The Advantages of Home Birthing

There is a new trend taking place across the country and that is home birthing. Today more and more women are opting to give birth in the comfort of their own home. Many women who have given birth in a hospital have not been pleased with the experience often describing it as horrible and embarrassing. On the other hand women who have given birth at home describe the experience as wonderful and satisfying.

Many informed women are going down this path if possible choosing midwives and warm baths instead of the traditional obstetricians and epidurals.

Home births are usually planned with the assistance of a midwife although some women are opting to have no assistance whatsoever. Many women feel they have more control and freedom at home when giving birth. Their movement is not restricted like in a hospital. They can choose to shower, eat a snack, move around, have friends over etc. Women choosing to give birth at home place a great deal of trust in their midwife.

When looking for a midwife, ask about the services that are provided, as well as her qualifications and experience. Most midwives provide prenatal care as well as postnatal care to the new mom. Of course midwives assist in the birthing by letting the process of labour and delivery progress naturally.

Studies have shown that a well planned home birth with a certified midwife is just as safe as giving birth in a hospital.

Another way of giving birth that is becoming quite popular is water births. Some women who have given birth in a birthing pool have enjoyed a quicker painless labour and say the experience was quite relaxing. Birthing pools can be rented for home births.

Many women who have experienced a home birth said their greatest joy was being able to hold their baby right after giving birth in their own bed at home.

Home birthing is not for everyone. Anyone who is experiencing a high risk pregnancy would not be a good candidate for a home birth. These women do need to be monitored so intervention in their pregnancy is a must.

Another factor that may prevent a woman from experiencing a home birth is the cost involved. Many insurance plans do not cover home birthing so the cost would be out of pocket. This seems like an awful way to decide how you want your baby born.

Some hospitals are now opening birthing suites which is a much more home environment setting. They are trying to make it a home away from home.

Also across America more birthing centers are opening which as you may have guessed are centers built specifically for mothers to be.