How to Plan a Home Birth

Опубликовал Admin

21-08-2021, 23:50

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Home births have been the norm for centuries. Only recently have women begun going to the hospital for childbirth. Today, home births have regained popularity for several reasons. Many people choose to have a home birth because it offers a personal and comfortable setting for the mother. Organizing a home birth in your house can be a rewarding experience. However, it does require planning well in advance. Consider your health, your birthing needs, and your partner or family member opinions when planning a home birth.

Deciding to Deliver at Home

Make an informed decision. Home births are controversial in some parts of the world. You want to be well informed on what to expect and whether this is something that you really want to do. Despite the controversy, low-risk women can generally expect to have a safe home birth with minimal risks to themselves or the baby.
- A home birth is a safe option if you are having a low-risk and healthy pregnancy. Families who choose home births often want to avoid hospital interventions like epidurals, continuous monitoring of the baby, or drugs to induce labor. Certified midwives — health care professionals who assist in home births — carry all the necessary tools to monitor and deliver a healthy baby.
- Women who choose home births often like the idea of being in the comfort of their own home, the ability to invite friends or family, and the comfort of moving around to adjust to labor pains. Birthing at home can also be more economical than a hospital birth.
Determine your risk. Women in high-risk pregnancies are usually advised to avoid home births because of the likelihood of complications for themselves and the baby. Talk to your doctor or a certified midwife about whether a home birth is right for you. Make sure you get clarification from your care provider about whether or not you really are a low-risk pregnancy.
- Avoid a home birth if you are diabetic, have high blood pressure, or if you have experienced any pregnancy-related complications. These may range from a past c-section to early or late delivery.
- Studies show that women who are first-time mothers present a slightly higher risk of complications during home births than women who have had previous pregnancies. Consider a birthing center led by midwives if you are unsure. Though not at home, a birthing center is meant to be less intimidating than a hospital.
Consult women who have had home births. In addition to the women you may know personally, there are online communities that provide information about a home birth experience.
- Prepare a list of questions if you are meeting a woman in person. Ask for recommendations about hospitals, health care professionals, and birthing equipment. Every birth is different, but a firsthand account may help you make a more confident decision.
- Search the web for home birth stories and videos. Seeing a real birth may help you prepare for the big day.

Creating a Birthing Team

Create a birth plan. A birth plan includes the logistical details of your child's birth. You will need to decide where in the house you’d like to have the baby, and what hospital you will go to in case of emergency. You also need to consider what kind of home birth you prefer. You might choose a water birth or simply use your bed. Also consider pain management. Will you take medications or use natural methods to manage the labor?
- Discuss your birth plan with your partner or with a trusted loved one. Your doctor can also advise you on what is needed during birth.
- Though many midwives support water births, this method can present risks and is not recommended by all obstetricians.
Hire a midwife in your area. You will need to hire a reputable certified midwife or a certified nurse-midwife to attend the birth. Expect the midwife to assess you and your health before accepting you as a client. You will also need to assess whether he or she is the right midwife for you and your family.
- Ask the midwife important questions in the interview. Inquire about their experience delivering babies in home. Make sure you check their references before making the final decision.
- Discuss the circumstances under which they would suggest a hospital transfer. Ask how the midwife would arrange for a transfer to a hospital. Will they have an ob/gyn who is prepared to accept you at the hospital?
- Review your birth plan with the midwife. Make sure that the midwife is comfortable with it and that they can accommodate your needs. Don't forget to inquire about postnatal care for both you and your baby.
- Midwives come equipped with everything that is needed for delivery. Still, ask your midwife about the amount of extra towels, sheets, or waterproofing bedcovers you will need for the birth.
Consider hiring a doula. Doulas are experts in pain management and provide physical and/or emotional support to the woman giving birth. Doulas will often do prenatal and postnatal visits in addition to attending the birth itself. You can also hire a doula to attend only the birth or assist after the birth.
- Like midwives, doulas go through a certification process and are trained in assisting pregnant women.
- Seek referrals from other women who have worked with doulas, or consult with organizations that specialize in maternity.
- Investigate the cost. Doula fees range from $500 to $3,500 depending on the service you request and the area in which you live.
Decide who you will invite to the birth. Make a list of loved ones that will bring you comfort during your home birth. Don’t overwhelm yourself with guests. You can have someone take pictures or video to show off later.
- Avoid distractions during labor. Assign someone to be the contact person who calls everyone on your list.
- Arrange for someone to take care of your other children or pets, if you have them.

Organizing Your Birthing Necessities

Organize your birthing area. Whether you plan to give birth on your bed or in your bathtub, you will want to set up well in advance. Make sure that everything you will need is in the room and stored in an easily accessible location.
- Find an ideal tub for a water birth. You can use your own bathtub or purchase a blowup pool or birthing tub. Warm water is best to help you relax during birth. Be sure to have some extra towels handy as you will likely be in and out of the water.
- Prepare a protective covering for your bed or carpeted area. You can a purchase plastic covering or use old sheets.
Create a relaxed atmosphere. Purchase candles, relaxing music, or whatever sensory equipment will help you feel calm. Set them up in your birthing area prior to your due date.
- The use of lighting and soft music helps many women relax during labor. Ask your doula about any other pain management techniques.
Have healthy snacks available for you and your team. You never know how long the process will be, so it will help to have food available. Shop for appropriate food and snacks for before, during, and after labor.
- Healthy snacks like crackers, granola bars, fruit, and nuts are good options for you and any others attending the birth.
Pack a suitcase in case you need to go to the hospital. In the event of an emergency, you'll need to rush to a nearby hospital. Have your identification and health insurance cards ready. You'll also need to pack personal toiletries, baby clothes, and an extra change of clothes for yourself.

Tips

Don't get upset if your pregnancy doesn't enable you to have a home birth. The idea is to keep you and your baby safe.
Make sure that you have the help you need after the delivery. Find out if the midwife includes this as part of his or her services.

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