Home Birth

Home Birth

why not?

Could home birth be for me?

Home birth can be an option for you if:

• You are having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy           
• You want to avoid an episiotomy, cesarean section,   epidural and other similar interventions
• You want to share the experience with family and   friends
• You want to be free to move around, change  positions, take a shower, and eat or drink freely during labor
• You want to enjoy the comforts of your home and familiar surroundings

Home birth is not for you if:

• You are diabetic
• You have chronic high blood pressure, or  toxemia (also known as preeclampsia)           
• You have experienced preterm labor in the past, or are at risk for preterm labor now
• Your partner does not fully support your decision to give birth at home

Most midwives will bring the following with them the day of delivery:

• 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 sitz baths after birth
• Fetoscopes or ultrasonic stethoscopes
• Medications to slow or stop a hemorrhage
• Special herbal preparations, homeopathic remedies,massage supplies/techniques and perhaps even acupuncture needles
• Items for suturing tears