Want a Homebirth Only Everyone Thinks You're Crazy?
"I'm considering a homebirth only everyone tells me I'm crazy." Unfortunately, this is a true quote from a friend. Even more unfortunate is that fact that this type of reaction is common for women planning a homebirth. However, there are many advantages to having a home birth. The most pertinent include:
Unlimited Birth Companions
Safety
Freedom from Interventions
Unlimited Labor Choices
Comfort
Continuity of Care
When having a home birth, the care providers remain consistent throughout the entire labor and delivery. There is no change of shift to new caregivers who may or may not understand or value her choices for birthing.
Unlimited Birth Companions
In a hospital or birthing center, a mother is limited as to the number of companions she is allowed. She is usually limited to a maximum of two other persons. In addition, none of her other children are allowed, which can be a distraction for the mother as she wonders whether the needs of her other children are being met. During a homebirth, the mother's other children may be allowed to come and go as needed, so that they are still able to interact with their mother as she allows. This can also lessen the burden on the family of securing child care during a hospital stay.
Safety
Research consistently shows that homebirth only is as safe or safer than hospital birth. There is a documented reduced risk of infection when giving birth at home.
Freedom from Interventions
When birthing at home, no routine interventions such as shaving, enemas, or iv fluids are required. The mother is not bound by arbitrary hospital policy. She also has the opportunity to videotape the birth if she wishes, a choice eliminated by many hospitals or birthing centers. She is also able to eat and drink as she chooses, which may facilitate her energy for a lengthy labor. Having a homebirth only provides the option of food during labor; most medical settings are against it.
Some interventions can still be
undertaken at home
if indicated, such as fetal monitoring.
Unlimited Labor Choices
When having a homebirth, only your imagination limits your choices for labor. The mother is able to labor in whatever positions or environments she chooses. In early labor, she can walk around her neighborhood or relax in the tub. She has all the comforts of her familiar home to help her maintain the deep relaxation that facilitates a natural childbirth..
Comfort
The mother is allowed control over her environment, from the clothes she wears to background music or even dozing in bed. A home birth also offers increased privacy from student nurses or medical interns interrupting your birth experience.
