Home Births... Home birth involves the participation of trained midwives or nurse-midwives in a partnership with women who are expected to be of a low-risk status, while maintaining healthy pregnancies. The following information is designed to help women make an informed decision When considering a home birth: Ensure that your health care team consists of a licensed midwife who works with a back-up obstetrician Talk with your midwife regarding her policies and procedures and concept of birth. You might be more comfortable with a midwife who shares your view of birth Construct a birth plan with an additional back up plan should in case a hospital transfer becomes necessary Have all the necessary people to assist you to cope with labor whether family, friends, hire a doula or utilize the midwife’s birth assistant Have available the information for the nearest hospital, to facilitate an easy transfer should it become necessary Ensure that you have chosen a pediatrician for your baby who will examine the baby within 24 hours of the birth, unless the midwife provides post partum services ADDITIONAL REASONS WOMEN CHOOSE PLANNED HOME BIRTHS Not wanting to be traveling during labor, being uncomfortable, driving themselves, having transportation issues, traveling after the birth with a newborn baby Siblings can catered to in the comforts of the home, asleep in their own beds, familiar with their surroundings lessening mom's worry of their care and care provider Construct a birth plan with an additional back up plan should in case a hospital transfer becomes necessary Food can be prepared in the comforts of their own kitchen and be readily available Have available the information for the nearest hospital, to facilitate an easy transfer should it become necessary Family and friends already know the location of the birth and to meet the new baby after birth. post partum services Some families are comfortable using their own linen and toiletries Not worrying about been woken up for discharge after the birth, because they are able to asleep in their own bed. Studies found that women experience pain associated with birth differently, and less negatively, in a home setting. As the trend grows and home birth becomes more acceptable and accessible, Midwives hope that the high cesarean section rate will begin to decrease and women will be more empowered in their choice and methods of birth. Contact Us  |  Site Map