On the Flip Side: What to Consider When Planning a Home Birth

09/29/2024

To Home Birth or Not to Home Birth?

In the past seven years, the rate of home births in the United States has increased by sixty percent. As a growing number of women come to resent the possibility of obstetric violence and the rising cost of medical treatments, it’s essential for expecting mothers to understand the various risks and benefits of a home birth.

Knowing Your Body

During your initial prenatal visits, your healthcare provider will review your personal medical history, your family's medical history, and any previous pregnancy complications you may have had. In addition to this, your provider will conduct various tests and exams to uncover any conditions that might indicate a higher risk for complications during pregnancy. Hypertension, diabetes, or a history of miscarriage or preterm birth can signal the need for a hospital birth.

Other factors that may contribute to complications include:

Age: Women under 17 and over 35 are more likely to experience pregnancy complications.

Unhealthy habits: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use during pregnancy can raise risks for both mother and baby.

Weight: Women who are either underweight or overweight may be at higher risk for complications.

Having a low-risk pregnancy is one of the key factors in determining eligibility for a home birth. By undergoing thorough evaluations early in pregnancy and continuing regular checkups, you and your healthcare provider can determine whether you fall into the high-risk or low-risk category.

Comfort and Control

Many women choose a home birth to avoid the strict policies and procedures that hospitals often follow. These policies can create discomfort for some women during labor, such as:

Limited mobility: If a woman is hooked up to monitors or IVs, she may be asked to remain in bed during contractions, which can cause discomfort. Hospitals may also disregard a woman's preferred birthing position.

Limited occupancy: Hospitals often restrict the number of people allowed in the delivery room, which may prevent you from having all your desired support present .

Time constraints: Some hospitals may use artificial methods of induction if labor isn't progressing quickly enough, even if the mother prefers to labor naturally.

At home, women have the freedom to move as they wish, fill the room with loved ones, and give birth at their own pace. However, this freedom also has its limits.

One major limitation of a home birth is the lack of access to medical pain relief. Options like epidurals are not available. Instead, doulas and midwives will guide you through alternative methods such as repositioning, breathing techniques, and water immersion to help alleviate pain . While these techniques can provide relief, they may be insufficient for intense pain or if labor becomes complicated.

Quick Pivots

If you choose a home birth, it's crucial to have a plan in place in case complications arise:

Create a personalized team: Assemble a team that meets your specific needs and keeps everyone calm. Preparing for potential medical intervention can save stress later.

Ensure a licensed midwife is present: Having a trained medical professional ensures that any complications are recognized early and addressed effectively.

Establish a relationship with a nearby hospital: Notify the hospital of your home birth plan so they are prepared in case a transfer is necessary. Having this relationship in place will make the process smoother should you need hospital care.

Build Your Dream Team

It's important that everyone on your birth team is on the same page throughout every step of your pregnancy.

While consulting with doctors and healthcare practitioners is essential, make sure to also involve members who prioritize your emotional needs, like doulas or midwives.

Birth Circle is here to provide everything you need to experience a healthy and beautiful pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. Visit our website to start building a birth team that will prioritize your needs.