Home Birth - Learn Pros & Cons

Till the 1700s, all women used to give natural birth at home. In most cases, family members and friends would help during the process, or a midwife may be used. Many women even went through unassisted home birth. At last, doctors started helping with the process of birth as people felt medical knowledge can make it safer for both the mother and the baby.

It was only during the 1900s that hospital births grew in popularity. This was because hospitals began offering anesthesia for a less painful birthing process. By 1935, only 15 percent of deliveries involved giving birth at home with the help of a midwife. However, now that more and more people understand modern medicine, anatomy, and childbirth mechanics, people have again started opting for home births.

What is home birth?

Planned home birth involves giving birth to your baby at home instead of at a birthing center or a hospital. You will still need an expert to assist during labor and delivery such as:

1. A certified midwife
2. A certified nurse-midwife
3. A midwife with a license that meets international standards
4. A medical or naturopathic doctor practicing obstetrics.

If you are considering a natural birth at home, discuss it with your healthcare provider. They will be able to explain the risks and benefits related to home birth. You must also discuss the possible risks and how they can be managed during a home birth.

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Who can choose to have a home birth?

Giving birth at home is mainly suited for women with a low-risk pregnancy and overall good health. If you are considering a normal delivery at home, you should not be living with any chronic conditions such as hypertension or heart disease, or any pregnancy-related issues like placenta previa, gestational diabetes, or preeclampsia.

It is also not advised for you to deliver at home if you are carrying multiples such as twins or triplets. Your healthcare provider would advise against home birth if the baby is in a breech position or you are giving birth vaginally after a C-section. Women with post-term pregnancy and pre-term labor, as well as those with advanced maternal age, should also avoid going for an unassisted home birth.

It would also be a good idea to avoid home birth if you live quite far away from a hospital. In some cases, medical emergencies can arise and you may require quick hospital care to save the baby’s or mother’s life.

Pros of home birth

Many studies show that home births have a reduced risk for medical interventions. Procedures such as labor induction, labor augmentation, electronic monitoring of fetal heart rate, regional analgesia, cesarean delivery, and operative vaginal delivery are avoided during childbirth at home.

Here are a few other benefits of home births:

1. Lesser maternal infections
2. Lower risk of third or fourth-degree perineal or vaginal tears
3. Friends and family can be present
4. Lower cost
5. Freedom to do whatever you want, like walking around, cooking, taking shower, or watching TV.
6. More control over the decisions taken during delivery
7. More privacy
8. Better bonding with the baby

Cons of home birth

Despite the multifold benefits, there are certain drawbacks of home births as well. These include:

1. Home births are not considered a safe option for all women, depending on certain risk factors.
2. In case of an emergency, medical help may be required.
3. Home births can be quite messy. So make sure to be ready with clean towels and plastic sheets.
4. Insurance may not cover the costs related to home births.

How much does a home birth cost?

Home birth for women with low-risk pregnancies will cost much less than hospital birth. In the US, home births on average cost around $4,650. This includes labor and delivery fee, prenatal care, and postpartum care. The cost can vary from place to place and the training level of the midwife. For instance, a nurse midwife may cost more than a professional midwife. It is advised to discuss with the insurance provider if they cover home birth costs.

How do I get ready for a home birth?

It is of foremost importance to find the most trained and experienced midwife/healthcare provider to assist during delivery. While choosing a midwife, make sure that they are:

1. A certified midwife
2. A certified nurse-midwife
3. A midwife whose license and education meet international standards.

American Academy of Pediatrics also advises having a person trained specifically to take care of the newborn after birth. If you need more help, you can also hire a doula or professional labor assistant.

Create a birth plan

For a birthing mother, it is important to ponder over questions like:

1. Who should be around while giving birth?
2. How should the surrounding be?
3. What measures can be taken for self-comfort?
4. Should the baby be breastfed soon after the delivery?

The mother can also opt to take pregnancy classes. This will help them know what to expect during labor and delivery. Besides preparing for home birth, it is also important to be prepared to go to the hospital in case of an emergency.

It is advised to learn about the benefits and risks of giving natural birth at home so that a sound decision can be made about the delivery.