Birthing Your Baby at Home

Birthing your baby at home is not as strange as many may think. It’s actually right in tune with most of the world (outside of the U.S. that is). Having your baby in the comfort of your own home gives you the best chances for a natural and enjoyable delivery. There are many birthing options for you and your family.

I know lots of mothers, myself included, who have had their babies at home. Some have babies in bathtubs of fresh water, in inflatable birthing pools in the middle of their living rooms, standing in any room of their home, with their children there during delivery and lots of other scenarios. Having your baby at home can be an amazing, though not pain free experience.

When you are home, you are just that, at home! You can usually relax more in your own surroundings. You don’t have to wonder who will walk in the door next and who will be helping you or prodding you for this test or that. You will have a birth plan in place with a backup plan for emergencies. The awesome thing is that you are in the comfort of your own home for a safe, healthy and gentle birthing experience.

My favorite part of the home birthing experience is that I have the opportunity to try new things. I can experiment with different labor positions and pain management techniques and go about doing housework if I want to! I am not strapped to a table or monitor the entire time. And, I can eat and drink! No one is rushing us to finish on their schedule. We take all the time we need and there is no rush or bright lights and people to interrupt the goings on. The midwife is there to support the process, keep an eye on the baby, check progress, and make helpful suggestions. She is there the entire time and ready any time you need anything even if it is just a soothing touch or a sympathetic encouraging voice.

If you are considering a home birth, I highly recommend it. You won’t likely be sorry you considered it.
Home birth is not for just anyone, though. Be sure to research your own history and health risks. A midwife will be happy to discuss this with you.
Whether you have your baby at home, in the hospital, or anywhere else, I wish you a beautiful birth experience.