Choosing Home Birth: A Calm and Personal Approach
Home birth has been gaining popularity as an alternative option for expectant parents seeking a more personalized and tranquil birthing experience. In this Q&A, we hear from Kat, a soon-to-be second-time mom who has decided to have a home birth.
Find Kat on Instagram: @doula.kat
Join us as Kat shares her motivations, experiences, and preparations for this unique journey, and discover why it has become an appealing choice for many families.
Q: I’m curious, what has made you decide to have a home birth? Are there reasons beyond the calm environment?
A: My main motivations were the prenatal care with the midwives (hour-long appointments focused on the full person, not just checking in on the baby), the ability to control who would be attending my birth vs whoever happens to be on call, and a calmer environment. I wanted to curl up in my bed right after birth instead of being disrupted every 4 hours until finally sent home from the hospital.
Q: What kind of postnatal care do you receive with a home birth?
A: After the birth, the midwives stay with me for a few hours to ensure everything is going well. They then return 24 hours later to provide additional support. Over the following weeks, I will have several visits from the midwives, totaling around five appointments within the first six weeks.
Q: Did you have a negative experience during your first birth in a hospital?
A: I actually had a pretty positive first birth in the hospital, and am not going to be super upset if that is what happens again!
Q: Was your first birth unmedicated, or did you receive interventions like an epidural or Pitocin?
A: In my first birth, I was induced due to hypertension, so I did receive Pitocin. However, I opted not to have an epidural.
Q: How are you preparing for your home birth, and what essential items are you ensuring are on hand?
A: To prepare for my home birth, my midwives provided me with a list of necessary supplies. I am also focusing on getting my house clean and comfortable for the birthing process. I'm also making sure to stock up on plenty of snacks and refreshments! The midwives will bring all the required medical equipment, including medications for potential hemorrhage, oxygen for the baby, and vital monitoring tools.
Q: Could you share your experiences attending home births as a doula? What is your role during these births?
A: My primary role as a doula in home birth is to provide comfort and emotional support to the birthing person rather than focussing on advocacy - but it’s still all of that! Home birth is just so calm! It’s all about what the birthing person wants, not about policy or how things are always done. The atmosphere is unhurried, allowing for a more relaxed and personalized birthing experience.
Q: Who will be present to assist you during your home birth, and what is your plan if you require medical help?
A: I am fortunate to have a doula, my husband, and two or three attending midwives present during my home birth. They will be closely monitoring both me and the baby, ready to address any concerns that may arise. If the need for medical help arises, the midwives are well-prepared to manage the situation and will decide whether transferring to a hospital is necessary.
Q: When is your due date?
A: My due date is July 3rd.
Choosing a home birth offers expectant parents like Kat the opportunity to embrace a calmer and more personalized birthing experience. While statistics may vary, home births have been steadily increasing in popularity in the United States. In Maine, where Kat resides, home births accounted for approximately 2.6% of total births in 2021. Nationally, home births represented around 1.41% of total births that same year, which is the highest level since at least 1990.
It's important to note that while home births can be a safe option for low-risk pregnancies, “...between 23 and 37 percent of first-time moms attempting home birth end up transferring to a hospital, largely because the baby is unable to move through the birth canal.” While only 9% of second-time moms having a home birth ended up transferring. This underscores the importance of having a well-prepared plan in place and the presence of experienced midwives and healthcare professionals to ensure the well-being of both the birthing person and the baby.
Kat’s decision to have a home birth was driven by a desire for comprehensive prenatal care, the comfort of familiar surroundings, and the ability to make choices aligned with her preferences. With the support of her doula, husband, and attending midwives, she feels confident that she can navigate any potential challenges that may arise. While home birth may not be the right choice for everyone, it's essential to explore all available options and make an informed decision that aligns with your values, desires, and medical circumstances.
As Kat eagerly awaits her due date, she looks forward to welcoming her child into the world surrounded by the comforts of home. Whether the birth takes place at home or in a hospital, what matters most is the love, support, and care that accompany this transformative experience.
Kat is also a full-spectrum doula! You can read more about her on her website: https://pinestatedoula.com
