5 reasons to consider a home birth
Thinking ahead to the birth? Find out why a home birth may be right for you
However far you are into your pregnancy, the thought of giving birth is never too far away, and from early on, you may be thinking about which birth option may be best for you.
Having a clear plan of how you would like your birth to go is a good idea, but it's important to remember that your birth may not go according to plan and you may need to adjust your hopes and expectations according to your birthing needs.
If having a home birth is on your radar at all, (just over 1 in 50 women in England and Wales give birth at home) here are 5 reasons, that may encourage you to find out a bit more about the option.
1. Feeling more confident at home
Being in your own home can help you feel safe and in control of your birth.
2. Familiar faces
Giving birth at home means you can have those around you you’re comfortable with. Even your midwifery team you will probably have got to know well in the lead up to the big day.
3. Not having to travel when having contractions
Not having to get in the car and travel to the hospital and wait to be settled in a bed is an advantage of a home birth. Once contractions start, you know you don’t have to go anywhere.
4. Freedom of birth position
Giving birth at home can give you more freedom to get in whatever birthing position works for you. In hospital you may feel a bit more restricted to stay on the bed.
5. First night in your own bed
Perhaps the biggest advantage of giving birth at home is that you will be able to sleep in your own bed that very first night, and nothing is like your own bed.
A home birth is particularly suitable for mums who’ve had an uncomplicated birth in the past. Indeed research shows that women who give birth at home or in a unit run by midwives are less likely to need assistance such as forceps or ventouse (sometimes called instrumental delivery).
For women having their second or subsequent baby, a planned home birth is as safe as having your baby in a hospital or midwife led unit.
For women having their first baby, home birth increases the risks for the baby. 9 in 1,000 babies born at home risk death or issues that might affect baby's quality of life compared to 5 in 1,000 for a hospital birth.