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YES!
Home birth is safe, and it lowers the need for medical intervention. Nearly 90% of home births don’t require any services from a hospital.
Please see the following studies:
Planned home birth for low risk women in North America using Certified Professional Midwives was associated with lower rates of medical intervention but similar intrapartum and neonatal mortality to that of low risk hospital births in the United States
Women who intended at the start of labour to have a home birth with a Certified Professional Midwife had a low rate of intrapartum and neonatal mortality, similar to that in most studies of low risk hospital births in North America. A high degree of safety and maternal satisfaction were reported, and over 87% of mothers and neonates did not require transfer to hospital.
This study quantifies maternal and perinatal outcomes for a large contemporary cohort of planned community births meeting eligibility criteria in Washington State, where midwifery is well-established and regulated and midwifery data collection is mandated by law. Overall, we found low cesarean birth rates (4.7%), high physiologic birth rates (85%), high breastfeeding rates (93%) and low rates of complications. The perinatal mortality rate in this cohort was comparable with other international settings, defined as high-income countries where community birth and community midwifery are an established part of the health care system. Importantly, rates of maternal and newborn adverse outcomes were similar for planned home and birth center births.
Midwives are trained to screen for risk factors. Lab work, ultrasound, past history, and a full health assessment are available to get a holistic picture of your health, and your pregnancy. In addition, some minor health concerns can be remedied with holistic recommendations. Please note, age alone does NOT qualify you as high risk.
YES and YES
The Cochrane review found evidence that laboring in water reduces the use of epidurals and spinals for pain relief. Warm water immersion can diminish stress hormones, and decrease pain sensation. It directly reduces pain by increasing the body’s natural pain relievers (endorphins) and can ease muscle tension that occurs with labor. It allows the mother to relax between contractions.
Further, the Cochrane Collaboration review of water birth in three randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) shows “no research that demonstrates adverse effects to the fetus or neonate.”
Most transports happen before things become an “emergency.” Beyond that, midwives are trained to handle “difficult” situations; including hemorrhage, abnormal presentations, cord prolapse etc. In addition, midwives are trained in Neonatal Resuscitation, and bring the equipment necessary to handle babies who need “extra help” breathing.
At any point during care, if any concerns arise outside of our scope of practice, you will be presented with your options for additional medical support or transfer of care, depending on what is needed.
If a transfer of care becomes necessary during your labor, delivery or immediate postpartum, your midwife will reach out to the receiving provider, facilitate the transfer of care (explain why the transfer is needed) and either the primary midwife or student will accompany you. Postpartum visits are resumed once you have been discharged from the hospital.
Some families know they want a home birth before becoming pregnant, and others understand that they need to do “something different” far into their pregnancies. As long as we determine you are healthy, the timing of entry into care does NOT matter.
Women have been enculturated to think that their bodies are less than capable. By the time you go into labor, enough “deprogramming” will have been done to restore the cellular knowledge that your body does not fail you. Feeling secure can help that process. When a mother feels safe, secure, and loved she will make enough oxytocin and endorphins to help alleviate the pain. Using a doula and midwife, water immersion, position change etc. all help. If fear creeps in, your birth team will have the experience and skills to keep the mood positive and hopeful.
The state of Pennsylvania does not require licensure. Ms. Devers holds a B.S. in Maternal and Infant Health, and is in the process of regaining her certification from the North American Registry of Midwives. She has “caught” over 1500 babies at home, over a 30 year span.
Birth is not as messy as people think. You and your midwives are well-equipped. We have you order a birth kit which comes with disposable absorbent pads. These come in handy for protecting bedding and flooring. You will also gather extra towels, tarps, and protective plastic for bedding and carpet. Hydrogen peroxide works miraculously to remove blood from just about everything. We’ll be sure you have a few bottles on hand in case it’s needed.
While you’re resting and bonding with your baby after the birth, we’ll be quietly tending to the clean up. This includes breaking down the birth tub, cleaning surfaces, starting laundry, and taking out the trash. We make sure that your home is as tidy as we found it so that you can focus on healing.
In the case of a transport to the hospital, one of your midwives will stay behind to clean up if needed. We want to be sure that your return home feels warm and welcoming.
So, if you’re worried about having your baby at home due to the burden of the clean up, fear not!
Often our clients or their family/support members comment that there are no traceable signs that a birth just took place, apart from the new baby being cuddled in your arms. Thus, we invite you to relax, and trust that your space will be well cared for.
“One cannot actively help a woman give birth. The goal is to avoid disturbing her unnecessarily.”
Michel Odent