Choosing
a Homebirth: The Benefits and Joys
By Lynette Tilley CPM, LDM
For some, birthing at home is considered quite radical. Women
who plan to labor and give birth at home typically get little
support and a lot of anxious skepticism. Homebirth may not
be the right option for you, for reasons of physical health
or personal philosophy. It also may be the perfect option,
but one that you hadn't considered until now.
The birth of a new baby is full of meaning for mothers and
fathers. Many women feel childbirth is one of the most profound
experiences in their life. Whether birth is difficult or easy,
painful or pain free, it does not need to be a medical event.
For most women, pregnancy and birth is a normal process that
is as unique as the woman giving birth. For some mothers the
comfort of home and familiar surroundings can be very supportive
and promote an easier birth. Others may feel anxious that
more technical medical assistance isn't at hand.
Is Technology Better?
Though technology can save lives in a crisis, the routine
use of technology can also interfere with the normal birth
process. Each intervention in a normal labor imposes its own
set of risks. In fact, procedures performed routinely in US
hospitals, such as induction of labor, continuous fetal monitoring,
episiotomies, and cesarean surgeries have not been proven
to be advantageous in eliminating complications or producing
healthier babies.
Home Birth Is Safe
Women are learning that the hospital is not the only option
for a safe birth. Recently, an important study was published
in the British Medical Journal (June18, 2005) regarding the
safety of birth with Certified Professional Midwives (CPM)
in the U.S. and Canada. They found that planned home birth
for low risk women in the United States, which were attended
by a qualified birth attendant, were as safe as low-risk hospital
births and accomplished with much less medical intervention.
According to the British Medical Journal press release:
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“Planned home births had a low mortality
rate during labor and delivery, similar to rates found
in most studies of low-risk hospital births in North America.”
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“Rates of medical intervention,
such as epidural, forceps and cesarean section were lower
for planned home births than for low risk hospital births.”
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“Over 87% of mothers and babies
did not require transfer to hospital care.”
-
“A high degree of safety and maternal
satisfaction were reported.”
Why Women Choose
Home Birth
Women who choose homebirth often express the same priorities
and reasons for their decision.
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Having a relaxed, peaceful and private
atmosphere for labor and birth
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Feeling the security and comfort of a
familiar environment
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Ability to move, dance, make noise and
give birth in any position they choose
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A desire to avoid interventions that
are often done routinely in hospitals
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A desire to explore ways of coping with
labor and giving birthing without drugs
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Enjoying a relationship of equality with
those caring for them so that decisions are made together
instead of being imposed
-
Being cared for after the birth in a
way that is personal and intimate
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Maintaining close contact with baby,
even for newborn exams
-
Keeping the family together, having the
other children there or close by
We know that most women labor best in a place that is private,
where they feel free and safe. Homebirth offers a non-interventionist,
family centered option where the rhythm of a woman’s
labor is honored and waited on.
Homebirth is not
for everyone
When considering where and with whom you will give birth,
it is important to take into account your individual needs
and circumstances. You may be a good candidate for homebirth
if:
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You are in good physical and mental health
and have no serious chronic health conditions such as
cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, essential hypertension
or diabetes
-
You have a home with electricity, running
water, a working telephone and a clean birthing space
to welcome baby
-
You have adequate social support before,
during and after the birth
-
You are motivated to explore ways of
giving birth without drugs or unnecessary interventions
-
You prefer a familiar and private environment
that is relaxed and peaceful for labor and birth
-
You prefer the freedom to labor and birth
in a way that suits your individual needs, beliefs and
wishes
Discover Your Options
Find a midwife who is available to talk about possible birth
options with you. Read and talk to other women about their
homebirth experiences. Finally, seek information that will
enable you to make the best decision for you and your family.
Whether in a hospital or at home, where you choose to birth
is a very important and personal decision.
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