Bringing a child into this world brings with it a huge list of questions. From what doctor to choose to what crib to purchase, women find themselves making big decisions daily. One decision women seem to be making more often these days is having a planned homebirth with a licensed midwife. According to both the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle, homebirthing rates are on the rise in these metropolitan cities.
One reason that is believed to be a cause of the rise in homebirths is a recent documentary that was screened in both of the city’s movie theaters. The Business of Being Born documents famed talk show host Ricki Lake’s homebirth and shows that in most countries midwives reduce the need for cesareans and improve survival rates.
Many women describe their homebirths as more intimate and relaxing than the hospital experience. Sitting in a warm birthing tub can help ease labor pains and has become a staple in homebirths across the country. A lot of women who have had what they consider to be unpleasant labor experiences in hospitals turn to homebirth for their next child with open arms.
But for most women the first question that comes to mind is, how safe is it? According to a recent study published in the British Medical Journal, homebirthing had about the same mortality rate as what were considered to be low-risk hospital births.
Despite these findings, the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) take the stance that the hospital or birthing center is the safest place to be during the time of labor and delivery. Practicing OBGYN and vice chair of ACOG, Dr. Erin Tracy, reported to the San Francisco Chronicle about his concern on the safety of homebirths. He said, “I think the vast majority of women who give birth do fine, no matter where they do it. But there is a certain number of low-risk pregnancies that become high-risk minutes before their babies need to be delivered. How does someone who needs help within minutes get from home to a hospital in time?”
What do you think of the idea of more women giving birth at home?
Is this something you or your friends or family members have ever considered?
I had my first two children at home with a midwife, the second was born in the water in a birthing tub. It was amazing. She was born so gracefully and peacefully. I have to disagree with the last comment - it is TOTALLY NATURAL to give birth in water. Women in many cultures do this traditionally. Why shouldn't the baby go from nice warm water inside to nice warm water outside before lifting her into the air? It makes for an easy transition.
texasmama::
on Dec 06, 2008
With both home births we were able to enjoy the aftermath of birth with plenty of quiet bonding time in the peace of our own home. In the hospital, with my next two kids, I had a horrible experience. We were constantly interrupted for unnecessary procedures throughout the first 24 hours. My babies were taken away from me, our blood was taken, and other such annoyances. I understand these precautions when there is something wrong, but everything was totally normal! Midwives are TRAINED to recognize when there is a problem and will refer you to a hospital if necessary.
babsywabs::
on Dec 15, 2008
I am well beyond this phase of life, actually entering menopause, but I would like to add my two cents nonetheless. When I delivered my daughter 23 years ago, after a pretty ho-hum, riskfree pregnancy, I hemorrhaged severely and lost a significant amount of blood. This was in 1985, when the AIDS scare was first beginning, and the doctor would not give me blood due to the risks involved. I was in the hospital for four days. Had I chosen the home birth / midwife route, I would be dead now. Please choose carefully, and know what you are getting yourself into. No, pregnancy isn't a 'disease' that needs to be treated by a medical professional, but I'm sure glad I was in a hospital when I gave birth so my husband didn't have to raise our daughter on his own.
wespeak2::
on Jan 06, 2009
As a previous OB nurse, I can share that most OB physicians are bound by the American College of Obstetrics ans Gynecology (ACOG) to administer care in accordance with their high standards. Doctors who are doing C-sections for other non-medical reasons are setting themselves up for a lawsuit not to mention, face peer review at their own institution. I would strongly encourage anyone who is seeking medical care to do some investigating of your own when selecting your provider. Ensure they are ACOG certified which speaks then to the quality of care you will recieve. I advise against home birth. I have seen too many things go wrong in a hospital setting even with the best care; personally, I'd never take the risk with my child's life. Great for Rikki Lake, but it doesn't always turn out happy.
lipsticklady4::
on Feb 04, 2009
As a mother of 4 children with my first being born in a hospital, I decided to deliver my other 3 children in our home. Working with 2 wonderful midwives, I had 3 amazing experiences that I would certainly choose to do over again. As this option is not for everyone due to several reasons, most importantly a woman's health, I'm thankful that home birth was an option for me and my family.
Evolettsmom::
on Feb 19, 2009
well i have major respect for a mom who can give birth w/o any drugs, but thats not me!! and as far as a home birth, well thats up to the person i guess. i would just be afraid something would go wrong, and you'd be too far from any medical help. i just don't belive its worth the risk. i mean, you wait 9-10 months to see this special little person, and if something went wrong, i know i'd never be able to forgive myself.
softballhead8::
on Mar 01, 2009
I am not sure on this particular topic. If the mother and father are into the whole deal, then why not? I sure admire any woman who does natural birthing (no drugs)! I can't imagine...It pains me just thinking about it. ouch...
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