected changes (that can occur if baby needs immediate medical interference, etc.).
April, 12th 2010 at 5:30 am
I had my first child in a hospital, induced at 41 weeks, IV anitbiotics, the works (but no pain medication). I had my second child 8 years later at home, with no one there except for my husband. My labor was abnormally fast so the midwife didn’t make it in time. I will NEVER deliver in a hospital again, unless someone’s life is in danger. It is the most beautiful, empowering, loving, proud moment anyone can ever experience!
April, 12th 2010 at 5:49 am
I would be interested in a homebirth (actually, I really, really want one!) but I want to have a medical professional who can provide prenatal care and also attend the delivery. Midwives do not deliver babies in my state. I know of a person who skipped the pernatal care & had I guess a “lay” midwife at her deliveries, but I’m not not comfortable with that!
April, 12th 2010 at 7:50 am
Claire, What an experience!
April, 12th 2010 at 7:56 am
Maria, I hope you can find a midwife or OBGYN who is willing to assist your home birth.
What state? It’s interesting to learn that though home births are becoming more popular, there are still places where women don’t have that option to choose for lack of professional support. Have you looked into birthing centers? Also, some hospitals have midwives, others offer water births, check into it before you are forced to desert your ideal birth scenario.
Best of luck and a happy an easy delivery!
May, 22nd 2010 at 12:43 am
Hello everyone thanks for
good information.
May, 23rd 2010 at 4:29 pm
Thanks for this useful article.