How to give birth at home

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of home birth. Recently, many births are done at home. However, according to 2009 data, in the US only about 0.72% of all births are home births. ^[1] Although in this day and age most other developed countries have similar low numbers as in the United States, some mothers still prefer to give birth at home rather than in hospital. There are countless reasons why mothers choose to give birth at home over going to the hospital. However, it must also be noted that “there have been some scientific studies that suggest a 2-3-fold increased risk of complications with home births”. ^[2] Even though the increased complication rate is not too high compared to the acceptable level (for every 1000 births, only a few babies are born). complications) but mothers need to understand that a home birth may be more risky than a hospital birth. However, giving birth at home can offer certain benefits that a hospital birth cannot, such as: ^[3]

• The mother can freely move, bathe, and eat if it is appropriate
• The mother can adjust her own position during childbirth
• The mother feels comfortable by the space and familiar faces around
• If desired, the mother can give birth without medical assistance (such as the use of pain relievers).
• Mothers may exhibit religious or cultural beliefs during childbirth
• In some cases, the mother can reduce the cost of childbirth

Understand when not to give birth at home. In certain cases, childbirth can increase the risk of complications for the mother, the baby, or both. In this case, the health of both mother and baby is more important than any of the small benefits that home birth can bring. Therefore, you should give birth in a hospital where there are experienced doctors and supportive medical equipment. Here are the situations in which expectant mothers “definitely” have to give birth in a hospital: ^[4]

• When the mother has any chronic illness (such as diabetes, epilepsy, etc.)
• When the mother had to have a cesarean section in the previous birth
• If prenatal screening detects any health problems for the fetus
• If the mother has an increased health condition that affects the pregnancy
• If the mother smokes, drinks alcohol or takes drugs during pregnancy
• If the mother gives birth to twins, triplets, etc.. or the fetus is not in a forward position at birth
• If you were born prematurely or born late. In other words, don’t give birth at home before 37 weeks and after 41 weeks of pregnancy.

Understand the legality of home birth. In general, most countries do not prohibit home births. Home births are legal in the US, Australia, and Canada, and depending on the situation, the government can financially support the birth. However, the legal situation surrounding midwives in the US is somewhat complicated.

• In the United States, all 50 states are allowed to hire certified midwives. ^[5] These midwives often work in hospitals – although they rarely visit homes, it is still legal to hire them to deliver at home. In 27 states, it is legal to hire a freelance or certified professional midwife. ^[6] Freelance midwives are people who have a reputation through self-education, vocational training, etc., and do not claim to be a nurse or a doctor. Certified professional midwives are those certified by the North American Midwifery Registry, and do not require insurance and verification.