What Do You Think About Home Births?

I think that home births are a great option for women that are generally low risk and healthy. I think that the model of care for most hospitals is not empowering for a lot of women, which it should be regardless of the kind of birth you hope to have. Birthing moms are not just a number that should be ignored and poked and proded. They should be able to have a drug free birth if they wish and not be scrutinized for it if they chose that route. I have two babies, both born at hospitals, one medicated, one not. I hope to have a third next year and will plan for a home birth.

A., I had my first baby at a hospital with a midwife and the next two a home. I am pregnant with my fourth and planning another home birth. I think it is totally the way to go for myself. I think home birth is ideal for low-risk pregnancies when the mother is educated on childbirth and believes her body was made to birth. My favorite parts about home birth is not having to transfer to a hospital during labor, and already being in the comfort of my own home afterward. It is a really neat experience. A lot of people have it in their head that it is so messy - it's really not - especially when you don't tear or have an episiotomy. After our second daughter was born (our first home birth), minutes after she came out my husband said,"We will never go back to a hospital again as long as we don't have to." I totally agreed. I hope it gives you a little positive insight into homebirth.

My sister had both of her children at home and it was the most wonderful experience. I had mine in the hospital, it was planned that way as my husbands sister had a problem and he was not comfortable with me having mine at home. I would have had to go to the hospital anyway because my water ruptured before 35 weeks. I would love to have one at home after experiencing the births at my sisters home, but now I am high risk and can't plan things the way I want them. lol

I'm against home births. I have a 6 month old and yes I had him at a hospital. I know a few people who have had home births and there was something wrong with every single situation. A few it was with the mom and a few it was with the child. Most of the senarios(?) wouldn't have happend if they would have been at the hospital where they could have immediatly received the medical attention needed. I know a lot of people want to have their babies at home because they want to do it all natural. Well guess what, you can do it all natural at the hospital too. They can't force you to take medication. You can do everything natural but the medical help is there if you need it. Plus, I know in Idaho (not sure about other states) but midwives don't really have to have any certification, it's pretty much like somebody off the street delivering your baby. YIKES!!! God gave us the medical knowledge why not put it to good use!

I have 4 children, 3 born at home. I only had the last one in a hospital because I wanted to be fixed, and it's easier to have that done immediately after a birth. Even so, my last birth, at the smallest close hospital, included a birthing pool, midwife and doula. It was like a home birth, just "at someone else's house", Ha Ha.
I found it very empowering to give birth in my own place with my midwife and friends ( Both husbands have skipped the actual birth, electing to show up after we're all cleaned up.) I understand that a Home birth isn't for everyone, esp women with complications or those who think they can't, but if you're healthy, and your midwife agrees, it saves a BUNCH of $$$, and there's no waiting to go home, you're already there!

To anyone who's thinking about it: Educate yourself, ask lots of questions, make sure your partner can be agreeable, enjoy one of the greatest days of your life in the comfort of your own home.

I have had all four of my children at home and absolutly would not do it any other way. I feel that doctors create problems that would have other wise been avoided. I am not against doctors in any way but only for certain things. I think women rely to much on what doctors say and not listen to there intuition.

Wonderful topic! Needs to be discussed more! :)

I think we've been societally programed that homebirths are absolutely dangerous, though it's not really true. The Amish, along with a number of other conservative denominations and religions, regularly have homebirths. The only time they don't is when the pregnancy is already high-risk or they're older ladies (again, making them high-risk). They are an example of how safe this method actually is.

Also, every single direct-entry midwife and birthing mom has a back up plan in case something does go wrong. It's the standard. And it isn't used very often.

I was skeptical, I admit, when I learned that the "common" person still does this. I was programmed that women NEED to be in the hospital, NEED to have an epidural, NEED to have a doctor instead of a midwife, etc. When I started learning about when I found I was pregnant (since I wanted an unmedicated, totally natural birth), I found that all my notions were wrong. What I had been told was just to scare me, not what was actual truth (though in fairness, it's been passed along in so many circles that I don't think people are necessarily doing it strictly as a scare tactic, but honestly believe the misinformation).

I ended up birthing in a hospital, butI would've loved to have given birth at home. Just wasn't in the cards for me. Oh well.

Of the people I know who have had kids, the ones who had homebirths are the only ones who didn't have problems, were uninterfered with, and absolutely enjoyed the experience. Truly an interesting study for me :)

I had a home birth with my first son and plan to do home births with the rest of my kids. My husband first suggested it and I was a bit reluctant, so I read up on it and prayed about it. There is a book out by the Sears, I believe it's called "The Pregnancy Book" and it talks about the options and the history of birth. I think our culture has a lot of fear of giving birth because we can be isolated from in, versus other countries women are around and have seen many births. One thing I found interesting is that hospital births began in the early 1900s, so really they've only been around for 100 years versus the midwife model which has been around for thousands of years. Learning this and learning the training that midwives go through made me comfortable doing a homebirth. Midwives doing homebirths, by law, may only take "low-risk" women, and they must be within a certain distance from a hospital. Midwives value the body and the natural process of birth. If I had my son in the hospital there is a chance I would have had a vacuum extraction or even a cesarean. HOwever the midwives were patient and spent hours working with me. They also use a variety of birthing position and know how different positions can help progress labor. With a homebirth I didn't have to worry about random people coming in and out or shift changes. I was provided with excellent one-on-one care. It was a wonderful experience. So as you can tell, I'm for it!

I had my first two in the hospital and my third at home. I am pregnant with my fourth and it will definitely be at home too. My second child had a lot of trauma caused by the doctor at the hospital. I could sue for malpractice, but I'm not the type. Because of that, I decided to have a home birth. My home birth was the most amazing experience I have ever had. Because I was so relaxed being in my own home, I didn't even feel much (or any) pain from the contractions until the last hour and a half. (Most pain is caused by women tensing up.) My sister, however, had major complications and her baby would have died if she wasn't at the hospital. She felt "inspired" to go in to the hospital. I think if we listen to our inspiration (not our fears) you will know if it is OK to have the baby at home, or if the hospital will be necessary. I do only recommend a home birth, however, to those that become extremely educated about it and know how to choose the right midwife, and who are very healthy. Otherwise it might not be a very good experience.

I just think that it's not worth the risk to have your baby at home. Yes, everything could be okay or it could not... Just seems selfish to me why not play it safe?

I think the people who are against home births are of the more conservative bent and think "why take an unnecessary risk with something so precious if you don't have to do it?" While I know they screen out the high-risk pregnancies, there is always a small chance that something "bad" will happen. That chance may be very small, say only 1 in a 1000 ... maybe even less, I don't know. But I am sure we all know of at least one woman who had to have a C-section at the last minute, because the placenta ripped or got wrapped around the baby's neck, or whatever. The chances are pretty good that it won't happen to you or your sister, but it does occasionally happen. If you are in the vast majority, the 999 who have uncomplicated births, then you might feel you made the right decision and that the advantages of being at home were worth it. But if you happen to be that one person out of a thousand whose baby dies or was deformed or hurt by not having immediate access to doctors and equipment then it is of little consolation that normally "all you need is a mid-wife."

Most hospitals now have birthing centers, and will allow you to have a mid-wife or birthing coach present. I think that would be the best of both worlds. That way if everything is fine you can do it "more naturally," but still have access to doctors and equipment if you need it.

A.

I'm pregnant currently and have had two hospital births, but decided to go with a midwife this time around. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I can't believe what I've learned in the process. These midwife/nurses are incredibly educated and have informed me slowly and gently about things I would have never known going through my OB (whom I adored). I think theres a lot of misinformation out there, and I think women are made to think the hospital is the safest thing for a baby. When you look at other countries and realize that midwives are present at about 75% of births, compared to about 5% in the US, yet have much lower infant mortality, let alone C-section rates, you begin to wonder. If you are really curious, rent the documentary, "the business of birth". It's fascinating about the history of childbirth in our country. This pregnancy has been, by far, my least complex, most enjoyable experience I've had. I'm certainly glad we all have choices out there. By the way, I have chosen to go to a birthing center instead of home births, but that's just another personal choice.

Hello A., I had my two children at home assisted by mid-wives and loved, loved, loved it!!! I got to move how I wanted, make sounds like I wanted, and no one tried to hook me up to anything. I got to be in the safe comfort of my own home, with my food and drink and clothes and fireplace and places to walk. All the comforts of home. I was very relaxed in my own evironment and I was honored in my feelings of how I wanted to be, in every way. That said, my midwives brought their vast knowledge and experience to the experience as well and I was very comforted by this as well. My body did what it did best and I was fully cared for.

The other best part was the environment my babies were born into!!! It was calm and warm and loving. Their safety and well-being was most important. They were on my belly immediately and nursed within 30 minutes. We kept the cord attached even after I birthed the placenta in order to let all of those amazing (and oxygenated) fluids go into their bodies. I felt so peaceful and loved and nourished. I totally trusted everyone present and knew my baby would not be taken out of my sight. They did all the apgar scoring there on the bed with us. The midwives sang a welcoming some, we ate awesome food and we all fell asleep.

My midwife came again the next day and often after that. I never had to leave my comfortable home. Overall, I felt totally empowered and safe.

From the research I have done, I know that home birth is very safe. Many say even safer than a hospital birth because the mother and baby are free to follow their own way of birthing without intervention. At the same time, the amazing proceedures available at the hospital were always a short trip away. Normal, healthy pregnancies and births are very safe in a setting where they are supported and allowed to progress naturally.

I would be happy to tell you about any other part of my experience you are interested in. Mothering.com is also a great resource. ~T.

This seriously needs to be talked about more and looked at more in a positive light instead of something hippy or new-age that only "Granola" type people do! I had a c-sec with my first and am due anyday with my second and if I could have found a midwife or doctor to do a homebirth I TOTALLY would have.
Ricki Lake recently did a documentary on birthing in the US.... Its something that EVERY woman in my opinion needs to see. Netfliz has it streaming on their website and you can use a free trial to view it over your computer. Its called, "The business of being born". If you really want some talking points on this whole subject, THAT would be the thing to see!

A.,
You brought up a good point--most women (in our country) believe women who have homebirths as crazy, foolish, risk-takers. I can see why. We, as a culture, have been brought up with dramatized pictures on the TV,news, etc. of screaming women laying on their backs in desperate pain having babies.(They're in pain because they're on their backs--benefitting those watching, not mommy). We don't realize, first of all, that we're conditioned to picture the "drama". Second of all, we've been told that birth is "dangerous" and that women die. We are not, of course, told "why" women die in birth, or how often, or where they are when they "die"(the larger percentage in the hospital). There are a lot of myths about birth--and most of us believe them. In 1900 95% of women in the US gave birth at home. By 1955 (due to cultural fads and marketing strategies)that had changed to 95% in the hospital. I won't go into it all; it's a rather long story. And a sad one at that. (Research birth history. Dr. Sears "Birth Book" has a good summary; or watch "The Business of Being Born" a recent documentary available on Netflix) What I will tell you is that we, as a nation, have made a horrible mess out of things;and we are suffering in so many ways because of it. We believe the hospital to be the safest place, but that is simply not the case. The U.S. has the 2nd highest death rate of women in the entire industrialized world (we're in 30th place for good outcomes). 50% more women die from planned c-sections than they do from natural vaginal birth. Infant mortality is also extremely high. 90% of women are induced (usually based on a doctor's schedule or around the times of shift changes in the hospital, red flag). Prenatal care in this country is horrendous; doctors are barely taught anything about preventive care or nutrition and we wonder why women have so many problems?! The British Medical Journal did a huge research study on hospital vs. homebirths a couple years ago and found that homebirths are equally "safe" (mortality); and the outcomes of mother and baby are far better as far as health goes "morbidity". The Center for Disease Control admitted that the death rate of women is estimated to be 4 times higher than reported because only 21 states actually report on their death certificates that a woman was pregnant immediately prior to her death.

The problem is that in the hospital, there are a lot more factors involved than just birth. There are multi-billion dollar drug companies that are pushing drug usage, advertizing it as "pain-free"--(they don't mention all the problems that come with it, like difficulty/impossibility in the ability to actually push the baby out, or the trauma to the baby). There's the problem of lawsuits and basically, if a doctor does a c-section, (only 4% are actually necessary, compared to U.S. ave. of 35% plus), no one can say they "didn't do all they could". Of course, lets not leave out insurance--homebirths cost around $3000 ave. and the hospital is tons more expensive; but drug companies pay big money to not get homebirths covered (what would be a huge loss of profit for them). The list goes on and on. And so the simple act of having a baby is no longer simple; and unfortunately, mother and baby are in reality, the ones that get tossed around in the mix.

I've had both of my children at home with a HIGHLY TRAINED midwife (not the mythological ignorant ninny with dirty fingernails most people picture--historic propaganda by-the-way). And I am so grateful, more and more with each birth story I hear, that I was not at the mercy of everybody else's stupidity in the hospital. It was peaceful. It was safe. It was my responsibility to do my part with my own body. It was hard work. And it was SOOOOO rewarding.

Just had a chance to read the other responses: Hannah G. Beautifully written!

I'm scared to death of home births. I think that for a first-time mom, who has no clue how her body with handle birth, a birthing center would be safer. I went to the hospital with my first, and I thought everything would be fine. Had I not been on monitors, I never would have known that his heart rate dropped to 50. Maybe a midwife would have caught on that he hadn't dropped enough because his head was so big, but what if she hadn't? I had an emergency c-section. Then he had punch-outs, a rare birth defect of holes in his "head." It wasn't a problem at all, but he needed x-rays to determine how deep the holes went, because they can be just the skin, or can go through the skull and brain.
My niece was also born by emergency c-section, and my nephew by c-section because his head was too big. So that means I and my two sisters would all be dead right now, and my parents would have three grandchildren instead of 6. One son, one daughter-in-law, one single-father son-in-law, and two sons-in-law who would have gone off and re-married and probably never seen them again.
My mom's birth was at home (that was the norm back then), but she wouldn't have survived it without medical intervention.
And then there's my cousin. She is all about doing things naturally, so she went to a birthing center for her first baby (home births weren't very popular back then). The baby had trouble and they had to be rushed to the hospital, which was over an hour away. He suffered from hypoxia, which caused cerebral palsy. He's very bright, but he limps and slurs his speech. I have a hard time not thinking that his life would be so much easier if his mom hadn't insisted on doing things the way she did.
My best friend just had her 5th in a birthing center. She wanted the 4th to be the same way, but the birthing center told her she needed to go to the hospital. And that birthing center was literally 2 blocks from the hospital anyway. Not an hour away. After 4 uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries, including a 10 pounder without an epidural, I think my friend has sufficient evidence to assume that any future births will also go well, and I would have no problem with her giving birth at home if she wanted to (as if I have a choice in the matter :)
I guess I feel like moms should see how their babies and bodies handle birth before they risk complications at home, or anywhere that isn't within minutes of a hospital. Sure, women have been doing it since time began, but many also lost their lives and their babies' in the process!

Dear A.,

Well, since you asked! I have had wonderful homebirths- all nine of my children were born at home with Midwives. It has been such a great experience that I became a Midwife! One of my deliveries- #8 was attended by my assistants. All of my children have been born into my husband's hands. It really has been an awakening. The hospital does have some advantages for the "high risk: woman and/or fetus, but overall, pregnancy and birth are not a condition of sickness, pregnancy and birth are a condition of WELLNESS!

We have allowed our views of pregnancy and birth to become skewed in the last 60+ years. So many of the older people I associate with have been born at home! They don't think that homebirth is odd at all, and most of the babies born worldwide are born at home with midwives. Many of those countries are not third-world countries. Europe uses midwives as a primary caregiver for pregnancy and childbirth. The most unfortunate statistics is that we have one of the highest number of infant mortality rates in the world! AND by far, the majority of our deliveries in the US are in the hospital. Homebirth statistics are exceptional in comparison with hospital deliveries.

I have been helping write letters to our legislators in Idaho to allow for voluntary licensure for Midwives. It is an uphill battle because the American Medical Association has so much money and power at stake. They don't want Midwives to have any toehold. That same organization is in large part responsible for shaping our ideas and fears of pregnanacy and the birthing process.

I appreciate your openness! I remember my mother-in-law telling me point blank- "If you have a homebirth I will disown you!" It concerned me for about a minute...then I stayed with my plans to see my Midwives!

Thank you for inquiry. Homebirth and Midwifery care isn't for everyone. I encourage women to birth where they are comfortable. Some women need the security of the hospital. If that is the case, I support them- the most important thing is that they have a good outcome- Mom and babe.
I prefer to stay out of the hospital for that very same reason!

Take Care,
H. B. MOM(Mother of Many-9)

Hi A.,
I had three of my five kids at home. I had to go in for one of them because my afterbirth didn't want to come out, but all in all it was a great experience. My daughter was in medical school in Mexico and chose a home birth for two reasons. One, the doctor told her she would have to get cut, and two, she wanted it private. A fellow medical student who had been a ob gyn nurse for 25 years attended the birth. She (my daughter)drank oregano and cinnamon tea, recommended when she was in active labor by an indian who lived in her apartment, and had my grand-daughter in "3" hours. I was very impressed.

I have friends that have done home births, I did the hospital route but would change a couple things if I had another child. I would still go to a hospital however would have a mid wife that works with the hospital do the delivery. There are a lot of midwifes that do this, my reasons are several fold. One midwifes are not so anxious to just get the baby out as fast as possible, they take their time with the mom also so we don't get torn.... However I would still do it at the hospital. I come from a family of medical professionals and know the stories of the rare chance of having a problem at home and not able to get to the hospital fast enough to help. Home deliveries are fine when nothing goes wrong but on the off chance that something does go wrong I don't want to put my baby at any extra risk because I was too stubborn to go to a hospital. The baby is going through enough on their birthday to not have professional help right there is too much to ask.
S. M

I think the number one factor is safety and the things that can go wrong in a instant that only a qualified hospital staff can provided assistance with. If something were to happen to the baby or yourself the delay in medical attention could really be dangerous. Midwives are trained but not to the extent a pediatric staff is at the hospital. I also think too after having a baby, getting some TLC and being able to have a nurse help out in the first day or two is a blessing for moms. I know I was really loving that I could order food to my room, relax and get to know my baby without distractions those first few days. I had preeclampsia with one baby and the other HAD to be by csection with delayed labor and him being crooked, if I hadn't been at a hospital he could have died. No question about it I would much prefer a hospital in birthing! :) Lastly, no mess at home to clean up either!!! I mean it was not pretty with my births and I really wouldn't want that at my house, hee hee...

Love it. My first was C-Section, second was preemie VBAC (vaginal after cesarean.. and Yes, they do allow, even encourage, those in most other states - including the surgeon who performed the C-sect - Idaho is actually behind the times in that) Those 2 were not very happy experiences. Aside from the situations of having c-sect and preemie, hospitals are a high pace, starchy environment, the beeping machines and cords all over, they didn't want me to turn over on the bed even though it was more comfortable just for their convenience, they wouldn't let me eat even though I had been vomiting for about 12 hours and no longer had energy for the labor, about 4 people yelling at me when to push and therefore i tore really bad, etc etc.

My 3rd birth: at home, 2 close people, 2 midwives, dim lights with candles, quiet warm room, no noise except me, my own bathtub, my own bed, food and Gatorade to keep hydrated and fueled, no one yelling at me when to push, my body did it on it's own - therefore I did not tear AT ALL. baby was born in the water, very calm, nursed immediately, I was so relaxed.

I was back on my feet the next day, fully recovered in about 2 days.
it is very clean because we have blue pads just like in the hospital, and other liners, any messes are very easy to clean up. it's actually healthier to be at home where your immune system is used to the environment. at a hospital you can be introduced to many things your body isn't built up for yet, despite the starchy atmosphere.
midwives are trained to handle situations, but even so they're not as likely to come up because the home is much more calm and stress usually causes complications.

I had my first two children in a hospital with a doctor. It was a birth. Nothing special nothing horrible. I had no complications and no drugs. My second two were with a midwife in a hospital. The midwife was so calm and relaxed and present for more of the labor and delivery, she was not just a baby catcher. Again I was in a hospital. Same setting totally different feeling. I would recommend a midwife for sure. They tend to look at pregnancy as a natural thing rather than a medical situation.
My neighbor had a home delivery at the same time I had my last baby. The thing you have to remember is that you don't have anyone to answer your questions or take the baby in the middle of the night. I left the hospital after 24 hours. This ended the belly prodding and gave me the peace of mind that if something went wrong, I would be taken care of.
Really it's a personal choice. I would only recommend a home birth for someone who's husband would be able to be there and very attentive for the next couple of days.

I think having a baby at home would be wonderful except for one exception. What if something goes wrong and you and/or your baby needs emergency care. My mother-in-law had 12 children (that's right 12) and all of her births went very well. She was really tempted to have her last few births at home, but the nervousness that maybe the next one won't go quite as well kept her in the hospital. I think this is a personal decision for a woman but that the first baby should be delivered in the hospital just to make sure the mother can deliver babies just fine.

I have had both a hospital and home birth. I was tired of the Dr. arriving in time to catch the baby or the nurse telling me to blow and wait because the Dr. wasn't there. You spend all this money and maybe see the actual Dr. who will deliver (depending who is on call, not who you see)once. Enough! I live in Idaho and found a midwife who lived actually 1 1/2 hours away. There were others closer but I really liked Vikki. She lived on a farm and had birthed cattle and whatever for her whole life. She knew her herbs forward and backward and she cared about me. I went to monthly check-ups but unlike the Dr. it wasn't just a weigh in and urine check. She asked about me, how my life was going? How was my husband. Everything. The total picture. Was there stress and where was it! It was the best thing I ever did! The other thing she asked was how long my deliveries were. Mine were 8 hours (except for my first). She looked right at me and said she could cut that in half. She did, my labor was 3 hrs. 45 minutes! Everyone who wanted to be involved in the family had a job and was part of the delivery. Olive oil was used to grease the way so to speak. When my son was born the cord was wrapped around his neck. There was NO PANIC. It was removed and he was coaxed into breathing. I hemmoraged a bit and Vikki had told me that if that happened she would put liquid cayenne pepper under my tongue. She did, it stopped. Amazing!!! No drugs and I never felt like I needed any. It was so much easier than in the hospital. With the olive oil and streching that she was doing as the baby came there was NO tearing and NO need for an episitomy. Everything healed so much faster. And...she cleaned the sheets and the house and did laundry before she left! Get that from a Dr. It was her and an assistant and all the prenatal car for $400 for her and $300 for the assistant. This was 15 years ago. My sister-in-law saw how well it went and did her birth 6 months later in the bathtub and I was there for the whole thing and got to help. It was beautiful. I never once wished it was in the hospital. I was never scared. I felt very loved and content! What a different feeling. My husband wasn't watching TV he was helping with everthing! Ask me anything you like.

I am 32 and pregnant with my 3rd baby. I had my first baby at home when I was 19 ... a beautiful healthy baby girl. My son was born at home 7 years ago ... I had an amazing 4.5 hour labor and beautiful delivery. I will be having this baby at home as well. I have had three very different, all very amazing midwives. Each of them brought their own style and experiences to my births. I am still waiting to hear a story of prenatal care by a traditional western doctor that would begin to touch the quality of care that I have received from my midwives (and the stories of my other friends who have had homebirths and midwives as well). Midwives seem to be extra thorough in working with the whole health of the women in her care. I believe birth should occur where people feel safest. For me, that is in my home. If a woman feels safest in a hospital or birthing center, she should be there.

I have never had a home birth, but would like to offer this: My dad is a doctor (family practice) and delivered my younger two siblings at home (20-25 yrs. ago). He says he would never do it again knowing what he does now. One was cord-wrapped, and although she is fine, there are so many things that potentially could go wrong that could be immediately attended to at a hospital. I don't know what statistics say, but while births are a lovely experience, I think in 20 years, you won't remember so much how peaceful your surroundings were as you'll remember how grateful that your baby was healthy and well.

I was born at home as were my 9younger siblings-my Dad did the honors.It is certainly much cheaper and barring complications you can involve the others quicker and continue being with the kids.Thus,avoiding their missing you and resenting the new one.

It's a good question and a good opportunity to open a forum.

After a great deal of research, I chose to have my son at home. In the end, we had to be transported and landed in the ER. A BIG bummer. But that's why you have a back-up plan.

For me it was an interesting journey through what it means to be a woman. An informed woman and an empowered woman.

"Modern", "Western" medicine has only been around for a little over 200 years. And in that time there have been more deaths of women and infants during, and as a result of childbirth (do the research, if you don't believe me!).

I couldn't over look the FACT that women have been furthering species, almost more efficiently than any other on the planet, for MILLIONS and millions of years - completely on our own (without medical intervention). And it does seem a little odd that the most populous places in the world have the least access to "modern" medicine. So obviously, child birth is not a "dangerous health condition" that must be closely monitored, as the AMA would have us believe.

And then there is the World Health Organization's list of most dangerous places to give birth in the whole world. American hospitals are in the top 5. The USA also tops the list of iatrogenic (doctor or care-giver caused) complications. Not to mention the skyrocketing rate of C-section, which also tops the WHO list.

When I looked into c-sections and the risks, I was appalled that women are almost never told the very serious risks of the surgery. Especially when it comes to a second and third c-sections.

I must admit that I was not raised the the culture of the AMA and doctor as ultimate and final authority. So it is much easier for me to question and peek under the curtain to see what is REALLY driving the great Oz.

I wish birthing families (women and their partners) would do their own research and NOT always take what the doctor says as ultimate gospel. Read about the risks of inducing labor (that will raise the hair on the back of your neck), open the PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) and KNOW what the contraindications, side effects and risks are of the drugs your doctors prescribes. Often the doctors haven't read all of that and are very surprised at what is in the "fine print".

More than anything I wish women would not abdicate the responsibility for their health and their birth to someone else.

We are unbelievably powerful beings BUILT to give birth!

Just my two pennies.

:~)

Blessings,

M.

I think home births are awesome. I have 3 children.

My second was an unplanned home birth (my husband delivered our daughter 7 minutes into a 911 call, one minute before paramedics arrived, this was after about 6 contractions that were 10-15 minutes apart). It was my best delivery although fast. If I wasn't afraid of some complication or the remote chance of some type of emergency, or if I had a lot of childbearing years left instead of just 2-3, I would plan to have every birth at home.

The comparative experience has helped me realize a few things... hospitals want to be sure that as few babies and mothers die as possible... in order to do that, they create a very unnatural atmosphere for having a baby... you can't walk and move around once you have checked in (which would help delivery really progress), you lie in a bed with monitors attached to you which monitor you and your baby. The natural way to respond to difficult contractions is impossible while lying on a hospital bed, so pain levels are higher and encourage early epidural. I don't have much else to say, but I believe if you are brave and prayerful, that a home delivery is a great way to go (if your instincts tell you otherwise, you can change your mind).

Good luck! Some people are not very open minded about home births, but you don't have to base your decisions on others judgments and opinions. I hope you consider all options and move forward with confidence when you make your decision.

You know the scariest part of having the baby at home would be risk. What if the baby has issues or needs to go to the NICU? You never know what will happen. I have to say some people like the idea and want to take the RISK, but I would never even consider. If we are giving honest opinion I think it is selfish. It is what the mother wants and it is not in the best interest of the child. Don't think I would ever judge anyone if they decided to do a home birth, but I think it is unsanitary and risky. I am answering honestly because you asked us to tell you what we think. If someone asked me what they should do, I would tell them home births are not for everyone and it should be your desision. I just would never do it! :)
J. S

I have a friend whose mother had 10 children, half of them at the hospital, and half at home. I know of other women who had the tub births at home. If there are no complications and the ability to get to the hospital if needed, I see no problem. I was going to have a mid-wife deliver my son. But my situation would still have been at a hosp. just in case. I am not brave enough to do it at home. I any case I had to have a c-section so I was glad I was at the hosp. I had a neighbor who went out of town to have a mid-wife and dulla deliver her and she ended up having to have an emergency c-section at the hosp. So I don't know, I have no choice now but I find it interesting as well.

I had a home birth in December with a midwife. It was really a wonderful experience. The only complication was that my baby had the cord wrapped around her neck & was not breathing when she was born. However, it only took the midwife rubbing her down to get her to start breathing (and the cord was still attached so it wasn't an emergency yet). Plus the midwife had oxygen on hand if rubbing didn't work.

To respond to some comments made here, there is no difference between cleanliness at home or in hospital. My midwife spread disposable sheets all over the bed, and she did all the clean-up. In regards to safety...even if you have a doctor that you share values, you are still under the hospital policies. C-section rates are 20% higher than they should be, and you are 8 times more likely to die from c-section. But I can see how those who have had complications in birth can distrust homebirth; personal experience can outweigh any statistics. Also, the comments saying they wouldn't risk a baby's life for comfort aren't mentioning the connection between being relaxed & safety. A relaxed woman is able to open up quicker & has less complications (read about the Sphincter Law in Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth).

So, I would say that ANYONE having a birth needs to be educated then make a decision that they feel comfortable with, either the hospital or home. I'd say being prepared & comfortable is more important than where the birth is. For me personally, I know I'm more comfortable at home.

While I am not opposed to the idea, I would never have a home birth, primarily because I had a baby (full term) who would have died without a NICU. Sometimes midwives will wait too long to get a doctor involved. And even if the birth process goes well, a team of neonatal experts is too far away if the baby isn't doing well.

I LOVE home births when all goes well for baby and mom, but you can never guarantee that will be the case going in to the situation. I could never forgive myself if something happened to one of my babies that could have been prevented by birthing at a hosptial with a medical staff and life-saving equipment. And if you choose a good doctor, he/she should be willing to work with your birth plan, even if it takes place in a hospital. My doc was totally willing to let me squat, water birth, and let my husband actually do the delivering...all in a hospital. For me the most important thing was to deliver a healthy baby, and I figured (correctly, in my case) the best chance for that was in a hospital.

I think for me, it is a matter of safety. I have had all 3 of my babies w/ a midwife, but at the hospital. A home birth to me has the following draw backs:
1. If there were any complications, baby stuck in the birth canal, unable to dialate, it could be fatal.
2. Cleanliness
3. Clean up! I'm glad that there are people who do that at a hospital.
4. Most mid-wifes who deliver from home are not medically trained (not always a bad thing) but midwifes who deliver at a hospital and practice under a doctor have to go to school and take nursing courses etc... There are some midwifes who deliver at home who have only had a 6 week training course...

I too see why people like the idea of delivering at home (in fact I had a sister-in-law who did it), but for me... It's a little too scary!

This, as with so many other subjects (like immunizations, feeding & sleeping methods, working moms etc.), really gets emotions & opinions running high. Everyone seems to think they know the best way - which is fine, except that so many seem to then jump to insulting each other's opinions & choices.

I prefer to look at things, when possible, without such emotion. For the record, I have chosen to have my babies in a hospital.

When you have a baby at home it is a comfortable environment, you have more choice about the birth of the baby, and many feel natural is better (that is debatable - I feel no need to have a rool canal naturally & I do not choose to forgo medical treatment for other conditions because I want to be "natural" - for me, I don't accept that natural is automatically better, but I respect that others feel that it is). On the flip side, in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with the birth, you may not have the medical resources available in time to intervene and possibly save your & the baby's life. Granted, the chance is very slim - but for me, the consequence was too dire for me to risk. I think that that is the main reason people have such strong feelings against having children at home.

I would also add that there is a feeling that midwives are automatically better at delivering children. Most assume that there is no OB that can measure up to a midwife - that OB's are just in it for the quick buck & don't care as much about the damage done to you during childbirth. I'm sure it can be hard to find, but I have to say that I would put my OB up against any midwife any day. Even my sister who had her last 4 children naturally with midwives & who was present at the birth of my first baby had to admit that he was every bit as good as any midwife and better than some. And he was a man!! (I know - it's shocking and scandalous.) I say this only to show that they do exist...

I will also add that there are slim chances that hospital births can cause problems. I am not blind to that. But when weighing the risks and benefits, which is all any of us can do, I felt the evidence went in favor of a hospital birth. But I would never condemn anyone else's choice to do it at home. We all have to make the choice that is best for us - no one size fits all. I just continue to hope for all of us to come to a place where we are more accepting & supportive of other mom's choices to do things differently than we might choose for ourselves.

me either. I think it's great. I would love the chance to to try it. But, with complications that I had, it was not an option. I wanted to at least try for natural childbirth at the hospital with my midwife, but had the epideral because of blood pressure to high, swelling and baby was 5 weeks early. Midwife wouldn't let me out of bed so laboring without moving around didn't work. The epideral was my FRIEND! My coworker just had her first baby at home and loved it. She was healthy all the way through her pregnancy though. So, it just depends on the women and I am so glad that we have to choice!

My first 4 were in hospitals and my last 4 were at home. BIG difference!!! Midwives seem to know so much more than the doctors and alot more alternatives than drugs and surgery. I feel safe with a midwife any day. Water births seem to take the sting out of birthing and would highly recommend it. My last midwife knew of a pressure point to push during contractions that I almost felt guilty not having pain during them. Just like anything else you have to do your homework with finding a great midwife.

Birth has only been a medical procedure for 60 years or so. What do you think women did before that?

I think it is an interesting topic and definitely one of personal choice. My first child was born in the hospital with a midwife and my second in a birthing center, just like a home but not mine. The hospital/mid wife expreience was great. Generally the birthing center experience was OK. My husband had more problems with it than I did. With the birthing center birth my son did not breathe right away when he came out and that was a little scary, the mid wife and her assistant worked it out, but what if they had not been able to because of their limited equipment. So, my husband informed me that we will use the hospital from here on out, which I am fine with. The hospital I use has the spa tubs and that is manditory to get me through my labor, but I do prefer the security of the hospital.

I would have to say that home births scare me. Both my boys were whisked away to the NICU immediately after birth. Also since they both had the cords wrapped around their necks, I am glad I was somewhere where all the resourses were available. I don't know the extent of monitors used at home, but they definately helped when the boy's heart rate dropped due to the cord around the neck. I received a shot to halt everything until he was stable.

Just my opinion, interested in hearing others as well.

Dear Alaxendra -
I had both my babies at home - with a General Procaticinter and a mid-wife. I wouldn't trade the ecperience for naything. However - I have a very strong spirituality to back me up and I am not fearful about having medical sicence intervene in every aspect of my lift. I have a huge trust in God - so that helps back up my deicins of when to use medical science and hospitals.

I had a wonderufl experice, but it is a very personal decision. It is good to explore ALL options and choose what is best for the individaul.

Move- Sara

My mom had me a the hospital, I'm the oldest of 4, then she had my 2 sisters at home back in the 70's when insurance covered it. She had a doctor with one and a midwife with the other. She loved it and was very disappointed to have to have my bro at the hospital because insurance no longer covered it. I have a few friends who gave birth at home over the years and they all swear by it if you can afford it.I think the idea is great if you are having a normal low risk pregnancy, I mean you are not sick right? you are just going through a physical process that women have been dealing with for eons.

I think homebirths are great and I am currently looking into having one for our 2nd born. The reason ppl do not have/support homebirths is becuase our US medical culture is based on fear and "what could go wrong" instead of appreciation for the human body and "what will most likely go right." Yes Home births go badly, but so do hospital births and so ... there you have it.

I made the decision to have my children at a hospital because of heart problems that I have. But if it weren't for that I would have tried home birth. I personally think that there are ups and downs to wherever you choose to have your baby. But quoting one of the other advice givers, you have to do what makes you feel comfortable. You can't say homebirths aren't safe because what did woman do before they had hospitals? Give birth at home. Though I do think it is a GOOD idea that if you are to have it at home to be really really informed about what to do if something goes wrong. If my husband and I were to have another child I would definitely go with a midwife but because of my heart condition I would have it at the hospital just to be on the safe side.

I am a Neonatal Nurse and have taken care of those babies that come to the hospital following a home birth that didn't go as planned. I am also a mother of 5 children one of which I delivered in the car and had to resusitate the baby while my husband drove us to the hospital. Be careful. I have seen too many complications and crushed hopes. Childbirth is a wonderful experience, painful to be sure, and needs to have the atmosphere of warmpth and attention. I beleive that this can happen in the hospital setting today. There are many good options available and to have the support and expertise available is an option that I believe is paramount. There are those that have no complications at home but I have also seen many in foriegn countries who ask to have their children healed from complications of childbirth. These women have no option for their children's birthing process and sometimes the outcomes are heart rendering. Society views childbirth as something more like a cold or flu but it places the mother on death's door and the infant on heaven's steps. The good Lord gave us medical knowledge for a reason and I believe that we must be responsible and use it for the child's advantage.

I think that home births can be a fantastic, safe experience. From the research that I have done on them, though, they really should only be done after at least 2 previously smooth, uncomplicated births in a hospital with a highly qualified midwife and truly educated support system, with a clear plan of access to a hospital should anything go wrong. People often quote places like Santa Cruz, CA as role models for home births because of their high success rates with the practice. What is often not explained though is that Santa Cruz, for example, only practices home births while following incredibly strict guidelines, and never under high risk circumstances.

When practised wisely, I am very supportive of home births. I have two children, both delivered in hospitals with complications, so I myself would never attempt a home birth, but under the right circumstances I am whole-heartedly supportive of anyone else that wishes to have that experience.

As a pediatrician, I see nothing wrong with home births if the mom is healthy and if the midwife is experienced and open to getting help if there are problems. Unfortunately, as a pediatrician, I also see the home births where something went wrong. So it is, from my viewpoint, very important to have a good midwife and very important to be willing to move the birth to the hospital if an unexpected complication occurs. Oh, and babies do not float to the surface of the hot tub when they are ready to breath!

I think that if you want to have an at home birth it is fine but NOT for your first child. There are just too many things that could go wrong and with it being the first pregnancy you have no idea how your body will handle everything. i had to have a c-section with my daughter and I'm sooo glad i didn't live back in the olden days because we would have both Died! My pelvic bone is too small to fit a baby through. I was in labor for 12 hours and only went to a 6 because she was stuck. Thank goodness for hospitals and modern meds. i know lots of people that say natural is the best way to go, but if i would have tried to do that i wouldn't be here today. So for at least the first birth you need to go to the hospital to make sure you CAN have the baby.

I have had all four of my daughters at home with midwives, and you could not pay me to give birth in a hospital. If you really want to know more, A. (and anyone else), I urge you to watch the new documentary "The Business of Being Born" (on DVD and available to watch instantly on Netflix). There is so much more I could say on the subject, but suffice it to say that most women in the developed world give birth at home with midwives. It is only in America in the last <100 years that we have medicalized birth and made women so afraid of it that they would never consider birth at home. Natural birth is the most empowering experience I have ever had. And I would do it again!

I had a lot of my kids at home. Most of them were absolutely wonderful experiences. I am actually thinking about becoming a midwife myself!

I have had both a home and a hospital birth. The decision to choose home birth for my second child was made over a very long period of time after an EXTENSIVE amount of research. My first birth was traumatic for me, it was so different than what I had hoped for, even though the hospital gave me good care. The reading that I did trying to understand and process that birth led me to a new way of thinking about birth and changed the way I wanted to handle my second birth. I became aware of the risk that came with hospital interventions and I knew that at the very least I would have to have continuos monitoring at the hospital (women having a VBAC are required to) and I didn't want that. I found a midwife who was extensively trained and extremely competent, the studies all said that homebirth is just as safe as the hospital, but only with a well trained midwife. In the end my home birth was a deeply healing experience and truly one of the best days of my life. I suffered with the pain of labor in the hospital with no support and the feeling that I had to stay in bed, which was extremely painful. In my homebirth I never laid down at all and used water for comfort. It wasn't painful for me (I used self-hypnosis techniques), but it was intense and powerful. I only wish my husband wanted more kids so I could do it again.

With out getting into the whys, (....you can VERY easily research the safety and benefits of home birth online) I just want to say that I believe in it. Have attended over 100 births of babies born at home. Have had my children at home and support women having that as a choice. People who believe that women having homebirth are as you stated "crazy" are really just misinformed. There is a HUGE body of relevant, recent, peer-review published studies that support home birth as a viable alternative to hospital birth and worthy of consideration for pregnant low-risk mothers who are not interested in having pain relieving drugs at their birth.

Please see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DgLf8hHMgo

Know you body. Believe in women to birth their babies. Trust the voice...sometimes that DOES mean hospital birth...sometimes does not.

I'd like to start by saying that I think it is sad and disrespectful for those that choose to respond judgementally towards others that simply have a different opinion. I believe the question was for your opinion, not for criticism of others for having another point of view. I think the purpose of Mamasource is to provide a safe place for Mom's to use each other as resources, not to insult or otherwise alienate other Moms. We all want to do what is best, but that looks different for each one of us.

To the question... Whether you choose a home birth, hospital birth, sea-birth, or whatever, it is up to the woman and her partner to take responsibility for their and their childs health. This requires listening to your intuition, seeking proper medical, emotional, physical, etc care and support, and any research you feel you need to do. I'm not sure why we, as a culture, feel it is appropriate to completely submit ourselves to someone else simply because they have a certain degree and initials following their name. And this is not limited to doctors, but care professionals across the board. It has been my experience that doctors share very little information with us as patients, I have felt, in my experience, that the doctor took advantage of their position and my willingness to "do whatever they say". With a midwife, however, she encouraged me to do my own research and she supported me and educated me on what was best for me and my child. Whether you choose a doctor or a midwife, it is your responsibility to find one that will support you, communicate well with you and has the knowledge necessary to provide optimal care. This means interviewing and asking lots of questions and references- this should be done with whatever care provider you choose.
I felt safe having my homebirth, I was afraid of a hospital birth. My daughters birth was an incredible experience and I am excited for future experiences even better than the first! I'm not sure that people understand the normalacy of what they refer to as "problems or complications". Midwives are trained to resecitate babies that don't breathe right away, address hemorrhage, stalling of labor, shoulder dystocia, etc. They have the wisdom passed down through the ages of how to address these issues, and so much more. Where a doctor might jump to a c-section, a midwife might have you get on all fours to facilitate opening up the pelvis more for the baby to get through. My point is, not every issue is an emergency, and midwives are trained to properly handle what they can, while also knowing their limits and knowing when to seek technically advanced medical care. (and most of time, the complications are addressed far before they reach the point of emergency.)
For those that let the "what if's" control their decision, why do they get into a car? The chances of getting into an accident and resulting in the injury of your child or yourself are much greater than harm coming to your child from having a homebirth.
Where you choose to birth your child is a very personal decision, one that should be made after conducting your own research (with solid information and studies, not based off of what your friends experience was) and also taking into consideration your family history, health, desires, etc. If a midwife feels that you are not a good candidate for homebirth, she will tell you- the goal is to have a safe birth with a healthy Mother and child; midwives, for the most part, try to acheive this goal with more natural approaches than do other caregivers. Midwives are professionals, if you do your research, you will be confident in the experience of the midwife that you ultimately choose. The key here is that it is up you to find a care provider that you are confident in partnering with to have a safe and healthy birth.
The argument that people give about things going wrong and risking the babies or mothers health and safety with a homebirth, in my opinion, is one-sided and an unfair assumption. I have many more friends who have tragically lost their babies with hospital births. There are so many more risks, in my opinion with hospital births; the baby being cut or injured when a c-section is performed, unnecessary episiotomies, use of vacuum, separation of mother and baby, delay of breastfeeding, induction only to have the baby be premature, etc. The fact of the matter is, these things do not happen with homebirth because those that are involved have a mindset of gentleness and appreciation for letting things take a natural course (though this can still be the case in a hospital). Mom's need to know the risks of intervention, have a plan, support and good communication no matter where they choose to birth their child. And they need to take charge of their birth, no matter where they are.

I believe, here in America, that we see labor as something that is done to us. There are missing pieces- it is a journey, a transformation and women are being robbed of this right of passage. The more important issue is not where you give birth, but how. That would require too much to go into here, but you can achieve a natural, healing, safe, loving, gentle birth anywhere, as long as you are willing to work to make it happen.
If anyone is interested in talking more about this, please feel free to contact me. If you are extreme in either direction, I would encourage you to do some research- even if you know where you want to give birth, it might help you to be open to others that choose differently; You can still be supportive and have a different opinion.
Lastly, if you live in Northern Colorado and would like to learn more about your birth options (this is not just about homebirth!), the consciousness of your unborn child, and other life altering options, please consider joining us for our monthly film and discussion. Go to www.naturalchoices4baby.com for more information.
I want to add, that we need to think more about the place of birth, but also about the affects of environment on the newborn child. Separation from Mother, rough treatment, bright lights, these all have negative affects on our children that is encoded in their limbic imprint FOR LIFE. It's about so much more than labor and birth, but those first few minutes can deeply affect your child to the core. That is why I prefer homebirth, my child can be nutured, loved and cared for without those influences that could disrupt our bonding during those first precious moments.
I'm sorry I rambled so long.
H. Gaitten
www.naturalchoices4baby.com

I had both my girls at home and wouldn't trade in the experience for a million bucks. I have complete faith in doctors and think they are wonderful when needed, but I feel they push meds and c-sections way to fast. Having both of them in water also helped with the pain. Yes, it hurt, but was glad to feel the contractions telling me when to push or when not to. My Midwife was very supportive and the experience that my husband and I had was one never to be forgotten. After delivery, I was able to shower in my own shower while daddy bonded, wear my own clothes, and sleep in my own bed with my baby when it was all said and done. It was a very personable experience and would do it again in a heartbeat (that is if I were trying to have more kids, which I am not because I am DONE with 2:)

I think people are risking their lives and the lives of their newborn by having a home birth. There are so many complications that can occur last minute and a midwife isn't qualified for those serious complications. Yes, the majority of births are without complications (as we see in our growing population) But who wants to take the chance of being that one person who needs that medical help at the last minute? I know of 3 friends who have lost children in childbirth, as well as my little brother.
My opinion, but I know I wouldn't want to take that chance.

One of the major problems I see with homebirths is that if there are problems, like I had with my second. Where she was not breathing on her own right, it is that much longer until she has the proper stuff to help her and it can cause problems. I also know of someone who had a home delivery and they had problems and their son was mentally handicap from it and they lost him within the first years of his life. Yes there are others that don't have problems, but depending on how you deliver on what you should do. You just never know when there is going to be a problem and you need the help from the hospital.

Hi A.,
I've had three hospital births (the first a c-section for a breech) and my fourth child was born at home. I believe that one of the most important factors is that the mother give birth in a place where she feels SAFE. Interestingly, my opinion on which was safer, hospital or home, changed when I started to really look at the issue. Yes, I had concerns about having my last at home and the possibility of complications. But I truly felt that the risks of birthing at the hospital were greater, in my case. I also interviewed and selected the midwife I felt was most competent and that I was comfortable with. The prenatal care I received from her was WAY beyond the care I received from my OBs, much more thorough and caring. Also, she only works with non-high risk pregnancies and required us to have a plan in place for emergency transport to the hospital if needed. She was accompanied by another qualified midwife and her apprentice during the birth, had physician-level CPR training, and required us to have oxygen available at the house for the birth. And she cleaned everything up.
I'm sure (as with doctors) that there are excellent home-birth midwives out there and there are poor ones. Whether you have your baby at home or in the hospital, it is critical that you thoroughly research your options YOURSELF. Some women really should be at the hospital, most would probably be fine at home IF they're comfortable there. In fact, that is the model in northern European countries. Normal pregnancies are expected to be assisted by trained midwives at home, only the high-risk pregnancies are referred to OBs. This has not resulted in a sky-rocketing infant/mother mortality rate. They do this because outcomes are better overall. There are always exceptions and the hospital isn't always going to be able to save the day.
And, btw, I LOVED birthing my fourth at home and he is a very bright, healthy little boy of 7, adored by his older siblings who witnessed his birth and loved it. Thanks for being open-minded and asking questions!

I highly recommend births at the hospital. So many things can go wrong for the baby and/or the mother. It's best to be at a hospital where experts can help you. The midwife can be at the hospital, too. I understand the desire to have a natural and comfortable childbirth. Before we had modern medicine and easy access to hospitals, homebirths were the norm. But there was also a higher percentage of infant or mother deaths due to complications. Plus, hospitals are making birthing rooms more comfortable. And who wants the mess at home? A midwife is trained for a normal childbirth, but does not have the medical skills for emergencies. A home does not have the medical equipment for emergencies. You can have your baby how you want it with the security of a hospital as well. I don't see anything wrong with homebirths, I just think it's an unnecessary risk.

Hello. Well I am a mother of one & all I have to say is if I had my daughter at home I would have lost her. I had a normal healthy pregnancy & a pretty normal delivery (although it was c-section) but my daughter stopped breathing & they had to resuscitate her by bagging. (I am not sure on the full medical term for that.) Anyways, I would never do an at home birth not even with a mid wife b/c with any type of delivery you never know what could happen to your baby. It isn't worth the risk!

Two things:
Watch that movie "The Business of Being Born" (as mentioned earlier on Netflix instant watch). It is very unbiased and shows that not all births should be done at home. It also tells about Dr. involvement.
Home births (I have had 2 of 5 at home)contrary to common belief, are NOT messy. Your midwife and/or assistant clean everything up and you get to just relax and rest. I had mine in a pool. The tub was drained by a sump pump and then the liner tossed in the garbage. My midwife took all of the towels used and washed them... I did nothing. Messiness is not a great excuse.

Our medical system needs some help! I am a doula and have been to too many births where the OB shows up as the baby is crowning and the nurses have been telling an unmedicated woman to "don't push" for 10 min. They tell them what a great job they did and they leave. The nurses do more than the Dr. in labor support. Hospitals are just now trying to relearn how do help an unmedicated woman labor. They have forgotten what it means to "labor" and it has become too much like an assembly line. Watched on their little monitors in the nursing stations.

I have had 3 wonderful hospital births with midwives. My husband and I didn't like that our new babies were wheeled away from us for tests and then forgotten until we requested to have them back. I also didn't like not being trusted by the nurses who would say to me "you are too calm to be in transition" make me go to triage, and then rush to get ready as my baby comes 40 min after I arrive.

I gave birth in a hospital with a nurse midwife who had doctors to turn to at any moment if need be. All the just-in-case equipment was in the room. The birth was a piece of cake...one that could seem to be perfect for an at-home-birth...except she was born with meconium in her mouth. It was terrifying...but I was there and they were ready to handle anything and so they did. And not too long after she was in my arms. I have no opinion for others concerning where they might want to give birth, but I know for me I would never chance it just for atmosphere, feel, whatever. It's not worth it to me...I would rather be in a freezing cold dark room full of mean people who know just what to do to save my baby if need be.

I had a home birth and I loved it! I don't feel comfortable in hospitals, so I knew that wasn't the best place for me to deliver my baby unless there was a medical emergency. I felt comfortable that my midwives and my husband (a physician) would be able to determine if there was a medical emergency and be able to transport me to the hospital quickly. Fortunately everything went well and my labor was FAST. Only 5 hours for my first baby! I think this is partly b/c I was very comfortable and relaxed in the privacy of my own home. My husband cut the cord and I held my baby right after he was born and breast fed him. I also held him while the midwives cleaned him and looked him over. I think people think it is crazy to do all of this b/c our culture has been taught that having a baby is dangerous and there is a big chance that something will go wrong. Also, people want drugs available to them. I didn't think the pain was a big deal b/c I knew it was temporary and the reward at the end was my main focus! Also, if you have a healthy pregnancy, chances are that you will have a healthy birth.

wow, it has been interesting to read the responses from other women...it almost seems 50/50...and I am pleasantly surprised to read how many other women have experienced a great home birth. It shouldn't be such a divisive issue. If the US healthcare system would wake up, they would realize what a wonderful resourse midwives are (like all other delveloped nations, with much lower maternal and neonatal mortality rates I might add!!). Midwives and doctors should operate like a partnership, not warring enemies....then women would get the care they deserve (midwifery model=thorough and compassionate) and the care they may need (medical model=for complications, etc). My first was a natural birth in the hospital and my second a homebirth with a midwife, we are planning a homebirth for out third this summer. Women should do more research for themselves, the hospital may be the best for and individual woman and it may not be. I just think it's lame that in a lot of places many women aren't even given the choice....I could choose to have an abortion, but I can't choose a homebirth, or who my attendant will be?? It just doesn;t make sense to me.

I am a 47 year old woman who has had a hospital birth (22 years ago) and a home birth (16 years ago). I have also worked as a midwife's assistant to a woman who did homebirths exclusively, and as a doula to women giving birth at home and in the hospital. I have no doubt in my mind that home birth is the preferred choice for a healthy woman giving birth to a healthy baby. I don't question the fact that when there is an emergency, I would want to be in a hospital, however, birth is not an emergency situation in most cases. I am not actively working in the field anymore so I'm not up on the actual statitstics, but I know for a fact that women who give birth in a hospital are much more likely to have a cesarean birth than a woman giving birth at home. Birth is a natural process and women have been doing it for thousands of years. It is just in the last century that it has been turned into a medical procedure and women treated as if they had no voice in how they decide to birth their babies. Ultimately, it is the decision of the woman how to bring her child into the world, but in my opinion, home birth is a much safer option for a healthy woman.

If you would like to talk about this more deeply, please feel free to email me.

T.

I didn't read the other responses yet but I think a home birth has the potential to be a wonderful and intimate moment. I would be worried about the mess and the clean-up, but maybe the mid-wife does all that. My husband would be no help because he hates blood. I think if everything went well and you had a hospital very close and a back-up doctor just in case then it would probably be safe. My husband was born at home, practically in the toilet! My MIL loves and raves about home births, my SIL had her two babies at home. I think it is a very personal decision and it has risks and benefits. I am also intrigued by home births and water births, but I didn't do well with the pain and I asked for an epidural so I am glad I was at a hospital.

I don't think there's so much resistance about home births as long as there's a medical professional who is available in case you may need them. Let's face it...women have been giving birth at home for centuries and there was usually someone there who could help in case something started to go wrong. Even Moses' mother had a midwife. I think the resistance starts to come when there isn't anyone else there to help...or when it's a man who has never helped birth anything else like livestock. It gets dangerous because neither one may know what they're doing. I personally prefer the hospital. I'm a smaller woman and the kids tend to be bigger than I could handle on my own. But to each his...er her own.

I work in a hospital and I have seen to many things happen too fast for me to be comfortable delivering at home. I went natural with my last baby and it was the best experience. You have to think about things other than just delivering and the complications with that, sometimes there are reasons that mom or baby have to stay in the hospital longer that have nothing to do with the delivery. You just never know what will happen... And I would rather be in a place ready to handle anything that might happen.

I think people are too used to drugs and the possibility of an epidural. Also finding someone who will deliver at home is an issue because the government places such high responsibility on those that do. One dead baby can mean a lost license and more, which means those who are worth their money would rather do it in their own facility or a hospital where if something goes wrong the liability is not on them. I think it can be more relaxing - as if labor can be relaxing...

Another issue is the hospital visit after. I don't think many women admit themselves after an in-home delivery. This chance to recover is rather important, and for me it would have been rough at best to go home. I certainly would not have had meals brought to me or nurses willing to change my baby's diaper so I could lie in bed and recover. In fact my husband was healing from surgeries of his own and would have endangered his own health trying to help me. An extra two dayas to relax was a strong selling point for me.

I think it depends on the person. I feel that if there is a personal or family history of complications or problems, then someone should give birth in a hospital where they can have access to what ever will be needed if those complications arise. But if there is no history of problems then why not have it at home. Ex: My family has a history of premies and other often life threatening issues, therefore I think it would be unwise for anyone in my family to have babies at home, where we may not get to the emergency care quick enough. My sister in law however just had her baby at home, no problems. I feel that it should be based on one's medical history and comfort level/zone.

I think they are very scarey. I never thought about them much until I just recently had a miscarriage where I hemmorrhaged. I passed out from loss of blood and was taken into the hospital. What would you do in case of an emergency with you or the baby? That is my worry.
In addition, my last baby was born with underdeveloped lungs, and she needed to immediately be taken to newborn intensive care. I would never risk the health of my baby or myself for "comfort." My opinion and my opinion only, is stay safe and pick a hospital that has the BEST intensive care around.

Personally I wouldn't have a home birth. But I know pleanty of women who would and have. For me I get too nervous because what if something went wrong. I would want to have to resources to have a quick fix instead of risking my life and the baby's life to accomplish the whole natural thing.

well, I was considering a home birth with my first child. I had a perfectly healthy pregnancy and gave birth in a hospital with a midwife, and i found that to be the perfect balance. I could have the natural stuff if i wanted it, but I was still in the hospital in case anything went crazy. It was good I was there, because my son had some major complications and would not have survived if he was born at home. So, I see why some women are tottally against it. BUT its the womans choice, and as long as she is informed and weighs the pros and cons it should be her decision. We are not "stupid" women who cant think for ourselves, and we dont need any saving. Great question!

I personally like the idea of a more natural setting, and birthing experience since it is a natural process, but in my opinion I don't want something to go wrong and not have the medical assistance there if needed. I have a one friend who did not know anything was wrong during pregnancy and after an uncomplicated vaginal, med free birth their baby had complications and it was a miracle he lived a year. They only got that year with him because they delivered in the hospital. If they delivered at home he would only have a lived a very short period of time, like an hour or two. How scary! I personally don't want to risk it, I want the resources there if I or my baby needs them.

I think that any woman who has the chance, the desire, and the medical history to do it should absolutely try it. Women have not always given birth in the style of the medical profession in the hospital. Some would even argue that the most common birth in the US-in the hospital-is a very factory like production; get the woman in, get the baby out, get them all out so someone else can use the room. We humans made it through thousands of years without hospitals to give birth in. We should always have the chance to choose for ourselves as informed adults. I'm sure that there are safety issues to be addressed but that can be said of giving birth in a hopital as well.

I think having a baby at home is GREAT! I was born at home in Hawaii and have many friends that have had home birthed and say it's a great experience. I think as long as a woman's doctor has assessed a low-risk birth, there's an experienced midwife, and a hospital available in case of emergency, why not? Childbirth has become so medicalized recently, and while having medical access is important when the occassional emergency happens, I'm all for a woman having a choice on where to labor and give birth. Woman have been having babies at "home" for thousands of years!!!

M.
mother of 2

I like that you brought this subject up. I've had almost both experiences of births...My first son born 8 yr ago was suposed to be a home birth. Now at this time we were living in Paonia, CO, lovely place, very alternative place. This being my first birthing, I was naturally nervous, and after ten hours of labor with head stuck in the canal, sunny side up and brow presentated and a midwife who didn't help me 'try' to reposition my son, I ended up taking a 45 min ride in the ambulance to Delta, (don't push, they said all the way, YA RIGHT..) had a c-section, later got an uteran infection because my son's head was past the cervex. Beautiful boy....
Second son I insisted on having a natural birth at the hospital...Well that scar from the first hurt reeeeaaaalllly bad, so I screamed for a c-section but was talked down to an epidural/spinal, 4 pushes done!!!
Third, a planned c-section, as it was a trend of having bigger babies (2nd one 9 1/2 pounds). What a reeeeeaaaalllly relaxing birth. 10 pounds 4 oz....
I just didn't have the mojo for the home birth but what a personal decision that only one can answer for themselves.
Hope you have fun reading this and other responses....

I'm now 'editting' my response after having read all the other responses...WOW
The only constant in this debate is that everyletter is different. and every person had their own unique experience and it seems like many many facets or angles were covered. There really isn't a right or wrong way, just your own way...lol

Like a lot of things, where to have your baby has to be your personal decision. Everyone has such EXTREME opinions. "You should be scared out of your mind to have your baby in a hospital" "You should be scared out of your mind to have your baby at home" I don't think you should make a decision based on what you're afraid of! I think you should base it on what YOU are comfortable with and hang the rest of anybody else. This is YOUR body, YOUR baby, YOUR experience! I have a friend who wanted home births because her mother did it. But she remained open to the hospital idea because complications do happen. She was glad she did, because her first had some serious complications and she had to go to the hospital. Her second went fine and she loved being able to just be at home for all of it. Personally, I love my doctor, I've loved having nurses take care of me and I LOVE the epidural. My doctor also believes in inducing on the due date. A lot of people were EXTREMELY against that. My mother in law was furious that I would even think about it, the child comes when it's ready, blah blah blah. However, my doctor showed me all the studies that justify her position. Babies born over a certain weight tend to have more problems. I'm a really small person, too. I was scheduled to be induced with both my babies. My first one came 3 days early, with my second I went into labor at 3 in the morning and was really happy to go in at 8:30 and get the epidural! The nurses weren't sure whether to mark on my chart that I was induced or that I had spontaneous labor!
I REFUSE to allow anybody else to tell me that what I did was wrong. My children are happy and healthy, and I had a good experience both times. I also REFUSE to condemn other people for choosing to have a very different experience. I only wish we could get a little less evangelical about our personal opinions on how to have children and let each other follow our own intuition. We should stop saying things like "You're an IDIOT if you do it like ___________________. That doesn't build anybody up, and I think confuses a lot of people.

Why am I personally opposed? Because all three of my children were normal pregnacies right up to delivery...all three had complications that might have ended tragically if I had not been where I was closely monitered...even if my children had lived at home, they may have had life long problems...certainly not worth the risk in my mind. I understand someone wanting it to be more of a quiet sacred experience however... because my children were born with the monitors etc. they are all alive and healthy and trust me even in the hospital...it is a sacred experience.

i've read a lot of these stories, people glad they were in the hospital because they required intervention. but you have to wonder if they would have required intervention if they weren't already in the hospital getting other intervention first. anyway, a book i've read recently that gives a full view of pros/cons of all interventions is "thinking woman's guide to a better birth" and i'd also recommend "the business of being born" on dvd, it's a documentary on home v hospital births. . . . good resources to answer those questions. i think anyone who saw/read these would be scared out of their minds about having a baby in a hospital!

I had my first baby at home and it was PERFECT!.

Yes there can be complications, yes there can be all the concerns.
But I didn't focus on that. I focused on a healthy delivery and healthy baby and
that is exactly what I got. My suggestion is to have a great midwife and a team of helpers. If there is complications they will get you through and if there is a need to go to the
hospital they will get you there.
Bottom line it is comfort and peace of mind. DON'T BE SCARED If the a hospital adds added comfort then by all means be in a hospital. Hospitals are great and can just as wonderful and natural. If home adds an added comfort and you are in for
the experience and adventure of what your body is capable of ...then go for it.

With a home birth, I always just wonder what if something unexpected comes up and you need hospital assistance. I would just feel safer at a hospital knowing that if anything went wrong, I would be able to get help very quickly. But I guess my son was a preemie so maybe I'm a bit biased about the hospital births since he obviously needed medical attention immediately after birth.

I had 5 children, the first in a birth clinic and went home 2 hrs. later, the next 3 at home, and the 4th in the hospital, with an unnecesary c-section. When I was having one of my children, I had a deal with the midwife to have the prenatals at the ob/gyn's to make it cheaper. I learned midwives give better prenatal care cause they have to. If something goes wrong, their necks are on the chopping block.

I learned from Bradley childbirth classes that pain medication is unneccesary, since when one works with the body and does not get scared, the pain is bearable, especially when one is able to move around and birth in a position that is more natural and allows gravity to work with the body. There are also many natural options to help with pain that are not available in the hospital. Natural oxytocin causes the uterus to contract from the top down, safer for baby; while the synthetic pitocin, squeezes all over at once unnaturally, and makes the pain much worse than normal.

I am now a midwife. I have web site links to recent studies that show that it is actually safer for low risk women to have babies at home!

Most parents have found less or no sibling rivalry when the baby is born at home because mother was not taken away from the older children.

Also, 98% of all births are normal and uncomplicated. Of the 2% that have complication, 98% of those a person would have lots of symptoms and advance warning and plenty of time to get to a hospital. That was a quote from a book, "Emergency Childbirth" by Dr. Gregory White.

Mother/baby bonding is much easier in a home birth setting too. And you can sleep in your very own bed! Depending on the philisophies of the midwife, there are drugs and/or herbs and other protocols in case of bleeding or other concerns, all available at home. If anyone has questions, they can email me personally. If I had it to do over again, I'd still have my babies at home. My babies definately got better care at home from myself and my husband, than from stressed, over-worked poor nurses in the hospital! D.

As I have read the comments, it is interesting all the different ideas. Isn't it wonderful that we are all so different! In my experience, I have given birth three times in a hospital. The first time with medication, thank goodness, the second with none, which was just fine, and the third an emergency c-section. It is the third birth that I feel so strongly about hospital births. I have had 4 very close friend ALL have to have emergency c-sections because the baby was unable to make it through the birth canal. Now in the olden days before doctors and hospitals, they ALL would have died, as would have I and my third baby. I am sure that the midwives would have made you comfortable, but they can't open you up and save you and your babies life. If I KNEW that the next birth would go perfect, I would love to try it a home. But I am too nervous now about the possibilities of problems and I have already done two "normal" births.

I have had both of my children in the hospital, but think home births are amazing. I think that more then anything that women who disagree with a home birth may do it more out of fear then anything else. We like convenience these days and most see the hospital and staff as much more convenient then a home birth, although a home birth is pretty convenient when you think about it.

I have seriously thought about a home birth, and see great benifits to it. However there are many benifits to the hospital delivery too.

For me, my first concern would be that something would go wrong and that I'd be too far away from doctors and waste precious time. Second, I don't see a need to have a painful birth when there are medications and epidurals to help and that's not an option at home.

With my first child, I had an epidural. I loved that I was not in any pain and I actually enjoyed the birth experience - sharing it with my husband and marveling in watching my son come into the world. There was also meconium with his birth and I was so thankful there were respitory therapists to help him immediately after the birth.

With my second child, it was so quick there wasn't time for an epidural and even though I managed the pain better than I ever expected, at the end, all I could think about was getting her out. There was no joy during the delivery and I was just thankful it was over. And because she came so quickly, I was glad again for the doctor and nurses that were there to catch her. Luckily, there weren't any complications.

I think if you or anyone else (who has a low-risk pregnancy or previously uncomplicated births) wants to have their babies at home or without medications, that their choice and I would never tell them they are wrong or doing something bad. It's their choice to have their baby the way they want to, just as it was my choice to have an epidural and have my babies delivered by doctors. There's no right or wrong way to have babies. I think the goal of everyone is a healthy mom and baby - it doesn't matter how you get there, just that you do.

I haven't read all the responses here yet this morning- just wanted to share a little bit about my homebirths-
I had my oldest 17 yrs ago in a hospital, and the last 3 (I have 2 1/2 yr old twins and a 7 mo old) at home.

First of all, your rate of infections is lowest in your own home- these are the germs the baby will be exposed to the rest of their life- not the antibiotic resistant hospital germs, with diseases you aren't going to find in your own home. 2nd- I can labor any way I want.. walking around, drinking juice, on my knees- these things help the baby come easier, and more comfortably. You are also more relaxed, so everything just goes more smoothly. Your body knows how to do everything it needs to in order to have the baby.
If you really want to read a great article- go to my Myspace page and read the article on natural birth on my blog area...
www.Myspace.com/kristi1972 ENJOY!

If you have any questions, or want to discuss further, feel free to send me an email.