Exploring the Option of Homebirth: Is it Safe?
Welcome back to the Birth & Baby Blog! Today, we’re diving into the exciting topic of homebirth. Specifically, we’re answering the big question: is homebirth safe, and should you consider it for your own birthing journey? 🤔
Many women don’t realize that birthing at home is even an option. I certainly didn’t know I had that choice when I was pregnant with my first. While more and more people are figuring it out now, the idea of homebirth still freaks some people out!
During my second pregnancy, I started exploring my birth options. Unlike my first pregnancy, where I had no clue about the choices available, I considered homebirth. However, the timing wasn’t right—we were in the middle of moving, and it was just too much. But by the time I was pregnant with my third, I KNEW I wanted a homebirth. A friend recommended an amazing midwife, and I bombarded her with about fifty-eleven questions. For real, it was a whole interview, as it should be!
In fact, if you're curious about the questions I asked, I've got you covered. You can download a free PDF right here that includes questions for every provider, whether that's an OB in a hospital or a homebirth midwife.
Some of the biggest questions I had revolved around the safety of homebirth. I wanted to know:
Is homebirth safe?
How safe is it compared to hospital births?
What are the statistics?
Are midwives prepared for emergencies?
A good midwife will answer all your questions. Don’t choose a provider until you feel a whole-body "yes" and feel completely supported and safe with them.
Before we dive deeper, let me remind you about my comprehensive online childbirth education course. It's self-paced and contains everything you need to prepare for any birth—whether medicated or unmedicated, hospital or homebirth. If you want to feel empowered and prepared, this course is designed just for you. But for now, let’s get back into homebirth stuffs.
Homebirth is a fantastic option for many low-risk women. It offers a sense of control and comfort, allowing you to bring your baby into the world in a familiar and intimate setting. But is it safe?
The short answer is yes! Research supports this. A large study published in the British Medical Journal found that planned homebirths for low-risk women, attended by certified midwives, had similar safety outcomes to hospital births. This study, which included over 500,000 planned homebirths, found no significant difference in perinatal mortality between home and hospital births for low-risk pregnancies.
One of the biggest benefits of homebirth is the ability to labor and birth in a space where you feel most comfortable. This can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, positively impacting the birthing process.
Remember our chat about physiological birth in episode 1? Your hormones play a crucial role here. Oxytocin, the love hormone, is highest when you feel safe, secure, loved, and happy. This hormone thrives at home, surrounded by supportive people, in a cozy environment. Conversely, oxytocin drops as soon as you get to the hospital, triggering a fight-or-flight response. Your brain perceives the hospital as a place where sick people go and where things go wrong, leading to increased adrenaline and slowed labor. Keeping oxytocin high and adrenaline low happens best at home.
Being at home also allows for more freedom to move around, use your own amenities, and control who is present during your birth.
A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that women who planned homebirths had lower rates of medical interventions, like cesarean sections, epidurals, and episiotomies, compared to those who planned hospital births. Even if they planned an unmedicated hospital birth, homebirths often lead to a more natural and empowering experience.
In my online childbirth education program, I cover everything from pain-coping techniques to your options and legal rights in birth, labor positions, and how to advocate for yourself. This course helps you build confidence in your body's ability to birth naturally, whether you choose to birth at home or in a hospital.
Homebirth Isn’t for Everyone
It’s crucial to have a thorough risk assessment by a homebirth midwife. Women with certain medical conditions or high-risk pregnancies may be better suited to hospital births where more immediate medical intervention is available. And that’s okay! The goal is to have a safe and positive birth experience, no matter where it happens.
If you’re even slightly interested in homebirth, I encourage you to talk to a local homebirth midwife and gather more information. Ask all the questions. Don’t forget about my list of questions for any provider. Talking to a midwife doesn’t commit you to a homebirth.
For those who are low-risk and considering homebirth, having a skilled midwife is key. Midwives are trained to handle all kinds of scenarios and can provide excellent care and support. They know when to transfer to a hospital if necessary, ensuring the safety of mom and baby remains the top priority.
Many people are surprised at how prepared midwives are for emergencies. They have life-saving measures similar to those found in hospitals, such as pitocin for hemorrhaging and resuscitation skills. They come prepared for anything.
A systematic review published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health emphasized the importance of midwife-led care and clear protocols for hospital transfers if needed. The review concluded that, with these measures in place, planned homebirth is an extremely safe option for low-risk women.
One of the beauties of birth is that it's unique for every family. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s the beauty of having options. The Wild Beginnings Academy course helps you explore these options, giving you the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions that align with your personal beliefs and wishes.
Your Birth, Your Way
Choosing a homebirth doesn’t mean rejecting medical care or the benefits of a hospital birth. It’s about choosing the best environment for you and your baby based on your specific circumstances. No matter what you choose, it’s all about feeling supported and empowered in your journey to parenthood. Your birth, your way.
If you're interested in learning more about preparing for a natural birth, whether at home or in a hospital, check out my online childbirth education course. It’s packed with valuable information, mindfulness practices, and pain coping strategies that can make a significant difference in your birthing experience.
I’m so glad I learned about all my options, asked my midwife every question I could think of, and chose to birth at home. It was magical, and I truly wish everyone could experience that magic.
That’s all for today! Thank you for joining me on the Birth & Baby Blog. If you found this post helpful, please share it with other expectant parents, or share it and tag me! (@wildflower_birthservices) I always love hearing from you!
Until next time, remember to trust your body, trust your baby, and trust the birth process.
Sending you love, light, and positive birthing vibes.
🌼Lindsee
