When it comes to childbirth, the mere mention of home births can stir up a range of emotions and opinions. I have even heard nurses say that they gave birth at home to all of their children before becoming nurses, and everything went beautifully, and then after becoming a nurse, they completely changed their minds. It is definitely a hot, debated topic.
Birth has been around since the dawn of time, and it is as natural as pooping. Literally EVERY species reproduces in one way or another. If you look back on ancient texts, scrolls, and hieroglyphs, you will see similar scenes of people giving birth, sitting upright or even standing, with a flock of women around them to offer support.
For some reason, Western tradition has evolved in such a way in which we not only fear birth, but we have deconstructed the very nature of it. Women now lay in a bed, on their back (which, side note, this actually puts baby in the wrong position and can make birth much more painful and potentially lead to a c-section), and are given medications that yes, completely numb the pain, but also potentially create damaging side-effects for both the birthing person and the baby. This doesn’t happen every time, obviously, but it does put strain on the body’s ability to move in natural ways that help get that baby out without interventions. (Imagine being constipated and trying to poop while laying on your back…it just doesn’t work because it goes against the way your body is built–to push things downward–and does not allow gravity to help the process along).
Our culture is also one that strives to avoid all semblance of pain and struggle in many aspects of life (think about how hard it is to be bored for five minutes. We can’t even sit in that feeling without pulling out our phones). I get it! I am one of those people! So no judgements here! But it was not until men and medical professionals stepped into the birth arena that things began to change. Birth became a medical procedure. When women were coming close to their due date, they would pack a bag, head to the hospital, and were given medications that would either put them in a twilight sleep, or completely knock them out, and medical professionals would get the baby out. I’m not even kidding! (And I 100% understand that C-Sections are NECESSARY for medical emergencies, and can even be better for women who have extreme anxiety/trauma. Again, no judgments here, but if you ARENT wanting one, and a cascade of medical interventions leads you in that direction, it can be really traumatic!)
I am not here to ruffle any feathers, because the medical community is absolutely important and valuable, and thankfully we have life-saving measures that did not exist one hundred years ago. That being said, I think more education and understanding needs to exist to help explain that there are OTHER choices other than go to the hospital, get an epidural, and have your baby, that are just as positive (And home birth is only one of them!). Every birthing person needs to understand all of their options, all of the repercussions, and then make their birthing choices for themselves, because if one unnecessary medical intervention leads to a cascade of other interventions, this increases the likelihood that you may have a more traumatic birth than need be.
I am here to shed some light on WHY home birth is becoming more sought-after. Traditionally, hospital births with epidurals have been the norm, at least in the last several years, but a deeper understanding of home births reveals compelling reasons that might shift your perspective. Here are three aspects that could change your view on home births.
So…let’s get this party started!
1. Personalized and Comforting Environment: One of the most significant advantages of home births is the ability to remain in a familiar, comfortable setting. Unlike the clinical, brightly lit, cold, germy, and often impersonal atmosphere of hospitals, your home provides a sanctuary where you can experience childbirth in a more relaxed and personal space. You can walk around barefoot and not be afraid of the hospital floor. You can wear your own clothing, and even change it if its feeling icky. You can jump in the shower or lay in the bathtub for hydrotherapy. You can grab snacks out of your own cabinet, distract yourself with your favorite comforts, and even spend time with your loved ones during the process. This environment can be a lot more comforting, especially during such an emotional, life-changing event. Less stress = less physical and mental tension = more relaxed muscles = a more successful birth in low-risk pregnancies.
2. Professional Care in a Familiar Setting: Many might assume that opting for a home birth means compromising on professional medical care. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Midwives and birthing professionals specializing in home births are highly trained to handle normal deliveries and recognize early signs of complications. They come equipped with necessary medical tools and have protocols in place to transfer to a hospital if needed, ensuring safety without sacrificing the comfort of being at home.
3. Empowerment and Control Over the Birthing Process: Home births offer a sense of empowerment that is often missing in hospital settings, where medical interventions are more common. At home, the birthing process is less likely to be rushed or subjected to unnecessary interventions, allowing the natural process to unfold at its own pace. This natural unfolding and allowing time and movement to work its magic can lead to fewer medical interventions and less birth trauma. This autonomy can also lead to a more satisfying and empowering birthing experience, as parents make informed decisions about their child’s birth in real-time.
Understanding these aspects can profoundly shift one’s perspective on home births, highlighting the benefits of a personalized, comfortable, and empowering birthing experience. While home births are not for everyone and require careful consideration of health and safety factors (and only recommended for low-risk individuals), they present a viable, appealing option for many families seeking an alternative to the conventional hospital birth.
And if you are uncomfortable being at home, but still want that feeling of being somewhere that FEELS like home, check in your area for local birthing centers. These are a great in-between option. They are often set up like a home, but are able to provide birthing tubs, birth balls, on-site midwives, and other assistive tools for labor, and they will be a lot more proactive about asking you what YOU want during labor.
I hope this helps someone out there! Feel free to follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/shaynacoxphotography. If you are looking for a birth photographer or doula, or BOTH, let me know! 🙂 I know a girl! 😉
