Shattering Two Home Birth Myths So You Are Informed
Homebirths are on the rise in the United States. They have escalated sixty percent from 2016[1]. However, they are hardly the norm representing only two percent of American births. This article will bust some common myths about homebirths and dispel fears so mothers can make informed decisions. For the last five years, I have been researching childbirth around the world through a holistic perspective for my three-book series to empower women. Today, I will dissect two of the most common misunderstandings about homebirths such as 1) homebirths are not safe and 2) you can’t have a homebirth if you are thirty-five or older. Plus, I will share perspectives from other countries as well as my research to give greater understanding.
Let’s break down these myths step-by-step starting with the most common heard one.
Homebirths are unsafe. They are dangerous.
Contrary to popular belief, homebirths are safe. For hundreds of years, women gave birth at home before the move to hospitals. It was common. It was natural. True, times were different as far as technological advances and medications, but midwifery was a skill that was passed down from women that contained a lot of wisdom. Midwifery care allowed women to move in labor: to sit, stand, or squat. It nurtured them and protected what was natural in pregnancy and birth. Unfortunately, a lot of that wisdom and artistry disappeared once doctors took over. Once birth moved to hospitals, doctors touted themselves as being superior and more prestigious than midwives - do to being medically trained.
Many people who are opposed to homebirths believe that hundreds of years ago, in colonial times, a lot of women were dying in childbirth at home, but there were no statistics. Only slaves were documented because they were considered property. Reports show that their children died mostly from malnutrition in the womb or from not receiving enough nutrition from breastfeeding or sadly, because they were suffocated by their mothers so that they wouldn’t have to live in such hardships. Complications at birth were not the number one factor.
Other than that, we do know that in the 1840’s in Austria, the rich had their babies at home and only the poor delivered at the hospitals. At that time, the Austrian government developed insurance, and poor mothers were guaranteed to receive financial support if they gave birth at the hospital. However, also at this time, there was a high rate of childbed/ puerperal fever and women were dying after giving birth at hospitals.
Dr. Semmelweis, director of the maternity ward noticed that there was a stark difference between the mortality rates in the wing lead by midwives versus the wing lead by obstetricians. Women were dying four times greater in the wing lead by doctors. He observed both sides and discovered that midwives always washed their hands before working with pregnant women and doctors were often darting from researching cadavers to delivering babies without washing their hands. Although, this was before the discovery of germs in science; midwives intuitively knew to be clean for mothers whereas doctors were spreading germs and causing fatalities.
Today, many obstetricians still view pregnancy and birth more like a pathology than a natural process. They often perform interventions such as episiotomies, forceps, IVs, internal fetal monitors, medications, and try many methods to speed up labor instead of allowing it to happen naturally in its own time. Birth complications and trauma are on the rise. Cortisol and adrenaline are not beneficial at birth and are often activated during hospital births when women feel fearful and pressured to make decisions quickly. Unfortunately, the United States has some of the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the developed world. Most complications and fatalities happen in hospitals, not at home. In addition, the cascade of hospital interventions and medications contributes to higher rates of C-sections. Whereas the Netherlands has one of the highest rates of homebirths in the world, thirty percent of all their births[1] and has some of the best birth outcomes in the world.
You can’t have a homebirth if you are thirty-five or older.
Geriatric pregnancies and advanced maternal age are terms that are described as being high-risk for women thirty-five and older in the Unites States. These terms are loathed by women and not only that, this spreads unnecessary fears that it is dangerous to be an older mom and that complications are expected.
According to well-renowned Peruvian OB/GYN, Dr. Antonio Lévano, birth reports state that complications are only slightly higher for older women. About ninety percent of older women will not experience any feared issues. The main consideration should not be age but if a woman is healthy. If women are obese or have chronic conditions prior to pregnancy or develop chronic conditions in pregnancy that are left untreated, these factors can result in birth complications. But if women are healthy, a homebirth is not a risk. It is an option.
Many women who I interviewed were over thirty-five and they had safe, empowered homebirths and were so glad they chose it.
To prepare for a homebirth, I suggest that women prioritize their health before pregnancy to minimize developing health conditions in pregnancy or birth complications, treat health conditions during pregnancy promptly if they arise, and do plenty of research on homebirths so that they feel emotionally and physically prepared. Interview midwives and doulas to get a clear idea if they are the right fit and prepare your home for your comfort with anything from music, candles, a birthing tub, mood lights to essential oils. Also, as a precaution have a Plan B, just in case. Know where the nearest hospital is, how many minutes away, and if they accept transfers. Even if your desires are to birth at home, sometimes it is medically necessary to go to the hospital. Therefore, it is important to have these conversations with midwives and family to make sure they are on board for your and your baby’s health. Unfortunately, some midwives are against hospital births and will not do birth transfers. Some are not able to practice at hospitals and therefore, mothers would find themselves without their care once they transfer. Still, it is best to know this ahead of time to prepare.
There is a reason why homebirths have risen over the last five years. Conscious women choose homebirths.They have done their research. They have heard about other women’s experiences and have decided what is best for them. Homebirths connect women to their power. They trust their bodies, their support team, and the process. They feel comfortable in their homes. Women have been birthing for centuries, so release your fears, plan ahead, and enjoy your birth.
[1] National Geographic
[2] Expatica
For more information on my book and to be informed about other birth myths, follow me on my Web site at www.thedancingcurtain.com
Khristee Rich, The Dancing Curtain, LLC
@khristeerich
Based in CT In Person; Virtual Services
