Home Birth advocate dies giving birth at home

epopp85 · February 2012

https://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/home-births-rise-safe-205400504.html

This is why I choose to have both of mine in the hospital. It's just safer.

Thoughts?

jb2rn · February 2012

Actually, it's not always safer. Look at the C section rate in the united states, it's about 30% in some states (not safe). And hospital infections (MRSA and such). That is a really generalized statement.

I personally would not choose a home birth, but's it's right for some.

Momto4cats · February 2012

To each her own but I wouldn't do it. It should be an option if the mother chooses but she should be aware of the risks.

dpeugh85 · February 2012

As posters of the article stated, it is slightly misleading. How many women die in hospitals every year, what was her medical history prior to, etc.

That being said, we have hospitals, specifically labor and deliveries, for a reason. They are trained professionals. All the doulas, midwives, BFFs, etc do not have the level of schooling these people do.

By the same token, I firmly believe it's a woman's choice. You want to give birth at home? Great. But realize there are risks. And one of those risks may be the preventable death of the mother and/or baby.

ashleylach · February 2012

jb2rn:

Actually, it's not always safer. Look at the C section rate in the united states, it's about 30% in some states (not safe). And hospital infections (MRSA and such). That is a really generalized statement.

I personally would not choose a home birth, but's it's right for some.

How are c-sections considered unsafe? Yes, the c-section rate has gone up significantly in recent years, but that number accounts for "elective" c-sections as well. Most of the time, a c-section is the last resort or the only safe option to save both mother and baby.

I didn't have a c-section, but I was a c-section baby and I know that if the doctors wouldn't have gone in and gotten me the chances of my exsistence today would have been low. Like I said I understand that people think doctors just jump to do c-sections, but we need to give them some credit in using as much caution as possible especially when they have 2 lives at stake.

Christine&Mario · February 2012

dpeugh85:

As posters of the article stated, it is slightly misleading. How many women die in hospitals every year, what was her medical history prior to, etc.

That being said, we have hospitals, specifically labor and deliveries, for a reason. They are trained professionals. All the doulas, midwives, BFFs, etc do not have the level of schooling these people do.

By the same token, I firmly believe it's a woman's choice. You want to give birth at home? Great. But realize there are risks. And one of those risks may be the preventable death of the mother and/or baby.

Yes

Andi2384 · February 2012

To each their own and no flaming here, but I would never plan on a home birth for the chance of something going wrong and being so far from a hospital. The hospital is just over 1 hour away from my house (no traffic); it would be too scary and I would never forgive myself if I was at home, gave birth and there was a complication that could not be addressed immediately.

jenni888 · February 2012

To each their own for sure. I thought I was okay with home births and clearly women gave birth for thousands of years this way, however my mind is definitely changed after my labor experience.

I had a piece of retained placenta left behind and immediately after I delivered the placenta I was hemmorhaging quite a bit (the blood was coming out so heavily I felt like my water was breaking all over again). My midwife had to go in and dig the piece of placenta out, which aside from being mindblowingly painful because I had no pain meds in me, also made me think I was grateful I was at a hospital. I realize that what my midwife did and the meds they used quickly stopped the hemorrhaging and could perhaps have been performed during a home birth given the right preparations. However, I felt far more comfortable and safe knowing that I was already at the hospital.

I did choose an alternative birthing center within a hospital, however, because I was nervous about unnecessary intervention. I feel like I got the best of both worlds from this arrangement.

stargirljulie · February 2012

I also agree that to each their own, but I had complications with DD and she was coming out sideways. Her heart rate kept dropping significantly and the OB wanted a Cesarean quickly. If I wasn't at a hospital I would have likely had a bad outcome for my baby.

To those that do it at home, congrats to you, but I would never risk that again.

kristina104 · February 2012

jenni888:

To each their own for sure. I thought I was okay with home births and clearly women gave birth for thousands of years this way, however my mind is definitely changed after my labor experience.

I had a piece of retained placenta left behind and immediately after I delivered the placenta I was hemmorhaging quite a bit (the blood was coming out so heavily I felt like my water was breaking all over again). My midwife had to go in and dig the piece of placenta out, which aside from being mindblowingly painful because I had no pain meds in me, also made me think I was grateful I was at a hospital. I realize that what my midwife did and the meds they used quickly stopped the hemorrhaging and could perhaps have been performed during a home birth given the right preparations. However, I felt far more comfortable and safe knowing that I was already at the hospital.

I did choose an alternative birthing center within a hospital, however, because I was nervous about unnecessary intervention. I feel like I got the best of both worlds from this arrangement.

This was very similar to what happened with me, except they couldn't get the piece out and I was bleeding so badly that they had to do an emergency DNC and I had to have two blood transfusions due to the amount of blood I lost. So that would have been very scary at home.

knottie198f1ac43570b6c2 · February 2012

ashleylach:
jb2rn:

Actually, it's not always safer. Look at the C section rate in the united states, it's about 30% in some states (not safe). And hospital infections (MRSA and such). That is a really generalized statement.

I personally would not choose a home birth, but's it's right for some.

How are c-sections considered unsafe? Yes, the c-section rate has gone up significantly in recent years, but that number accounts for "elective" c-sections as well. Most of the time, a c-section is the last resort or the only safe option to save both mother and baby.

This. There are risks associated with any major surgery, but there are risks in delivering vaginally in a home birth as well.

I say it is the woman's decision absolutely, but I think that making a decision to have a hospital birth to feel more comfortable and safe in case of necessary medical intervention is as valid of a choice as a home birth.

I ended up having a c-section, and I am glad that I made the decision to birth in the hospital. I had an excellent experience with my labor experience even though it ultimately ended in a necessary c-section.

dpeugh85 · February 2012

desine77:
ashleylach:
jb2rn:

Actually, it's not always safer. Look at the C section rate in the united states, it's about 30% in some states (not safe). And hospital infections (MRSA and such). That is a really generalized statement.

I personally would not choose a home birth, but's it's right for some.

How are c-sections considered unsafe? Yes, the c-section rate has gone up significantly in recent years, but that number accounts for "elective" c-sections as well. Most of the time, a c-section is the last resort or the only safe option to save both mother and baby.

This. There are risks associated with any major surgery, but there are risks in delivering vaginally in a home birth as well.

I say it is the woman's decision absolutely, but I think that making a decision to have a hospital birth to feel more comfortable and safe in case of necessary medical intervention is as valid of a choice as a home birth.

I ended up having a c-section, and I am glad that I made the decision to birth in the hospital. I had an excellent experience with my labor experience even though it ultimately ended in a necessary c-section.

Holy cow Desinee! Your little girl is the spitting freaking image of you. Creepy.

knottie198f1ac43570b6c2 · February 2012

dpeugh85:
desine77:
ashleylach:
jb2rn:

Actually, it's not always safer. Look at the C section rate in the united states, it's about 30% in some states (not safe). And hospital infections (MRSA and such). That is a really generalized statement.

I personally would not choose a home birth, but's it's right for some.

How are c-sections considered unsafe? Yes, the c-section rate has gone up significantly in recent years, but that number accounts for "elective" c-sections as well. Most of the time, a c-section is the last resort or the only safe option to save both mother and baby.

This. There are risks associated with any major surgery, but there are risks in delivering vaginally in a home birth as well.

I say it is the woman's decision absolutely, but I think that making a decision to have a hospital birth to feel more comfortable and safe in case of necessary medical intervention is as valid of a choice as a home birth.

I ended up having a c-section, and I am glad that I made the decision to birth in the hospital. I had an excellent experience with my labor experience even though it ultimately ended in a necessary c-section.

Holy cow Desinee! Your little girl is the spitting freaking image of you. Creepy.

ha that's what my mom says!

Magriet · February 2012

Momto4cats:
To each her own but I wouldn't do it. It should be an option if the mother chooses but she should be aware of the risks.

This.

I would also say after seeing how messy it is I am 100% fine having someone else clean that up.

varkeyr · February 2012

I labor at home for as long as possible then go to the hospital. I have never done an at home delivery, but know tons who do. Generally they have done it for good reasons. That is the beauty of a free society.

rachaelski · February 2012

It seems like many of you have no idea about what a homebirth actually entails. I proudly had a homebirth and survived to tell the tale.

The reason a woman dying during a homebirth is "newsworthy" is because it is less common than hospital births. End of story. Woman still die in childbirth, even in hospitals. There isn't more risk to have a child at home there's just different risks.

My birth was attended by 2 midwives, one a novice (but experienced doula) and my midwife, who has birthed close to 1000 babies over the last 30 years. They come with oxygen tanks, pitocin, and other supplies in case of an emergency. Dopplers and fetoscopes are used throughout the laboring process. If there was any reason for concern, they transport to the hospital (we had one within 5 minutes of our home). They aren't showing up with boiled water and rags, FFS. And I didn't clean up anything. The midwives took care of everything, and they checked in physically and with phone calls to ensure I was okay, as well as the baby.

inrut4dj · February 2012

rachaelski:
It seems like many of you have no idea about what a homebirth actually entails. I proudly had a homebirth and survived to tell the tale.
The reason a woman dying during a homebirth is "newsworthy" is because it is less common than hospital births. End of story. Woman still die in childbirth, even in hospitals. There isn't more risk to have a child at home there's just different risks.
My birth was attended by 2 midwives, one a novice (but experienced doula) and my midwife, who has birthed close to 1000 babies over the last 30 years. They come with oxygen tanks, pitocin, and other supplies in case of an emergency. Dopplers and fetoscopes are used throughout the laboring process. If there was any reason for concern, they transport to the hospital (we had one within 5 minutes of our home). They aren't showing up with boiled water and rags, FFS. And I didn't clean up anything. The midwives took care of everything, and they checked in physically and with phone calls to ensure I was okay, as well as the baby.

??

jenni888 · February 2012

rachaelski:

It seems like many of you have no idea about what a homebirth actually entails. I proudly had a homebirth and survived to tell the tale.

The reason a woman dying during a homebirth is "newsworthy" is because it is less common than hospital births. End of story. Woman still die in childbirth, even in hospitals. There isn't more risk to have a child at home there's just different risks.

My birth was attended by 2 midwives, one a novice (but experienced doula) and my midwife, who has birthed close to 1000 babies over the last 30 years. They come with oxygen tanks, pitocin, and other supplies in case of an emergency. Dopplers and fetoscopes are used throughout the laboring process. If there was any reason for concern, they transport to the hospital (we had one within 5 minutes of our home). They aren't showing up with boiled water and rags, FFS. And I didn't clean up anything. The midwives took care of everything, and they checked in physically and with phone calls to ensure I was okay, as well as the baby.

I think if you are truly 5 minutes away from a hospital this would be reassuring. There are many who do not live that close, however. Or in my case, I live downtown Chicago where theoretically there are several hospitals within a 5-10 minute driving distance, but the way traffic gets backed up during rush hour, I've seen ambulances struggle to get through. I don't think I'd be comfortable with taking that chance. I realize that they aren't just showing up with boiled water and rags, but on the flipside are they showing up with every possible tool/drug that might be necessary on the fly?

rachaelski · February 2012

jenni888:
I think if you are truly 5 minutes away from a hospital this would be reassuring. There are many who do not live that close, however. Or in my case, I live downtown Chicago where theoretically there are several hospitals within a 5-10 minute driving distance, but the way traffic gets backed up during rush hour, I've seen ambulances struggle to get through. I don't think I'd be comfortable with taking that chance. I realize that they aren't just showing up with boiled water and rags, but on the flipside are they showing up with every possible tool/drug that might be necessary on the fly?

Why would I lie about time to the hospital? In fact, part of the prebirth preparations included finding the most efficient route to the hospital and checking the gas gauge.

I heard a show on the radio a while back where a traditional midwife was interviewed. She said that because midwives deal with "normal" births that they are quick to realize when something is not normal, and seek out appropriate intervention quickly. That really made sense to me. Homebirth supporters aren't against hospitals; they are for choice of birth experience (assuming it is a healthy one). High blood pressure, for example, would be a reason for my midwife not to perform a home birth.

Vieve831 · February 2012

Personally - my ideal situation would be a birthing center adjacent to a hospital. Some areas have this but mine doesn't so I felt more comfortable in a hospital. I did feel like they jumped to medical interventions much quicker than necessary and I did not have a lot of freedom to labor in different positions, etc. But all that said I still didn't want to be at home. As soon as I knew I was in labor I wanted to be at the hospital - even though my plan had been to labor at home as long as possible.

jenni888 · February 2012

rachaelski:

jenni888:
I think if you are truly 5 minutes away from a hospital this would be reassuring. There are many who do not live that close, however. Or in my case, I live downtown Chicago where theoretically there are several hospitals within a 5-10 minute driving distance, but the way traffic gets backed up during rush hour, I've seen ambulances struggle to get through. I don't think I'd be comfortable with taking that chance. I realize that they aren't just showing up with boiled water and rags, but on the flipside are they showing up with every possible tool/drug that might be necessary on the fly?

Why would I lie about time to the hospital? In fact, part of the prebirth preparations included finding the most efficient route to the hospital and checking the gas gauge.

I heard a show on the radio a while back where a traditional midwife was interviewed. She said that because midwives deal with "normal" births that they are quick to realize when something is not normal, and seek out appropriate intervention quickly. That really made sense to me. Homebirth supporters aren't against hospitals; they are for choice of birth experience (assuming it is a healthy one). High blood pressure, for example, would be a reason for my midwife not to perform a home birth.

Yikes, I in no way implied that you were lying about how far you were from a hospital. Please reread my original comment. I was saying that the comfort for someone like you who truly lives 5 minutes away from a hospital is one thing, however in my specific situation going 2 miles can take 5 minutes at some times of the day and 30 minutes at another. And flashing lights and sirens do not part the seas of bumper to bumper traffic instantly, so regardless of what route an ambulance takes, I guarantee it will not take 5 minutes. I was explaining why having several hospitals within 5 minutes of where I live does not make me feel any more comfortable.

To sum up what I said from the start, to each their own. I'm glad the homebirth worked for you and as I said in my original post I was very much for it and it was my specific laboring experience that makes me personally feel it isn't my cup of tea.

I completely understand the value of birthing in your home and the comfort of being surrounded by what you are familiar with, and the effect a safe environment has on labor progression. I 100% feel like childbirth should not be this horrible medical condition because it is something natural and in theory should go without a hitch, without excessive medical intervention, etc. But the reality is "stuff" happens and whether it be an emergency c/s, blood transfusion etc. it is entirely up to each person's level of comfort how physically close they wish to be to a hospital, or actually in a hospital. After my own personal experience, I feel that I would be most comfortable in a birthing center in the hospital.

Funny thing is, despite how much I agreed with the concept of home births, planning one for myself wasn't even an option for me to begin with because direct-entry midwifery is not legal where I live.

rachaelski · February 2012

jenni888:
rachaelski:

jenni888:
I think if you are truly 5 minutes away from a hospital this would be reassuring. There are many who do not live that close, however. Or in my case, I live downtown Chicago where theoretically there are several hospitals within a 5-10 minute driving distance, but the way traffic gets backed up during rush hour, I've seen ambulances struggle to get through. I don't think I'd be comfortable with taking that chance. I realize that they aren't just showing up with boiled water and rags, but on the flipside are they showing up with every possible tool/drug that might be necessary on the fly?

Why would I lie about time to the hospital? In fact, part of the prebirth preparations included finding the most efficient route to the hospital and checking the gas gauge.

I heard a show on the radio a while back where a traditional midwife was interviewed. She said that because midwives deal with "normal" births that they are quick to realize when something is not normal, and seek out appropriate intervention quickly. That really made sense to me. Homebirth supporters aren't against hospitals; they are for choice of birth experience (assuming it is a healthy one). High blood pressure, for example, would be a reason for my midwife not to perform a home birth.

Yikes, I in no way implied that you were lying about how far you were from a hospital. Please reread my original comment. I was saying that the comfort for someone like you who truly lives 5 minutes away from a hospital is one thing, however in my specific situation going 2 miles can take 5 minutes at some times of the day and 30 minutes at another. And flashing lights and sirens do not part the seas of bumper to bumper traffic instantly, so regardless of what route an ambulance takes, I guarantee it will not take 5 minutes. I was explaining why having several hospitals within 5 minutes of where I live does not make me feel any more comfortable.

To sum up what I said from the start, to each their own. I'm glad the homebirth worked for you and as I said in my original post I was very much for it and it was my specific laboring experience that makes me personally feel it isn't my cup of tea.

I completely understand the value of birthing in your home and the comfort of being surrounded by what you are familiar with, and the effect a safe environment has on labor progression. I 100% feel like childbirth should not be this horrible medical condition because it is something natural and in theory should go without a hitch, without excessive medical intervention, etc. But the reality is "stuff" happens and whether it be an emergency c/s, blood transfusion etc. it is entirely up to each person's level of comfort how physically close they wish to be to a hospital, or actually in a hospital. After my own personal experience, I feel that I would be most comfortable in a birthing center in the hospital.

Funny thing is, despite how much I agreed with the concept of home births, planning one for myself wasn't even an option for me to begin with because direct-entry midwifery is not legal where I live.

Whoops, sorry, reading too quickly. Didn't mean to unfairly jump down your throat.

jenni888 · February 2012

rachaelski:

Whoops, sorry, reading too quickly. Didn't mean to unfairly jump down your throat.

No problem. I'm a lover, not a fighter!

Want a personalized experience?

Home Birth advocate dies giving birth at home

Re: Home Birth advocate dies giving birth at home

Choose Another Board

Search Boards