Under certain circumstances, it is safe to give birth at home, but it is important to plan carefully and take precautions in order to ensure the safety of both the mother and child. In the case of unexpected complications during a home birth, the mother should be able to be transferred to a hospital or to get medical assistance quickly. For a low-risk pregnancy in a healthy woman with no history of childbirth complications, to give birth at home with an obstetrician or trained midwife is a reasonable option.
It is important to note that there are different ways to have a baby at home, and that some are safer than others. In an unassisted birth, usually only the parents of the baby are present. Because there are no medical or childbirth professionals present in this type of home birth and the couple are typically not trained to deal with medical complications, this is the riskiest way. A far more common way to have a baby at home is with the help of a midwife, a trained professional who assists in childbirth. Some couples also choose to employ a physician to help the mother give birth.
Studies on how safe it is to give birth at home have had varying results, but it is certain that there are different risks than those encountered in a hospital setting. Some serious complications that can arise during pregnancy, even in a healthy woman, require equipment that is only available in a hospital, so a woman giving birth in a hospital can be treated more quickly in the case of a potentially fatal problem like hemorrhaging. However, a well qualified midwife can often manage such situations successfully until the mother can obtain the medical help she needs.
In the case of a complication-free birth, it is often more comfortable and less stressful for everyone involved to give birth at home. Women who choose to have a baby at home have a lower incidence of intervention procedures such as Cesarean section, epidural anesthetic, and forceps delivery. Infection is also less likely to occur in the home, as both mother and baby will have developed immunity to the germs in their home, while unfamiliar and resistant strains of bacteria are often present in a hospital setting.
If you are considering giving birth at home, it is important to fully research the benefits and risks of all your options. Be aware that in some states in the U. S. and Australia, midwives may not legally assist at home births. Though it is legal for a woman to give birth at home in these states, the absence of a midwife will most likely make the procedure much more risky. Prenatal health and open communication with your doctor are essential to a successful pregnancy no matter where it takes place. Make sure to discuss any childbirth options you are considering with your physician before making a decision.