Choosing a Home Birth: Why and When Is It An Option
The pros and cons of giving birth at home...
28 September 2017
Editor
Home births are growing popular rapidly lately among expectant women, principally because if provides the most comfortable surroundings for them, as they'll most probably be delivering in their own houses.
Of course, giving birth at home was at some point the only option available de facto , but declined in the during the 20th century due to advent of modern medicine.
However, the debate around the safety of giving birth at home haven’t come to an end yet, and the main concern is whether home birth provides the same maternity care as if in a specialised hospital. We are yet to be 100% positive of the answer, hence, we tackled all aspects of home birth.
When and Why You Should Deliver At Home
1- In home births, women take more control over the experience, as they don’t have to endure any medical interventions.
2- The pregnant woman decides who attends the birth, as she can invite as many family members or friends, without any interruptions from hospital staff.
3- If you think you can go through the birth without epidurals, no one can pressure you into taking them.
4- The woman has a greater autonomy when delivering at home.
5- The midwife pays 100% of her attention and energy to the pregnant woman. While in hospital, nurses take most of the work.
6- You don’t have to be in a car rushing to the hospital during your labour.
7- Your wishes will be treated with all respect.
8- Midwives bring proper medical supplies with them.
9- Most midwives would set up the house for the delivery, and clean up before leaving.
10- You’ll get extensive postpartum care.
11- It doesn’t necessarily have to be a water birth.
12- And eventually, if you didn’t encounter any complications during pregnancy, home birth will most probably be a safe option for you.
Potential Risks of Home Birth
1- In case you needed an epidural, you might need to be transferred to a hospital.
2- If the labour is taking too long, you also might need to be transferred to a hospital.
3- Some women might have a complicated tear that needs a rush to the hospital.
4- Some babies show signs of fetal distress, like meconium in the waters or a concerning fetal heart rate.
5- Home births also have an increased chance of the need for labour induction, the use of forceps or vacuum extraction, C-sections, severe bleeding requiring a blood transfusion, and severe vaginal lacerations or tears.
6- Home births are not recommended if: A woman have had a C-section before, or the baby isn’t settled into a headfirst-delivery position.
