Why Homebirth?

It is hard to describe exactly why homebirth is so magical - or the complete depth of the magic. It just is.

Many have said that if all babies were born at home, the world would be a more peaceful place.

Homebirth is a safe and wonderful option for low-risk women. Even first time mothers can give birth at home. Even mothers who previously had a hard labor or interventions can give birth at home.

Only in a few instances should homebirth not be considered and your midwife will be able to tell if that situation arises.

For most healthy women homebirth is a very real, very good option. In some countries of the world, homebirth is still a "normal" thing and the midwifery model of care is the rule - not an exception.

Low-Risk

A woman must be "low-risk" to have a homebirth. The best way to stay low-risk is to be vigilant about your own prenatal care. Take good care of yourself and follow your instincts for caring for your baby.

You'll be "risked out" of a homebirth for some conditions. Pre-existing health problems may cause your midwife to decide that you would be safer giving birth in a hospital. If you develop a condition such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes you will have to give birth at the hospital.

Some places have regulations that don't allow breech babies or twins to be born at home. You will need to check the laws where you live. It is sometimes possible to have a homebirth anyways, but you are responsible for weighing all the risks.

Some places do not allow homebirths for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) mothers. VBAC homebirth (HBAC) has been proved to be safe, perhaps even safer than at the hospital. Seek the advice of a skilled midwife if this is your situation.

Prenatal Care

You have control over your own prenatal care. You'll probably see your midwife on a regular schedule - but it is up to you how you take care of your body and your baby.

Your midwife may have you test your own urine and weight at each appointment. You might also fill in your own chart. This helps you to be aware of what is going on with your own body.

Even if you don't do this yourself your midwife is sure to fill you in on it. She'll spend plenty of time asking you questions about your self-care and your physical and emotional state.

You may have your appointments at your own home, or your midwife's home or office. If your midwife works out of birth center, then you will probably have your prenatals there.

Your appointments will be open to your entire family, even your children. You will get to know your midwife well and will establish a good relationship with her.

You may need to go to an obstetrician for prenatal blood work or ultrasound. You may also need to arrange for back-up obstetrical care in the event of a transfer. Or your midwife may already have a relationship with an OB and hospital in your area.

Your midwife will probably have a large collection of books and videos that you can borrow from. She may teach childbirth classes or be able to refer you to good natural childbirth classes in your area.

You may also be able to attend "baby reunions" for past clients and their children, or gatherings of your midwife's current clients.

You Are In Control of Your Birth

Just as mothers from all species seek out safe, quiet places to birth, and guard those places, human mothers also want security and safety. At home, this is almost a given.

You are in control of how your home is set up. You're also in control of who is there. Don't let someone come to your homebirth that you don't want there. Worry about hurt feelings later. During pregnancy, focus on creating the birth atmosphere you want. It's your choice.

You can walk around as much as you want. You can stay inside or go outside. You can sit on the toilet or hug a tree! It's totally up to you.

There isn't anything stuck in you or your baby. Your midwife will monitor your baby's vitals intermittently with a Doppler. This has been proved to be just as safe as continuous fetal monitoring.

You can also set up a birthing tub or you can labor in your own bathtub or shower. If you want to give birth in the tub, you will probably want to look into hiring a labor pool or buying a large "kiddie pool."

You can eat and drink as you would like to - and what you'd like to! You can wear whatever you like - or you can wear nothing if you like ;) It's all up to you.

You may be able to relax best in your own home. And your partner will be able to give you all the support you need. Your partner can get in the tub or shower with you, walk with, or be in bed with you. Your partner may like it that he can "guard the nest" and make sure that you are safe as you labor. Men in particular seem to have this instinct.

Lots of Support

Your midwife will give you a lot of support. She will encourage you to move around and do what your body is telling you to keep labor moving. She will remind you to drink and to pee, and to eat something if your strength seems to be waning.

She will be able to suggest things to do if your labor seems slow or is stalling. She will have the patience to let you work through peaks naturally. She will also be able to help you deal with pain should you need it. Your midwife is a wise woman who will help you focus. She should be hands-off when you want her to be.

Your midwife will also know when there is a complication. She'll know exactly what to do to help you and your baby. Many common complications can be handled right at home - for instance, your baby may simply need you to change positions. If your midwife advises transfer, it's probably time to go.

But your midwife will guide you and encourage you to listen to your body. At home, you have the freedom and the support you need to dance, moan, rock, or even laugh through your labor. You do not need to worry about being quiet!

Just in Case

Your midwife will carry oxygen and emergency equipment for infant resuscitation. She will also carry other equipment in care of an emergency, including medicine in case you are losing too much blood.

Her equipment will be sterile (and you will probably have prepared sterile packs of supplies at your home).

When you choose your midwife, you can and should ask her what equipment she'll bring to the birth. You will be pleased to find that she'll be prepared to handle any complications and very knowledgeable about where things should be handled.

Your Baby is Here!

After your baby arrives your midwife will put her right up on your chest. Even if your baby needs some help getting started, that work will be done right with you if possible. All newborn procedures will be delayed until you and your baby get to know each other. When they are done, they'll be done right in front of you!

At home you'll never have to fight to keep things away from your baby. If you choose not to have eye treatment or interventions like Vitamin K, you don't have to argue to keep them away from your baby.

Your midwife will allow you plenty of time to get breastfeeding started and will probably be helping you get going right from the start. You'll be able to nurse your baby for as long as you want to.

Your homebirth midwife will most likely stay for several hours after your baby is born to make sure that you and he are doing well. She will probably come back every day for several days after the birth to check on how you are doing.

It's usually recommended that you take your baby to her pediatrician or your family doctor within one week of the birth. Until then, your midwife or you can do full newborn exams on your baby.

You'll have a postpartum check around six weeks. You can also call your midwife with questions any time you need her, even after six weeks. Your midwife probably also offers family planning counseling and can tell you where to find natural forms of birth control should you choose them.

Get the skills and knowledge you need to really be in control during your birth - The Pink Kit will give you the resources you need to truly be prepared for childbirth and beyond. Even if you'll have a midwife there you need to learn these skills. I recommend it highly.

Click Here to Find Out How a Few Minutes a Day Gave Me a Perfect Homebirth

Get a Free Natural Baby Resource Kit!