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Origins -

Historically, babies were born at home. This was normal practice until the beginning of the 20th century, when babies began to be born in hospitals.

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Origins -

The rate of infant mortality has diminished hugely over the last century, which makes home birth a perfectly viable option.

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Popularity -

The popularity of home births has increased in recent years, although they remain a tiny proportion of all births, at around 1%.

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Popularity -

Home births may be chosen because of the perceived appeal of the intimacy of a home setting, and to avoid risks related to births in hospital.

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Opting for a home birth -

There may be a number of reasons that you choose to pursue the idea of giving birth at home. Give these consideration before making a final decision.

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Opting for a home birth - Your reasons may be that you desire to give birth without any medical intervention, such as medication for pain, labor augmentation, labor induction, or fetal heart rate monitoring.

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Opting for a home birth - You may wish to be surrounded by your family, and have the desire to give birth in a comfortable and familiar place.

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Opting for a home birth -

You may be dissatisfied with hospital care that you have received in the past, and want to have freedom and control in the process.

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Opting for a home birth - You could have cultural or religious reasons for wanting to have a home birth, and there may be financial motivations for you.

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Avoiding a home birth -

There may be a number of reasons why pursuing the option of a home birth is highly inadvisable for you, depending on your circumstances.

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Avoiding a home birth - Such reasons could include that you are pregnant with multiple babies, or that your baby has not settled into a suitable position that allows for a headfirst delivery.

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Avoiding a home birth -

Another reason to avoid a home birth is if you have previously had a C-section, as this may cause many complications.

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Avoiding a home birth -

This is because a woman who has been through a C-section is far more likely to require another in any future deliveries she may have.

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Avoiding a home birth -

C-sections always carry heavy additional risks, which include increased blood loss, increased pain, and infections.

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Risk and reward -

One definite advantage of a home birth is that it is far less likely to end up in a situation where a Caesarean is required.

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Risk and reward -

However, the rates of infant mortality are almost twice as high, and, while rare, there are increased chances of babies having seizures or neurological issues.

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Preparation -

If you decide to opt for a home birth, there are certain things that you must take into consideration. You need to have everything planned.

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Preparation -

It is essential to have a certified midwife, whose education meets very high standards, or an obstetrics doctor who practices within a regulated health system.

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Preparation -

You must have a contingency plan. Have you considered how you will deal with pain? Do you wish to go into labor in a birthing pool?

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Preparation -

Are you planning on breastfeeding your baby immediately after giving birth? All these things should be discussed with your health care provider.

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Preparation -

You must also consider the things you will need. Research and find out what supplies you will require. For instance, protective coverings for your floor or mattress.

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Preparation -

Consider the fact that you may require a hospital transfer, as over a third of home births do end up this way.

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Preparation - There are multiple reasons why you may need a hospital transfer, such as the fact that labor isn't progressing.

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Preparation - A hospital transfer may also be required if your baby shows signs of distress, or presents in a position other than headfirst.

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Preparation -

A hospital transfer may be necessary if you are in desperate need of pain relief, you experience bleeding, or have high blood pressure.

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Preparation -

Find out exactly what may necessitate your transfer to a hospital and how this will affect your birth plans. Your birth location should be no more than 15 minutes away from a hospital with 24-hour maternity care.

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Preparation -

Ensure that you have easy access to transport. Ask your health care provider to set up a hospital room in advance to guarantee that you can be transferred and treated quickly, if necessary.

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Costs -

Depending on where you live, and what options are available, home birth may be a less expensive option than giving birth in a hospital.

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Costs -

If you live in a country where you have free healthcare, or you have your own private insurance, the options will be more open.

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Making the right decision -

Ultimately, you must decide what is best for you. It is an individual decision, or one that you make with your partner, and it has to be right for you!

See also: Things you cannot do while pregnant

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