MNN - Mother Nature Network

Are you considering a home birth?

 

A home birth, just as its name implies, is when a pregnant mom delivers her baby at home. Many women decide to have their babies at home so that they can maintain control over the labor and delivery process and ensure that it remains as natural as possible. Home births are only recommended for expectant women who have had no complications during their pregnancy and who are not likely to need medical intervention during delivery.  If you're a healthy mom-to-be having a normal pregnancy and you have no medical or obstetrical risk factors, giving birth at home may be an option for you.

 

If you choose to have your baby at home, you will have complete control over the foods you eat, the pain management techniques you use, and the exercises you do during delivery. You can choose where to deliver, on a bed or in a tub, without asking for permission. You can decide who attends your birth.  And you can ensure that the cleansers, lotions, diapers and creams used on you and your baby are healthy, non-toxic and eco-friendly.

 

The disadvantage of a home birth is that it should an emergency arise, it will take longer for you and your baby to be transported to a medical facility and receive medical attention. If you do decide to have a home birth, you should have an emergency backup plan in place. And be sure that all members of your birthing team know what to do in case of an emergency so that you and your baby can get medical help quickly should the need arise.  You should also take in to account that it is unlikely that your health insurance provider will cover any of the expenses related to your home birth.

 

Find out more about homebirth (and whether or not it is right for you) here: