Planning a Home Birth and What Precautions You Should Take

Some mums-to-be dismiss the idea of a home birth thinking that they are “more dangerous” than hospital births. In fact, the secret to successfully giving birth at home is in the planning. Carefully prepared home births are statistically just as safe as planned hospital births in low-risk pregnancies. But the key phrase in that paragraph is “low-risk pregnancies”. If you have had a troublesome pregnancy or are considered at higher risk of a complicated labour your medical team will probably rule out home birthing. If you decide on having a baby at home, your midwife can book it for you. If you change your mind nearer the date you can still opt to go into hospital. Why giving birth at home is popular with some women: o Two midwives will generally care for you when giving birth at home.rno You will be in a familiar environment with your family nearby.rno There’s less chance of the use of medical intervention (e.g. forceps).rno You still have the option of transferring to hospital.rno You can stay and recover from the birth in your own bed.rno You’ll have your partner with you the whole time after giving birth (not just during visiting hours) and can share the caring straight away.rno You can create whatever atmosphere you like with candles, scents, music and lighting. Why having a baby at home doesn’t appeal to some women o The options for pain relief are restricted (no epidurals).rno If you have high blood pressure, your baby is early or in breech position it could be risky.rno You may have to be moved to hospital, which could be uncomfortable and even risky for you and baby.rno If you have children already you may not be able to escape from your motherly duties when they are in the next room. A couple of days away in a hospital may be an attractive proposition. How to organise a home birth Tell your GP or midwife as early as possible during your antenatal appointments that you want a home birth. This will then be noted in your birthing plan. A few weeks before baby is due your midwife will bring round a birth pack with her equipment. You also need: o plastic sheeting to protect your floor, bed or sofarno old towels or sheetsrno a bucket or bowl in case you're sickrno a warm blanket in case you get cold during labourrno a desk or spotlight so your midwife can check your vagina for tearsrno a baby blanket and a portable heater to keep your baby warmrno bin liners for tidying uprno clean, comfortable clothes for you and baby About one in seven new mums having a baby at home is taken to hospital after the birth. This rate is even higher for women having their first baby. Have a bag packed – just in case!