Why a Homebirth?
Giving birth at home is a safe option for women who have had a great pregnancy, have not previously had a c-section, and have low risk for complications during birth. You should definitely consider finding a certified nurse-midwife or a qualified physician to assist you during the delivery process and help you with prenatal care.
Studies done comparing hospital and homebirths indicate fewer deaths,
injuries and infections for homebirths supervised by a trained attendant than for hospital births.
Benefits of a Homebirth
Most women choose a homebirth because they do not want to be in an unfamiliar setting or in a hospital or medical environment. They want the peace and relaxation of their own home and surroundings. You also can design your own birth and have control over who can be in the “delivery” room with you. You get to choose your method of relaxation, your positions, what you want to eat or drink, and how you want to hold your baby after it is born.
Drawbacks of a Homebirth
The drawbacks of a homebirth arise if there are any complications during labor or delivery, if your newborn needs any medical attention, or if you are a first time mother who realizes that you want/need pain relief during your labor. Make sure that you are relatively close to a hospital and can receive medical assistance if necessary.
You should also interview your nurse-midwife about her previous experience and credentials.
Supplies
If you choose to have a homebirth, your midwife will most likely have all of the supplies or will tell you specifically what you need to purchase. Typical supplies include
- Sheets
- Towels
- Alcohol
- Cotton balls
- Plastic trash bags
- Gauze pads
- Oil
- Clamp
- Ice
- Clothing for you and the baby
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