Two of the main reasons women choose homebirth are to avoid what they have previously experienced, or anticipate might happen, with hospital birth, and/or to have their baby with care from just one or two midwives who they can come to know and trust. Some other reasons are that:
- antenatal and postnatal visits at home feel much more personal than visiting an antenatal clinic with many other women;
- in the familiar environment of their home they often feel more in control of their labour and birth, and can have whoever they want (or don’t want!) present;
- there is less risk of infection for both mother and baby;
- there is less risk of an unnecessary episiotomy or caesarean.
Women cope with contractions using various methods such as immersion in water, shower, massage, aromatherapy and walking.
Homebirth midwives do not usually carry pethidine or gas, but do carry safety equipment like oxygen, suction, and drugs to stem bleeding.
Even if you choose homebirth but are unsure about managing without medical pain relief, or if it becomes necessary during labour, you can still transfer from home to hospital in pregnancy or in labour. Remember, choosing homebirth does not mean that you can no longer access medical or hospital care. However, one of the main factors which seems to make homebirth successful is the woman and her care provider(s) having confidence in her body’s natural ability to give birth.
Stories
I was 4 days short of 30 when I birthed my daughter at home, in water, where we otherwise ate breakfast each morning. I chose to homebirth my first child because I have a strong belief in women's abilities and confidence in my own body. This was shared by my midwife, who was with me during my antenatal journey (involving a lot of morning sickness!) and my postnatal journey (with nearly every breastfeeding issue under the sun - I credit her with a large part of the successful breastfeeding career I've had). I had a normal labour for a first time labourer, and was glad that no one watched the clock when it came time to pushing. It wasn't an easy labour, and it wasn't an easy journey, but I count myself lucky that I got the gold standard of care and a known midwife beside me. Having my body, my pregnancy, my labour and birth, gave me so much confidence in my ability to parent and I have no regrets about my choice. I am now a registered midwife and my own journey has shaped my approach to women, pregnancy and birth in ways that I never anticipated nor could duplicate. -- Emma, Felixstow
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