Centuries ago, there were no hospitals to rush pregnant mothers too when it was time to have their child. Birthings happened at the home with a midwife present, and sometimes a doctor. In this age of science and modern advances in medicine, the times of home births are significantly lower. Still, there are women choosing midwives and home instead of doctors and sterile rooms.
For many expectant mothers, it’s the idea of what could happen that makes expectant mothers feel safer in hospitals. If something goes wrong during an otherwise normal delivery, the doctors have the necessary tools to fix the problem. Some women have no tolerance for pain so need an epidural and other medicine to dull it. The hospital staff is there to administer the drug and make sure the child is safely delivered. Critics say the same can’t always be said for a home pregnancy.
Women who have experienced at home births disagree and some are actively speaking out on the experience. First, having the child in a safe environment is the most important aspect of the process. Hospitals may try to make the room you’re put in more welcoming but it’s nothing compared to the security of your own home. Second, it puts the mother’s mind at ease which helps the birth process along. The lower level of stress the expectant mother experiences, the better it is for the coming child. Women who choose this avenue also eschew the use of drugs as it could harm the child. They believe in natural births which work for some but are an unthinkable idea for other women.
Midwives hold degrees dedicated to dealing with every eventuality during a pregnancy and is there for the mother every step of the way. Even after the birth, midwives check back in for a few weeks after to make sure the child’s growth process is well and give knowledge on breastfeeding. These are things hospitals can’t give you which is a huge selling point in favor of home births.