Benefits of Home Births

Home births can be a safe and rewarding experience for your family. However, you should always discuss options with your healthcare professional to make the best and informed choice. Most home births are accompanied by a certified nurse midwife, a certified professional midwife, or ​​a naturopathic or medical doctor who practices obstetrics. If you are perceived as a low-risk pregnancy, the best thing to do is start planning now! 

Here are some of the common benefits of having a home birth and why people choose to do so:

BENEFITS: 

• You will have more control over your experience

• You will be giving birth in a familiar environment

• Sleeping in your own home

• Human-centered care 

• Higher chance of vaginal birth

• Avoid unnecessary medical interventions

• More support and individualized care at home

• Reduced cost (often 3x less)

• More time with your baby skin to skin after birth

• Giving birth with a trusted expert midwife of your choice

• You will not be giving birth in the same building where sick people go to receive care. Avoid exposure for you and your baby to pathogens that can cause serious illness or infection, as well as Covid-19.

As you can see, there are many benefits of having a home birth. One of the biggest reasons people choose to have a home birth rather than going to the hospital is for the nurturing aspect. Your midwife will build an individualized relationship with you and your family to provide unique personal care and allow you to feel empowered. When working with a midwife or doula, you will receive evidence-based care as well as gentle, compassionate care.

If the pregnant person is low-risk with a healthy pregnancy and baby, then they are considered to be a safe and rational candidate for having a home birth with midwives. Your midwife will also be able to measure your health throughout prenatal care and make recommendations if it ever seems that the best place of birth for you or your baby is in the hospital. The best way to get started and see if home births are for you is to schedule interviews with midwives and doulas in your area.