Question 1

what can i expect at a home birth?

Accepted Answer

Possbile problems: Home births go fine 80% of the time.  The problem becomes...What happens to the other 20%?  The answer can be-fetal, or maternal, death!  there are many ways to accomplish the goals of a home birth at the hospital, and still have the safety that a hospital brings.  While home birth can be a wonderful experience, is it worth the risk?

Question 2

how do i prepare for a home birth?

Accepted Answer

Be safe first: Make sure you verify the credentials and experience of your midwife. Understand the different types of midwives and the different levels of training as this can often be confusing.  I would recommend you also see a physician to confirm whether or not you are a candidate and to arrange a back up plan. Acog stance on homebirth: http://www.Acog.Org/from_home/publications/press_releases/nr01-20-11.Cfm.

Question 3

what do i need for a healthy home birth?

Accepted Answer

An OB/midwife: and a pediatrician for the baby! Midwives may do a great job delivering the baby, but are not equipped to handle any pediatric emergencies.Are they able to intubate (place an airway) and suction lungs  if the baby has aspirated meconium?  Would be good to have an O.R. too, in case of emergency C-section. People DO have home deliveries, but it is risky, and I would NOT recommend it unless no choice

Question 4

how do i decide whether to have a home birth?

Accepted Answer

Many factors: There are so many factors here. Different conditions can increase your risk of bad outcome with home birth. Discuss your risk factors with your doctor. You should also check the credentials of any midwife performing home deliveries. The requirements to become a certified nurse midwife are vastly more rigorous and require more training than a certified professional midwife.

Question 5

what factors would risk me out of a home birth?

Accepted Answer

Twins, prev. C/S: Although home birth is a much-desired event for some women, there can be some unforeseen risks, even in a singleton pregnancy.  However, patients with a previous c-section, multiples (twins, triplets), and breech presentations are examples of pregnancies better suited for hospital delivery.

Question 6

my family is  worried about me having a  home birth?

Accepted Answer

This is normal: They will worry about you regardless but hopefully will respect your choices.  You can help by providing them with information about your preparations and contingency plans.  Listen to their concerns and try to respond calmly and logically.  Involve them to the degree that you and they are comfortable.

Question 7

which room is the best room to be during a home birth?

Accepted Answer

Room for delivery: The best room for a home delivery should be well lighted, limited access to individuals who are not participating in the birth, and most importantly easy access for medical personal to transfer the mom to an emergency facility should the need arise.

Question 8

what do i do if complications arise during a home birth?

Accepted Answer

Birth at home: Call 911 and have someone alert the hospital that a newborn is being transferred to their facility. It is best to go to a hospital that a neonatal intensive care unit or at least level ii nursery.

Question 9

what steps do we do if our baby is limp at our home birth?

Accepted Answer

Reconsider: While most home births go well and it is a very appealing concept, birth is the singular time in life that one is most likely to require resuscitation! therefore it is essential to have skilled & experienced professionals with proper equipment & facilities at the time of delivery should it not go well. Reviving a depressed newborn is not something that is easily learned or performed at home.

Question 10

what can i expect in the first few hours after a home birth?

Accepted Answer

Be Patient: I commend you for having a home delivery.  I hope everything went well.

You may experience some vaginal bleeding and contractions.  Take 800mg of Motrin and get some rest.  If there are any serious issues, you should contact your health care provider.

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Doctor answers about:

Home birth

A member asked:

What can i expect at a home birth?

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How do i prepare for a home birth?

A member asked:

What do i need for a healthy home birth?

A member asked:

How do i decide whether to have a home birth?

A member asked:

What factors would risk me out of a home birth?

A member asked:

My family is worried about me having a home birth?

A member asked:

Which room is the best room to be during a home birth?

A member asked:

What do i do if complications arise during a home birth?

A member asked:

What steps do we do if our baby is limp at our home birth?

A member asked:

What can i expect in the first few hours after a home birth?

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