There are two main reasons behind the appeal of home birth. Some like the idea to avoid hospitals completely during Covid. Others prefer being able to deliver in a familiar place surrounded by family and loved ones (which is not really an option for a lot of hospitals right now).
Before making any decision, it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor! Communicate your thoughts and concerns with them. If you feel like you cannot openly share your wants, you need a new doctor. Your doctor has your (and your baby’s) safety as the highest priority. You need be able to advocate for yourself and work together! Do not shy away from discussing any issues with your doctor.
There are some conditions that make a home delivery potentially dangerous. Ask your doctor if you have any underlying concerns that would make a home birth inadvisable, such as high blood pressure, pregnancy with multiples, previous c-section, or your baby isn’t settling into a position for a safe delivery. Dive into the why’s and reasons with your doctor! Make sure you always walk away from your visits with your questions answered, not wishing you had more information.
In addition to having a primary doctor in your corner, you should also have an experienced midwife and doula on hand! Your midwife should be a certified nurse-midwife, certified midwife, or an experienced midwife who meets the specific standards the health system.
Your midwife should be able to coordinate care with your OB/GYN, so make sure he/she has access to be able to do so. A doula would be an invaluable asset during a home birth! Because a doula’s focus is on you and provide prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care.
You can meet some of our local doula’s that have been featured on my blog by clicking here!
Need more information about selecting a midwife or doula for your home birth? Click this link: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/blog/how-to-find-a-midwife-for-a-home-birth
Something else to consider is a pediatrician. Your newborn should have their first checkup within 24-48 hours after birth. If you do not have one, your doctor should be able to provide you with a list, and ideally they should be in support of your decision for a home birth.
For more information on the benefits of doulas, click here: https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula/benefits-of-a-doula/
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