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During many centuries giving birth at home was pretty normal, but it changed along the years, and in the 1900's women slowly began going to hospitals. At that time, way before modern medicine, childbirth was a very preoccupied event for women; but nowadays, this has obviously changed. As the modern medicine and technology increased, our understanding of anatomy and our own education facilitated to women explore the idea of a home birth with trained midwives or nurse-midwives for low-risk, healthy, normal pregnancies. As the curiosity in home birth grows, the number of studies and statistical data will continue to grow and give us a greater understanding of the risks and benefits. The following information will help increase your understanding as you move toward an informed decision.
Home birth might be an option for you if you are having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, if you want to avoid episiotomy, cesarean section, or epidural, even if you want to be in the presence of your family, or you want to be free to move around, change positions, take a shower, and eat freely during labor. More so, if you want to enjoy the comforts of home and familiar surroundings
Home birth is not for you unless you are diabetic, or if you have chronic high blood pressure, or toxemia (also known as preeclampsia), if you have experienced preterm labor in the past, or may be at risk for preterm labor now, or even if your partner does not fully support your decision to give birth at home.
Most midwives will bring many things with them at the day of delivery, such as, oxygen for the baby if needed, IV's for mom if she becomes dehydrated or needs additional nutrients, sterile gloves, gauze pads, cotton hat for the baby, drop cloths, waterproof covers for the bed, a thermometer, a pan for sits baths after birth, Fetoscopes or ultrasonic stethoscopes, medications to slow or stop a hemorrhage, special herbal preparations, homeopathic remedies, massage supplies/techniques and even acupuncture needles, items for suturing tears.
Note that approximately 25% of first time moms and 4% of women who have previously given birth are transferred to the hospital for delivery. Some of the reasons women are transferred are premature rupture of membranes, or some moms decide to go because they feel exhausted and do not want to continue, or some of them have high blood pressure, or even having no progress, perhaps it could occur any fetal distress situation, cord prolapse and hemorrhages.
For a breakdown of percentages you may want to look at the following study: http://www.homebirth.org.uk/transferstudies.htm
Tips when considering a home birth:
- Compile a health care team by hiring a midwife, and an obstetrician to anticipate, recognize, and prevent potential problems throughout pregnancy.
- You may want to be sure your midwife has a working relationship with a doctor and hospital
- Have an obstetrician available in case of an emergency or if the baby will need to be delivered at the hospital
- Write out a plan B or back up plan in case home delivery is not working for you
- Remember that your goal is the delivery of a healthy baby, so going to the hospital is never a failure
- The responsible thing for you or your baby may be going to the hospital
- Choose a pediatrician to see the baby within 24 hours of delivery
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