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Home births may be chosen because of the perceived appeal of the intimacy of a home setting, and to avoid risks related to births in hospital.
The popularity of home births has increased in recent years, although they remain a tiny proportion of all births, at around 1%.
One definite advantage of a home birth is that it is far less likely to end up in a situation where a Caesarean is required.
The rate of infant mortality has diminished hugely over the last century, which makes home birth a perfectly viable option.
It is essential to have a certified midwife, whose education meets very high standards, or an obstetrics doctor who practices within a regulated health system.
However, the rates of infant mortality are almost twice as high, and, while rare, there are increased chances of babies having seizures or neurological issues.
You must also consider the things you will need. Research and find out what supplies you will require. For instance, protective coverings for your floor or mattress.
If you decide to opt for a home birth, there are certain things that you must take into consideration. You need to have everything planned.
Are you planning on breastfeeding your baby immediately after giving birth? All these things should be discussed with your health care provider.
Ultimately, you must decide what is best for you. It is an individual decision, or one that you make with your partner, and it has to be right for you!
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You must have a contingency plan. Have you considered how you will deal with pain? Do you wish to go into labor in a birthing pool?
There may be a number of reasons that you choose to pursue the idea of giving birth at home. Give these consideration before making a final decision.
Find out exactly what may necessitate your transfer to a hospital and how this will affect your birth plans. Your birth location should be no more than 15 minutes away from a hospital with 24-hour maternity care.
Consider the fact that you may require a hospital transfer, as over a third of home births do end up this way.
This is because a woman who has been through a C-section is far more likely to require another in any future deliveries she may have.
If you live in a country where you have free healthcare, or you have your own private insurance, the options will be more open.
Another reason to avoid a home birth is if you have previously had a C-section, as this may cause many complications.
C-sections always carry heavy additional risks, which include increased blood loss, increased pain, and infections.
Depending on where you live, and what options are available, home birth may be a less expensive option than giving birth in a hospital.
A hospital transfer may be necessary if you are in desperate need of pain relief, you experience bleeding, or have high blood pressure.
Ensure that you have easy access to transport. Ask your health care provider to set up a hospital room in advance to guarantee that you can be transferred and treated quickly, if necessary.
There may be a number of reasons why pursuing the option of a home birth is highly inadvisable for you, depending on your circumstances.
You may be dissatisfied with hospital care that you have received in the past, and want to have freedom and control in the process.
Historically, babies were born at home. This was normal practice until the beginning of the 20th century, when babies began to be born in hospitals.
Giving birth at home is perhaps something that you have not considered. Perhaps you know someone who has done it, or even a person who was born at home themselves. Either way, if this is something that you are thinking about, it is a good idea to have all the information first.
Take a look through the gallery to find out all you need to know about having a home birth.
The options for having a home birth
Find out all you need to know
HEALTH Parenthood
Giving birth at home is perhaps something that you have not considered. Perhaps you know someone who has done it, or even a person who was born at home themselves. Either way, if this is something that you are thinking about, it is a good idea to have all the information first.
Take a look through the gallery to find out all you need to know about having a home birth.