Gentle birth options: home birth

Birth is the physiologically normal end to a healthy pregnancy. It is not generally a medical event. It starts with the secretion of oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions. The contractions intensify gradually, opening the neck of the uterus, the cervix, as the baby begins the descent into the birth canal. The mother's body has prepared itself for this moment during the last months of her pregnancy. Her pelvic joints have loosened and relaxed, and her uterus has been contracting irregularly off and on in Braxton Hicks contractions. Her body releases endorphins to help her manage the pain of labor. She may have the urge to walk, squat, or rock to help the baby continue his or her descent through the birth canal. When the urge to push comes, it's obvious, and it needs little help from the mother. The baby is on his or her way. Believe it or not, in a normal, healthy, low risk pregnancy, this can all happen in the comfort of a woman's home, without the presence of a doctor.

1. It is a myth that home births are dangerous. Studies show that home births are not only as safe as hospital births, they are safer. Women are less likely to undergo interventions that can lead to infection and injury when birthing at home than they are at the hospital. They are also far less likely to require a cesarean section.

2. Home births are relatively affordable. On average, a home birth is 60% less than hospital births. This may even be partially covered by insurance.

3. Home births are comfortable. While women birthing in a hospital are often surrounded by bright lights, a certain amount of noise, mirrors, and high tech equipment, women giving birth at home are surrounded by the people the love and the things that are most familiar to them. Home births also ease bonding and the initiation of breastfeeding.

4. Women who choose to give birth at home often find they receive far more personalized care. Midwives spend more time on average with a client getting to know them and their personal preferences, working out healthy eating and lifestyle plans, and discussing birth plans during the prenatal period. Obstetricians are often busy with their practice, leaving little time for each patient. It isn't that they don't want to spend more time with each patient; it's that they simply cannot.

5. Home birth is legal. While not every state recognizes a woman's right to give birth where she chooses and with whom she chooses, the state of Missouri does (as of 2008, CPMs are legally permitted to practice as long as they have an agreement with a physician). Other lay midwives may practice underground, but this is a murky area, legally-speaking.

Not every woman is a candidate for a home birth. Women who are high risk -- women who have diabetes, gestational diabetes, pre eclampsia, or other health issues that could create a problem during labor -- will most likely need to see a doctor. Otherwise, many issues that could be construed as a problem may not be. Mothers in the UK routinely (and successfully!) give birth at home, under a variety of circumstances.

Women seeking a midwife in Missouri can find a variety of midwives to meet their birthing needs by clicking here. Women who wish to learn more about birth choices in Missouri can visit Friends of Missouri Birth Centers.

Learn more about the history of birth in America.