Home Birth Sets the Stage for a Healthy Life
Giving birth is one of the milestone events in a woman’s life, and the kind of birth a woman has leaves an imprint on her soul. It also leaves an indelible impression on the baby. A positive birth experience, which includes uninterrupted bonding and breastfeeding, provides the best foundation for healthy child development.
The home birth process often begins with enlisting the help of a midwife for prenatal care, Using a midwife to guide you through this exciting time can be a very different experience than being under a doctor’s care. Appointments under midwifery care are unhurried and relaxed, making sure there is plenty of time to answer parents’ questions. Careful attention is paid to prenatal nutrition, exercise habits and stress-reduction techniques, as well as any labwork necessary to ensure mom stays low-risk. This holistic approach helps keep both mom and baby healthy and minimize risk of complications.
When the time comes to plan for birth, some expectant parents are afraid to leave the perceived “safety” of the hospital environment. However – statistics show that home birth with a qualified attendant is as safe as hospital birth for healthy, low-risk women with adequate prenatal care. Most of the time, there is no need to medicalize the birth process. When a woman honors the rhythm of her body, her unique experience will unfold naturally.
For those of you considering home birth, and others curious about the process, here are some of the advantages of this birthing approach:
At home, birthing people can labor and deliver in the privacy and comfort of their own familiar environment, with the support of loved ones, and the freedom to utilize any positions or attire they find most comfortable.
The laboring person maintains control over mostly everything impacting their labor and birth. Meeting their needs is the only focus of all support people present. Nothing is done without consent. The parents and their care provider have established a relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
Labor is encouraged to progress normally, without interference or unnecessary interventions. Midwives are specialists in physiological labor in the out-of-hospital environment, while obstetricians are surgeons who are trained to look for pathology.
During labor, the woman is encouraged to eat, drink, walk, change positions, make noise, use the shower or tub for relaxation etc…
Caregivers are invited guests in the birthing person’s home. They can also invite anyone additional they desire for support – such as family members, friends, siblings – even pets. All invited should be mindful, however, that if all that attention should prove distracting, the couple may ask for some privacy at any point in the labor.
The family unit remains intact because there is (usually) no “leaving for the hospital”. Their care providers come to them.
Careful one-on-one care is given by the midwife, assessing the condition of both mother and baby throughout the birth process and immediate postpartum period. Women are supported and encouraged throughout the hard work of labor, giving them the opportunity to be fully present while experiencing such a powerful, life-changing event.
Bonding is enhanced by a calm transition period in the first “Golden Hour”. Cord clamping is delayed, baby is skin to skin, breast/chestfeeding is facilitated by the baby remaining with the mother/birthing person. No one takes the baby away from the parents, and bonding involves siblings and family members who are present.
Each and every baby comes through as pure love – with unlimited potential and endless possibility. Babies are created in love – not fear, and they deserve the opportunity to be born into love – not fear. Birthing at home, in one’s own familiar surroundings, offers such an opportunity to lessen birth trauma and create a gentler transition for the newborn. It also allows an opening for enormous personal growth and transformation for each family member who is present. It is a privilege and an honor for midwives to facilitate a gently, peaceful, warm welcome for newborn babies.
In the words of birth advocate Elizabeth Noble, “I believe that when real change occurs in how babies are brought into this world, and in the consciousness with which they are received, the levels of addiction, violence and crime in society will be reduced. It’s a matter of starting at the very beginning”.
When considering where, and with whom, you will welcome your new baby, meditate on these words from childbirth author Suzanne Arms “If we hope to create a non-violent world where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred, we must begin with how treat each other at the beginning of life – for that is where our deepest patterns are set – from these roots grow fear and alienation, or love and trust”.
If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about midwifery care and home birth, I encourage you to find a certified midwife in your area.
Lesley Franco LM, CPM
is a licensed midwife in Asbury Park, NJ, and proud mama of 3 sons, all born naturally with midwives.
