Comments on: Home Births vs. Hospital Births

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:54:39 +0000

I was far ahead of this trend when I gave birth at home twice, once in 1980 and again in 82. My first child was born in a hospital in 1975. The experience left me traumatized. Things were a bit different back then but I’m not sure by how much. After my first birthing experience I knew I wanted to feel more in control the second time. I did my research, which was much harder without the internet! I did find good statistics that made my decision making process easier. I spoke with women from The Childbirth Education Association. They were very informative and supportive. They gave me the names of three local midwives and I was on my way.
Both birthing experiences were wonderful. I am left with the most amazing memories. The births were uncomplicated, very warm and family oriented.
My husband and I were made to take birthing classes twice a week for six weeks in preparation for the births. These classes went far beyond the typical Lamaze classes. We were taught what to do in many emergency situations in the event our midwife was not able to get to us. We had a doctor and ambulance on call as soon as labor began. All of these things added to my level of comfort and safety.
If you are healthy and think you would enjoy giving birth at home I would highly recommend it to anyone. My oldest son remembers both births with fond memories. Our middle son was present for his sister’s birth and still talks about it each year on her birthday. It was a beautiful and loving experience for the entire family

By: Andy

Andy — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:20:09 +0000

Bianka says: This is kind of gross, but when people don’t understand why I had my baby at home I try to sum it up shortly by saying: “You don’t go to the hospital every time you have to poop. If everything is functioning normally you do it at home. Same for birth, as long as everything is functioning normally, there is no reason to go to the hospital! Your body will take care of everything itself!”
However, Bianka’s analogy falls apart in that a pooping event never veers from “normal” to life threatening for pooper/poop in a matter of seconds as sometimes happens with childbirth for mother/child.

By: Bianka

Bianka — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:03:39 +0000

I had my baby girl at home a year ago (yesterday! wow!). It was the most amazing experience of my life. As long as everything is healthy for mother and baby, there is no need to run to the hospital to deliver.
This is kind of gross, but when people don’t understand why I had my baby at home I try to sum it up shortly by saying: “You don’t go to the hospital every time you have to poop. If everything is functioning normally you do it at home. Same for birth, as long as everything is functioning normally, there is no reason to go to the hospital! Your body will take care of everything itself!”
Midwives are as fully trained as OB’s in child CPR, maternal care, how to treat excessive bleeding, etc. And will have patients transported to the hospital in an instant if the need arises. The ride to the hospital typically takes the same amount of time as prepping a surgery room does anyway!
The big thing that made me opt for a homebirth was the C-section statistic.. In some places the C-section rate is approaching 33%.. midwives are typically 2% or lower. And that’s without any difference in maternal or newborn death rates. I also didn’t want an episiotomy.. I didn’t need one with the midwife.
I am 7 weeks pregnant with my second child and plan on giving birth at home again. I can hardly wait for awesome experience #2!

By: DoulaMomma

DoulaMomma — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:44:57 +0000

I encourage people to read the whole NY Times article & see the slide show.
Links are contained in my post:
http://doulamomma.blogspot.com/2008/11/baby-youre-home.html