Homebirth
Why can a planned home birth be safer than a hospital birth? First, natural birth is safer than medical birth because it is more relaxing. A more peaceful setting allows the release of hormones that initiate and regulate labor and birth. In unfamiliar settings, women may experience anxiety and fear, which can release hormones that hinder normal labor. At home, without any pressure, women’s bodies open at their own pace and have time to stretch in order to make room for the baby to emerge peacefully.
Second, women have already been exposed to the germs that inhabit their own home. They have developed the necessary anitbodies and have already passed their immunity to their babies. Home birth eliminates the risk of infections from exposure to unfamiliar viruses in a hospital setting.
Third, the absence of routine interventions like fetal monitors, IVs, and pain medication. Not to mention the threat of induction, pitocin, and c-section. At home you are able to move, eat, sleep, shower, and so on without constraint to any one room or position.
Valuable Questions to Answer Regarding Home Birth:
- Are you committed to natural, medication-free childbirth?
- Do you have the support required from your partner and family/friends to do this?
- Have you and your midwife thoroughly discussed your birth?
- Will you feel safe and secure if you are not in or next to a hospital?
- How far are you from the hospital at times of usual traffic patterns?
- Are you adequately prepared to go to the hospital if the need arise?
These are general questions to consider and get you started on your journey to a home birth. Click here to get your house ready for your home birth.
*Excerpts from this page were taken from Creating Your Birth Plan: The Definitive Guide to a Safe and Empowering Birth. by: Mardsen Wagner, M.D., M.S.
