Home Birth

For centuries woman gave birth in the comfort of their own homes with midwives at their sides.  But a change started in the beginning of the 20th century.  Women started giving birth in hospitals with the aid of obstetricians.  Today about 2% of women have home births.  However studies show that a carefully planned homebirth with a competent practitioner can be safer than a hospital birth. 

Home birth might be an option for you if:

• You are having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy
• You want to avoid episiotomy, cesarean section, epidural and other interventions
• You want to be surrounded by family and friends
• You want to be free to move around, change positions, take a shower, and eat or drink freely during labor
• You want to enjoy the comforts of home and familiar surroundings  

Home birth is not for you if:

• You are diabetic
• You have chronic high blood pressure, or toxemia (also known as pre-eclampsia)
• You have experienced preterm labor in the past, or may be at risk for preterm labor now
• You have other medical issues that may complicate your labor
• Your partner does not fully support your decision to give birth at home