Home Birth?

juliasmama2010 · August 2013

Has anyone done this or is considering it? I'm considering it. I'm fairly certain it would take a whole heck of a lot of talking to convince DH that it's ok to do and perfectly natural to do. Does anyone have any experiences with this? No, I'm not a hippie. No, I'm not rebeling against my family/friends. It just sounds so much more peaceful than being in a hospital. Thoughts?

Unknown · August 2013

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halfthetree · August 2013

I am having a home birth. Talk to a midwife. All of the concerns from pp can be addressed by a midwife, and you will find that home births can be just as safe, if not safer than hospital births. And this was published in a peer reviewed journal before anyone jumps on me for saying that.

For ex, my midwife also brings along a RN trained in neonatal rescusitation, as well as all medications used to stop a hemorrage. They carry oxygen, suture kits, narcotic pain relievers, pitocin and other clotting medications, as well as equipment for baby.
And the transfer rate is really quite low. My midwifes has only had one transfer in her 10 years, and that was from a hemorrage that she got under control but the mother muSt be transferred regardless.
As for shoulder dystocia, the Gaskin maneuver works very effectively. But most midwives are also trained to recognize issues like this before they are at emergency status.
(I don't know about where you live also, but here midwives are required to notify the hospital of a mother entering labor, so in the event of a transfer, emergency or not, everyone is prepared. )

The reason for the great stats is due to selecting healthy candidates who are low risk.

As long as you are a good candidate for home birth, and have access to a highly trained and experienced CNM, go for it!!!:)

2Dash · August 2013

wilburbud said:

I think there are a few girls here who are doing this... Personally, I would never. My mind goes to sholder distocia, a not breathing baby, mom hemmoraging... Your stuck waiting for an ambulance and then hospital transfer. No thanks.

This - my neighbour did a home birth with her first - the baby had sholder distocia - they were rushed to a hospital and her and her DH were completely terrified and said the whole experience was tramatic until the doctor delivered her baby. For her second she got the doctor who delivered her first.

My DH's cousin has had 3 home births no problem and loved it - but I guess for me I feel like if something were to go wrong you would feel much better at a hospital.

SunflowersBride · August 2013

I'm not planning a home birth, but you may want to consider looking into birthing centers as a compromise between a home birth and a hospital. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with a home birth, but I would consider a birthing center (I still go back and forth sometimes on whether I should have gone to a midwife with the option to deliver at a birthing center).

cpm1223 · August 2013

wilburbud said:

I think there are a few girls here who are doing this... Personally, I would never. My mind goes to sholder distocia, a not breathing baby, mom hemmoraging... Your stuck waiting for an ambulance and then hospital transfer. No thanks.

That's how I feel about home births too. I'd be too worried that if something were to happen, that it would be 30+ minutes for us to get to the hospital.

Also, I wouldn't want to be responsible for cleaning up the mess I'd make giving birth...and from what I hear, it's a big ole mess!

rowanthefrog · August 2013

I love the idea of it but the reality is, for me, I'm not comfortable with it, plus I'm trying for another VBAC. My dad is an OBGYN and works with lots of the local midwives and doulas who do homebirths here. He's often the backup OB on call for homebirths. I'm going to labor at home for awhile though.

A

Unknown · August 2013

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sugarland726 · August 2013

It is not for me. I hear that most people who do have one love their experience. There is a lot of research out there and you need to make sure you choose a good and prepared midwife. Also, my personal proximity to a hospital would factor in to a decision in case something did go wrong. I think a birth center is a good compromise and another valid option for you to research along the way. Good luck!

AnnikaD20 · August 2013

My hospital has a natural birthing center available with ammenities like birthing tubs, comfy furniture, warm decor. They look like upscale hotel rooms. But then if something goes wrong, it's an elevator ride and not an ambulance ride to get emergency care for you or LO. If I was going to go the natural route, I'd be more comfortable in a place like that. Since I'm leaning towards having the meds though, I'll be laboring upstairs in the cold sterile hospital atmosphere.

halfthetree · August 2013

Abstract

Background: Studies of planned home births attended by registered midwives have been limited by incomplete data, nonrepresentative sampling, inadequate statistical power and the inability to exclude unplanned home births. We compared the outcomes of planned home births attended by midwives with those of planned hospital births attended by midwives or physicians.

Methods: We included all planned home births attended by registered midwives from Jan. 1, 2000, to Dec. 31, 2004, in British Columbia, Canada (n = 2889), and all planned hospital births meeting the eligibility requirements for home birth that were attended by the same cohort of midwives (n = 4752). We also included a matched sample of physician-attended planned hospital births (n = 5331). The primary outcome measure was perinatal mortality; secondary outcomes were obstetric interventions and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results: The rate of perinatal death per 1000 births was 0.35 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00–1.03) in the group of planned home births; the rate in the group of planned hospital births was 0.57 (95% CI 0.00–1.43) among women attended by a midwife and 0.64 (95% CI 0.00–1.56) among those attended by a physician. Women in the planned home-birth group were significantly less likely than those who planned a midwife-attended hospital birth to have obstetric interventions (e.g., electronic fetal monitoring, relative risk [RR] 0.32, 95% CI 0.29–0.36; assisted vaginal delivery, RR 0.41, 95% 0.33–0.52) or adverse maternal outcomes (e.g., third- or fourth-degree perineal tear, RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28–0.59; postpartum hemorrhage, RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.49–0.77). The findings were similar in the comparison with physician-assisted hospital births. ***Newborns in the home-birth group were less likely than those in the midwife-attended hospital-birth group to require resuscitation at birth (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.14–0.37) or oxygen therapy beyond 24 hours (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.24–0.59). ****The findings were similar in the comparison with newborns in the physician-assisted hospital births; in addition, newborns in the home-birth group were less likely to have meconium aspiration (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21–0.93) and more likely to be admitted to hospital or readmitted if born in hospital (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09–1.85).

Interpretation: Planned home birth attended by a registered midwife was associated with very low and comparable rates of perinatal death and reduced rates of obstetric interventions and other adverse perinatal outcomes compared with planned hospital birth attended by a midwife or physician.

Audrey112 · August 2013

I am receiving my prenatal care from practice of Certified Nurse Midwives. I have the option to birth in their Birth Center or at home. I am choosing a water home birth.

I did a lot of research before making the decision and with my health I am a candidate. I also have two hospitals within 5 miles of my house.

In addition to the attending CNM I have hired a birth assistant who is also a CM who is certified in neonatal resuscitation. If for some reason both I and my baby need medical attention there are 2 qualified people there.

I cannot begin to try to summarize all the information I found that helped me make my decision. The way I described it to my mother (who worked labor and delivery in a naval hospital) is that it is not the dark ages. "I am not giving birth in a dirty barn, biting down on a stick." I will have everything needed to ensure the health of me and my little one and if something is not looking good the midwife knows what to look for and when it is time to go to the hospital.

I just found this article this morning and found it interesting and very similar to a conversation I had with one of my midwives. Article

All in all, every woman has to make the decision that best meets her and her family's needs.

Kristinfm · August 2013

Stephanie185 said:

I am having a home birth. Talk to a midwife. All of the concerns from pp can be addressed by a midwife, and you will find that home births can be just as safe, if not safer than hospital births. And this was published in a peer reviewed journal before anyone jumps on me for saying that. For ex, my midwife also brings along a RN trained in neonatal rescusitation, as well as all medications used to stop a hemorrage. They carry oxygen, suture kits, narcotic pain relievers, pitocin and other clotting medications, as well as equipment for baby. And the transfer rate is really quite low. My midwifes has only had one transfer in her 10 years, and that was from a hemorrage that she got under control but the mother muSt be transferred regardless. As for shoulder dystocia, the Gaskin maneuver works very effectively. But most midwives are also trained to recognize issues like this before they are at emergency status. (I don't know about where you live also, but here midwives are required to notify the hospital of a mother entering labor, so in the event of a transfer, emergency or not, everyone is prepared. ) The reason for the great stats is due to selecting healthy candidates who are low risk. As long as you are a good candidate for home birth, and have access to a highly trained and experienced CNM, go for it!!!:)

All of this! I am planning a home birth. Before making this decision, my husband and I met with a couple of different midwife groups - one that delivers in a hospital (actually, the hospital I work at), and one that does home births. After getting all of our questions answered, discussing different scenarios, extensive research, etc., we decided that we felt much more comfortable with a home birth vs. a hospital birth. Obviously, there are a lot of factors that should go into your decision, but if it's something you are considering, I recommend setting up a meeting with a few different midwifes in your area. All of the midwives/groups I contacted were willing to do "getting to know you" appointments free of charge.

MrsGraham06 · August 2013

It's not even an option for me. I have ... weird things happen while in labor, or in the case of DD, I started to hemorrhage about 4 hours afterwards.

I think it's a nice idea, but not something I can ever do.

KEfam5 · August 2013

I am having a home birth and tried to have one with DD but moved to the hospital after some time decause of lack of progress. This time I am using a different midwife who has a few different methods to help move the labor along and I'm pretty confident we will be able to have the baby at home. I'll be laboring and delivering in a birthing tub.

moosebaby2011 · August 2013

A home birth is not something that interests me. I'd consider a birthing center if there was one in my area, but I'd be far too nervous about the "what ifs" to deliver at home.

That being said, I do have a lot of respect for midwifes who perform home births. My cousin and his wife elected for a home birth for their third child, and their daughter was born not breathing. She is almost a year old now and is perfectly healthy, but had it not been for a well trained midwife at her birth there could have been a much more tragic outcome. So, if you are really interested in a home birth my advice would be to research and choose your midwife with care.

juliasmama2010 · August 2013

Wow, you ladies have provided a ton of info for me to think about, thanks! I never even thought of a birthing center, although I'm fairly confident there isn't anything like that close to me. But I will research and see what I can come up with. Do you think it'd be offensive to my OB if I asked her about a midwife and if she could reccomend me to one?

Vera81 · August 2013

I have had 3 successful home births. It is absolutely the best choice for our family. Stephanie and others said it very well. It is a very safe option for a normal pregnancy and labor. Research some. Midwives in your area and make appointments to meet with them. You will be much re satisfied it you at least took into it further, even if you opt for the hospital birth. At least then you know you checked out all of your options. It's was the the best experience for me to be in the comfort of my own home. And the clean up- it really isn't that messy and the midwife cleans everything before she leaves. And she comes back to your house for check ups. It truly is amazing. .

HappyDoc · August 2013

I actually think that a home birth could be a wonderful experience. The women who I have talked to who have had them have all had very positive experiences, and have said they would do it again. That being said, as someone in the medical field and someone wanting an epidural, I will be headed to the hospital.

shortstuff15 · August 2013

In my area it's pretty much not a possibility. There is one trained midwife who isn't registered (but is legally able to catch babies because she is a trained RN). My friend had a home birth with her and had a wonderful experience. But because I am 30 minutes one way away from the only hospital around, it's too much of a transfer risk for me if something were to happen. If we had a birth centre here I would be all over that. But we don't. So I labour at home as long as I feel comfortable, then go to the hospital.

I would agree with all the others though that it is really not any less safe then a hospital birth, it's just what do you feel comfortable with?

sugarland726 · August 2013

juliasmama2010 said:

Wow, you ladies have provided a ton of info for me to think about, thanks! I never even thought of a birthing center, although I'm fairly confident there isn't anything like that close to me. But I will research and see what I can come up with. Do you think it'd be offensive to my OB if I asked her about a midwife and if she could reccomend me to one?

I wouldn't worry about offending my OB. It's your birth and you should have it however you want it.

ac1259 · August 2013

I'm in the same situation as pp's...I live way too far away from any transfer hospital to feel comfortable. My brain imagines every worst case scenario and then the EMTs in my area attempting to deal with them...ha! No thanks! I'd rather deal with OBs in the hospital who could absolutely keep everyone alive in the worst case scenario even if it doesn't go exactly as planned otherwise..but that's just me!

PrincessSillyPutty · August 2013

I would love to have a home birth but am not a candidate due to chronic dislocations. Love the information that has been provided. I hope you are able to find the best birthing situation for your family.

Summer889 · August 2013

I'd love to have a home or birthing center birth for my second child. This is my first pregnancy, and I am just a bit nervous about how labor and delivery are going to go. So I'm delivering with a midwife in a hospital. But I'm definitely concerned that being in the hospital environment will make it difficult for me to relax.

As far as ways to convince your husband, maybe have him read some books like 'Pushed." My husband read it (all on his own! I'd checked it out of the library for me to read) and he was really into it. He kept telling me facts about natural birth while reading it.

We also watched "The Business of Being Born" together and liked it.

Good luck!

jhunter89 · August 2013

I had a birth center birth with DD and am 95% sure we'll do a home water birth this time. I live about 10 minutes from the hospital which is a factor for me. If I lived farther away, I'd stick to the birth center which is 3 blocks from the hospital. If there is a birth center nearby, definitely go check it out, meet the midwives, ask lots of questions. Also, you can check out www.birthwithoutfear.com they have some amazing information and homebirth stories that are so encouraging.

We're choosing a home birth this time because I really really like the idea of not having to get in the car while in labor and everything available at the birth center will be available at home. I love and respect my midwives, they are some of the most experienced in the state, and, as a bonus, they do ALL the clean up afterwards, tuck you in bed and do a home visit 48 hours later!

LMCB12 · August 2013

If we lived closer to a hospital I would choose this option. If I had to be transported for some reason the nearest hospital is minimum twenty minutes away by ambulance. I'm just not comfortable with that so I will again deliver at the birth center.

I am feeling really anxious/sad/guilty that DS will have to stay with someone while I am in labor so if I could labor at home so he could be home I would choose that option.

mommabird77 · August 2013

While a home birth sounds nice, my pain level during labor with my first was so bad (even while in water) that I want to be able to have an epi. I never want to go through that again.

JaneW2 · August 2013

Yeah, I'm going for hospital birth, because I'd rather be in control. In the hospital, I can get pain relief if I want it, or skip it if I feel I don't need it. I don't have to stress about things going wrong, the nurses will watch for that. When the baby is born, someone else will check to make sure he's healthy before delivering him right to me. And in the unlikely event that things go really wrong, there will be LOTS of people to take care of both of us.

Best of all, for once in my life, I won't have to mop the floor or do the laundry afterwards!

Stephanie185, that's a lovely abstract, but you do realize all the confidence intervals in the first paragraph overlap? What that means, for the less statistically inclined among us, is that the study was simply too small to prove anything one way or the other. Also, when I tried to multiply the rate times the sample size to get the actual number of perinatal deaths, it worked out to a fraction in all 3 cases, which is pretty weird.

Can you get me the original citation?

ababymaybe · August 2013

I have never understood the appeal anyway but after having my first, I am even more thankful we had immediate medical care at the ready.

I realize what the studies say, but the fact is that my DS would've died at home. And it was completely unforeseen because it didn't show on ultrasonic d. short cord, went into distress, heart stopped, crash c-section. Forget being five minutes from a hospital-- He was OUT within five minutes.

It may be unlikely statistically speaking but I think the stakes are just too high. There are things midwives are not equipped to handle and things that require a hospital. JMO.

JaneW2 · August 2013

ababymaybe said:

I have never understood the appeal anyway but after having my first, I am even more thankful we had immediate medical care at the ready. I realize what the studies say, but the fact is that my DS would've died at home. And it was completely unforeseen because it didn't show on ultrasonic d. short cord, went into distress, heart stopped, crash c-section. Forget being five minutes from a hospital-- He was OUT within five minutes. It may be unlikely statistically speaking but I think the stakes are just too high. There are things midwives are not equipped to handle and things that require a hospital. JMO.

Your instincts are right, and the math backs you up. I will attempt to explain: Since death is a pretty rare outcome, you need a big study to usefully analyze the differences. Some small studies find that home birth and hospital birth are about equally safe, but there are much larger studies that clearly show hospital birth IS safer, precisely because of things like that, the surprise disasters. If your baby's heart has just stopped, the hospital 5 minutes away might as well be on the moon.

Here's one article that looks at all recorded births from 2008, using the CDC's data: https://www.skepticalob.com/2013/01/new-cdc-statistics-same-old-increased-homebirth-death-rate.html (It takes the CDC a few years to release data like this, so 2008 is the most recent complete data set.)

As you can see, the absolute risk is small, but it's still higher, and I'm just not OK with that. If it was one in a million maybe, but not one in a thousand.

BeccaRose86 · September 2013

I am planning a homebirth, for my first baby. I'm due in November. So far, I am so impressed with my midwife and her thoroughness. She never has told me to go on any meds, but will suggest herbs or vitamins if she thinks I need something. My amniotic fluid leaked a bit a few weeks ago, she squeezed me in that day to examine and check up with me. I was put on bed rest a few days later because I started leaking a bit more, and she came to my house and spent time with me and confirmed my baby was fine. She set up an ultrasound for me and has been nothing but amazing for me and my family. My best friend recently tried for a natural hospital birth, had TWO failed inductions, ended up in a c-section, has terrible post pardum depression (probably from the enormous amount of pitocin her body endured) and she is DEAD set against doing a hospital birth ever again. She hated every minute of it (she had a team of "nurse midwives" overseeing her also). As far as complications, a good midwife will be able to spot them long before they happen. For hemorrhaging, there have been studies showing that home births are LESS LIKELY to have that particular complication...mainly because the midwife doesn't cut the cord too early, encourages breastfeeding, which stimulates clotting in the uterus, and doesn't yank the placenta out like a doctor will! I hope you find what works best for you and your family...homebirth, is the way to go for our's!

jessicacss · September 2013

I would love to try a home birth or birthing center. It would take quite a bit of convincing to my anxiety prone husband, though. Every time I coughed or needed a break from walking last time around, he had his finger on the cell phone, ready to call 911 for the ambulance. He is a bit more calm this time around, but I just made the appointment for a birthing center tour, which is around a 2 minute drive from the hospital, just to see what we think of it. I watched the business of being born, and I would really like to try to labor without pitocin, etc. But I might change my mind at the end, we shall see

futuremidwestmom · September 2013

two words. Hell. No.

dragonflii · September 2013

I work as a Doula and a Birth Assistant for a Homebirth Midwife. I had my first in a midwife run standalone birth center. I am choosing a homebirth this time as I had an only 6 hour long labor last time and it was a horrible 45 minute drive to my birth center. I have first hand experience with many births and with homebirths and have utmost confidence in my midwife's ability to react to any emergencies, should any arise.

indiana101 · September 2013

We are planning a homebirth this time however are open to going to the hospital if need be (like last time). I think it is a wonderful option for low risk mamas.

Roses87 · September 2013

I don't think a home birth is for me. But power to the ppl that do it. I sure it's much more enjoyable to be in your own home. I am just to afraid of the bad stuff that can happen. Maybe if I wasnt a worry wart I could do it.

lbaker81 · September 2013

I am planning a home birth in November. I have an amazing team of midwives who are trained to recognize potential issues before they arise. In case I need it there is a hospital less than a mile away. I am confident in my body and my babies ability to birth. Low risk pregnancy home births carry the same fatalities and problems as a low risk hospital birth so I don't see what the big deal is with people who shut it out without the research.

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