If you’re exploring home birth as part of your birth plan, there are a lot of questions to be answered. Working with a certified nurse midwife or any of our midwives in Florida gives you access to decades of birthing experience.
From prenatal visits to building your home birth kit, we are here to help you have a stress-free pregnancy and birth.
Is Home Birth Safe?
Yes. Recent studies show that home birth is a safe option for many looking to give birth outside of a hospital setting. It is important to do your research to ensure you are comfortable with all of your options. When you enlist the guidance of our midwives in Florida, you are getting highly educated, licensed practitioners.
In the event that transfer to a medical center is necessary, our midwives communicate directly with the receiving provider. We ensure that they have all pertinent information about your pregnancy and preferences.
What are the Benefits of Home Birth?
Creating a safe, comfortable, and peaceful environment can make all the difference during birth. When you choose a home birth, you are able to define how you give birth.
Peaceful Atmosphere
Opting to give birth at home gives you the freedom to create the environment you want. Whether it’s dimming the lights, playing your favorite music, or taking part in mindfulness practices, it is your birthing room and your rules.
Greater Privacy
Because you are in the comfort of your own home, you have greater privacy than in a hospital birth. You are surrounded by loved ones and familiar faces of your choosing. These people are familiar with you, your preferences, and your pregnancy. With that, there is a higher level of attention and care.
Free Movement
We encourage you to move as your body prepares to give birth. Walking, dancing, and stretching can put your muscles at ease and encourage the baby to come into the world gently and more comfortably.
Immediate Bonding
Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to have significant benefits for babies in the immediate moments after birth. This includes settling the baby’s heart rate, reducing stress, and lowering the risk of infection (which is already lowered due to not being in the hospital). Additionally, you, as the mother, can experience increased confidence and oxytocin. When birthing at home, you can have unlimited skin-to-skin contact, unlike hospitals, where they may limit the time due to procedures.
Birthing Position
When you give birth in a hospital, it is typically done so on your back. But there are several positions in which you can give birth. When giving birth at home, you can try any birthing position with assistance from your midwife and birth team.
Family Involvement
Having your loved ones around to welcome your newest family member to the world can make the moment even more special. Most hospitals have restrictions on the number of non-medical personnel who can be in the birthing suite. When you have a home birth, it is up to your discretion on who is present.
Who is Eligible for a Home Birth?
Pregnant people with low-risk, single-baby pregnancies are often great candidates for home birth. However, that does not rule out other pregnancies. Complex pregnancies, like twin birth, breech, and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), may all be eligible for home birth. It is important to speak with our midwife in West Palm Beach to get a personalized answer for you.
How Much is a Home Birth vs a Hospital Birth?
On average, home births are significantly less expensive than hospital births. Home births aim to provide minimal intervention. This does not mean a lower level of care. Low intervention birth focuses on natural birth with minimal medical involvement, such as epidurals and episiotomies.
When you enlist the guidance of our midwives in Florida, you are getting attentive care that is in tune with your pregnancy. We listen to you and your body throughout the natural process of birth.
How Do I Prepare for a Home Birth?
There are several home birth essentials that can make your experience a positive one. First, midwives are not here to judge. You having a “perfect” home that is immaculate is the least of our concerns when we are present at your birth. Instead, you can focus on creating a safe and empowering space.
Your Environment
A checklist of wants and non-negotiables can allow your partner, loved ones, and midwife to make for a relaxing experience for you if you want the lights dimmed or music playing, which can be arranged. If you’d like room for walking or stretching, a clear path can be ensured. Prior communication about your ideal experience, as well as how it may differ, gives clarity and peace of mind.
Birth Choices
There are several factors that go into a smooth birth. That includes being on the same page as your midwife. Questions to answer include:
- Will this be a water birth?
- Which room would you like to give birth in?
- Who will be present during the birth?
- Do you have a preferred birthing position?
- What are your preferences for pain management?
- Do you want to do delayed cord clamping? Who will cut the umbilical cord?
- Do you want to do skin-to-skin contact? Will your partner get skin-to-skin time?
- How would you like to handle the placenta?
Newborn Care
At the end of this experience, there is a new person to consider. Prior to your due date, it’s important to think about your preferences when it comes to newborn check, breastfeeding, and bonding time.
Is Home Birth Messy?
Birth can be messy. Preparation with drapings and towels can help keep the birthing area clean. After birth, our midwives will assist with cleaning up. We leave you and your loved ones with minimal work to do and affording you more blissful time with your baby.
Can I Have a Water Birth?
Water birth can be a great option for someone looking to give birth at home. When a birth pool is used, mothers may experience less pain due to the soothing warmth of the water. Additionally, it’s easier to switch positions with help from the water’s buoyancy.
The baby can also experience a more peaceful experience. The water mimics the womb, allowing for a gentler transition from mom to world.
What Is the Best Position to Give Birth In?
The best position to give birth depends on the person and the pregnancy. Upright, like standing or squatting, or being on your hands and knees, lets gravity do some of the work. They can also open up your pelvis to give the baby more room.
Ultimately, there is no one best position. To keep birth progressing, you may even try multiple positions. Your midwife will coach you as needed, and you are always welcome to advocate to try different positions.
Can I Have Friends and Family Present During a Home Birth?
Yes. You can have friends and family present during your home birth. Anyone at your birth is up to your discretion. It is still important to discuss who may be present during the birth with your midwife so they can account for space and your comfort.
Is Pain Relief Available During Home Birth?
There are several natural pain management options available during a home birth. Nitrous oxide, hydrotherapy, and hypnosis can all minimize discomfort.
Our Midwives in Florida are Here to Support Your Home Birth Journey
Understanding your options when it comes to birth can be liberating. Our midwives aim to educate you about different birthing experiences so you can choose the best for you. From prenatal care to immediate postpartum, we are here for you. Contact us to learn more.
