Home Birth
These days, many expectant mothers choose to give birth in their own homes rather than hospitals, and they often have a number of reasons for doing so. Reasons include the desire to give birth in a relaxed and familiar environment, not use pain medication or have medical intervention, and be in control of the labor-and-birthing process. Although a home birth is a personal decision, there are many factors to consider, because circumstances that pose serious risks to the mother and baby can arise. A home birth is usually performed with the help of a midwife or doula.
Considerations of a Home Birth
Several factors should be considered when deciding whether a home birth is a safe option. If the baby is in a breech position, a home birth may be unsafe. Home birth also may not be recommended if the expectant mother is carrying more than one fetus, and/or meets the following criteria:
- Has had a Cesarean section
- Has certain medical conditions (such as HIV, diabetes, lupus or high blood pressure)
- Has a pregnancy complication (such as preeclampsia)
For a home birth, the mother should be between 36 and 41 weeks of pregnancy. If labor occurs before or after that time, the birth should take place in a medical facility. In addition, in case of complications, a home birth should not take place more than 15 minutes away from a hospital.
Preparation for a Home Birth
A woman should discuss all aspects of a home birth with a medical professional prior to delivery. If the expectant mother has met the criteria for a safe home birth, careful planning should take place to ensure that labor and delivery go smoothly, and preparations should be made for dealing with complications. A doctor or experienced, certified midwife should be chosen to assist with the home birth. A doula may be used for physical and emotional support during labor. The birth should take place in proximity to a medical facility so that the mother and baby can be transported quickly in the case of an emergency. A pediatrician should be chosen so that the newborn can be examined within a few days of birth.
On its website, the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that "there should be at least one person present at the delivery whose primary responsibility is the care of the newborn infant and who has the appropriate training, skills and equipment to perform a full resuscitation of the infant."
Risks of a Home Birth
With careful preparation, a home birth can be safe and rewarding. However, it is important to consider all risks. Life-threatening problems can occur during labor and delivery without warning. If complications occur and treatment is delayed, the lives of the mother or child may be at risk. Although the risk of infant death is still low, newborns delivered at home are 2 to 3 times more likely to die shortly after birth than those born in a hospital.