Is having a home birth safe?

When fewer interventions are used in birth, the result is fewer complications. There is less chance of infection, intervention, hemorrhage and tearing in a home birth. There is more likely to be a relaxed, peaceful birth leading to bonding and a sense of empowerment and well being. Breastfeeding rates are higher and babies are breastfed longer with the support of a midwife. Overall satisfaction with the birth is greater. For low-risk women, having your baby at home is safe.

We, as midwives, were specifically trained to care for low-risk women during the NATURAL process of birth. We are experts in normal and therefore recognize when mother or newborn fall outside of normal parameters. If at any time, during pregnancy or labor, you are no longer in the category of low-risk, you will be referred to a physician who can care for you.

With Sweet Arrivals Midwifery there are two licensed midwives, allowing for two sets of hands to handle any emergency that may arise. We both stay current at all times in Neonatal Resuscitation and feel confident in that skill. We bring oxygen and resuscitation equipment, anti-hemorrhage medicine, catheters, suturing material and all the equipment needed to handle an emergency situation. If a hospital transport is needed we will notify the hospital, accompany you there, and stay with you as your support people until after the baby is born.

The World Health Organization has said there is no proof that a hospital birth is safer than a planned home birth with a trained attendant. Most of the research on home births in developed countries shows that with a trained attendant the infant and maternal mortality rates are the same as hospital births, if not better. There is, also, a significantly reduced chance of cesarean section, induction of labor, and the use of vacuum or forceps.

Benefits of giving birth at home

• You are in your own home, with the comforts it provides,  and no need to drive anywhere. This helps promote further relaxation.

• Your midwives are there only for you. You do not share your care provider with others in labor.

• Continuity of care with those you developed a relationship with prenatally, ease of communication and questions or concerns thoroughly addressed.

• You have control of who is at your birth: your caregivers, family, friends or just your partner.

• You have control of your actions. You are not only allowed, but are encouraged, to eat, drink, move freely, make noise, shower, bathe, etc.

• Only your germs are present at your home which lowers the risk of infection.

• Reduced risk of cesarean section

• Increase in overall satisfaction in birth: feeling empowered and greater bonding for whole family

Specific benefits to the baby

• No separation of mother and baby

• Enhanced bonding for whole family

• Delayed cord clamping

• Decreased risk of infection

• Reduced chance of birth trauma

• Newborn exam occurs on bed near mother when family is ready

Who is a good candidate for a home birth?

Any woman who is healthy is a good candidate for a home birth.  Neither age nor having either your first or tenth baby rules you out for a home birth. A healthy lifestyle including good nutrition and some exercise are important.  As is a positive attitude and belief in your body. Midwifery care helps support and maintain health during your pregnancy. It can be a great time for growth and transformation as you become a parent.

Internet resources on safety of home birth:

• Home Births Are Safe
  http://www.mothersnaturally.org/resources/CPM2000.pdf (PDF)
  http://cfmidwifery.org/Resources/item.aspx?ID=85

• Making Normal Birth a Reality (PDF)

• Home Births in the United States, 1990–2009

• Outcomes of planned home births with certified professional midwives: large prospective study in North America

• 10 facts on midwifery