Power Within You: Pro's & Con's of Home Birth & The Supplies You'll Need

More often than not, a home birth will be attended by a midwife.
Only consider a home birth if:

You're in good medical condition and you have a low-risk pregnancy (NOTE: Home birth shouldn't be considered if you have diabetes, chronic high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or have had preterm labor in the past)
You don't have a prior history of difficult deliveries
You have a caregiver lined up to attend the birth and he/she has all the necessary emergency medical supplies (see below for a list)
You are willing to have all the necessary birth-related supplies on hand (see below for a list) and are prepared to abandon your plans for a home birth immediately if any complications arise
You live within 10 minutes of a hospital
Your partner is supportive of home birth

The Pros of Home Birth:

Privacy - you're able to give birth in your own home, surrounded by anyone you want there
You don't need to head off to the hospital when labor hits, you can stay in the comfort of your own home
You have control over your birthing experience (you can eat and drink when you'd like to, shower or get in the tub when you'd like to, move around when and where you'd like to, etc.)
You may feel more relaxed, which will reduce the need for pain medications
Less of a chance that you'll get a postpartum infection
You're less likely to be subjected to unwanted medical interventions
Less expensive than in a hospital (about 60% less!)
Provides immediate bonding and breastfeeding

The Pros of Hospital Birth:

The Cons of Home Birth:

If an emergency presents during labor, you and your baby could be at risk. You may not be able to get help fast enough, even if you are within minutes of a hospital.
You don't have access to the same range of pain relief options that are available in a hospital.

The Cons of Hospital Birth:

Many hospitals feel sterile and clinical
You may have to get in a car while in labor to get to the hospital, which can be very unsettling
Hospital policies may interfere with your birth plans
Higher risk of infection in a hospital
You may have a hard time relaxing in a hospital environment, which can increase the need for pain relief medications during labor
You may be subjected to certain interventions just because the technology is available, not because its medically necessary (things like electronic fetal monitoring, artificial rupture of the membranes, augmentation of labor, c-sections, etc.)

Home Birth supplies you will need to have:

Two or more sets of clean sheets
A waterproof pad, shower curtain, or large plastic tablecloth to protect your mattress (your midwife may provide these)
Disposable absorbent pads (like puppy pads!) to absorb blood and fluid during labor and delivery (your midwife may provide these)
Clean towels and washcloths
Sterile gauze pads (your midwife may provide these)
A dozen or more pairs of disposable gloves (your midwife may provide these)
Umbilical cord clamps (your midwife may provide these)
A 3 oz. bulb syringe for suctioning mucus from the baby's mouth and nose
A large bowl to catch the placenta
Receiving blankets for the baby
Menstrual pads (lots of them, and big!)
If you're planning a water birth you will need a portable birthing tub (unless you intend on using your bathtub, jacuzzi, or hot tub), a water thermometer (the water shouldn't exceed around 100 degrees (F), a flashlight that works underwater (helps the caregiver view the birth better), an inflatable plastic pillow (for your comfort), a fishnet (to catch pieces that come out during birth), and plenty of clean towels. You'll need to discuss the safety of water birth with your caregiver.

Home Birth supplies that your midwife will probably have:

Oxygen for the baby, if needed
IV's for mom if she becomes dehydrated and/or needs extra nutrients
Sterile gloves, gauze pads, cotton hat for the baby, drop cloths, waterproof covers for bed, a thermometer, a pan for sitz bath after birth
Fetoscopes or ultrasonic stethescopes
Medications to slow or stop a hemorrhage
Special herbal preparations, homeopathic remedies, massage supplies/techniques or even acupuncture needles
Items for suturing tears

Why would a transfer occur?

background