Navigating Birth Options: Home Birth vs. Hospital Birth and the Role of a Doula

When it comes to home births vs hospital births, there are a few key differences. At home, you have the comfort of your own space and the ability to create a more relaxed environment. In a hospital, you have access to medical interventions and a team of healthcare professionals. The choice often depends on personal preferences and any specific medical considerations.

Now as doulas where you give birth does change the way some of our services are done. I will always provide continuous support to women and their families no matter where you choose to have your baby, it might just look a little different.  For instance a home birth gives the doula to really go with the pace of the womens body. Rather at a hospital when the nurse comes in or something happens the doula may have to back off a little. Home births usually feel more “homey” and comfortable not just for the mom, but the doula themselves as well. Doula’s can give more undivided attention to the birthing women at home then a hospital. Still whether it's a home birth or hospital birth, doulas can serve their clients by offering comfort measures like breathing techniques, physical comfort, and emotional support. Doula’s can also help with communication and advocating for the client's preferences during the birthing process.

Home births just like anything have pros and cons. Some of the pros include: having more control over your experience, higher chance of vaginal birth, more support, etc. Cons include: maybe still having to transfer to the hospital, cost is more, might not be a safe option depending on your individual health and risk factors. So many things can play a role in where you decide to have your baby! Either way you are bringing forth life into this world and it should be a joyous moment!

When it comes to the risks of perinatal death at home births, studies have shown a slightly higher risk compared to hospital births. However, it's important to note that the overall risk of perinatal death is still low for both settings. Factors such as the mother's health, the presence of skilled birth attendants, and access to emergency medical care play a significant role in outcomes. It’s about a 1.8 per 1,000 hospital births as compared with 3.9 per 1,000 planned out-of-hospital births. As I said, it's still a very low percentage and shouldn’t be something you are constantly worried about. 

Now you may really want a home birth, but there are some risks/complications that could disqualify you for being able to have a safe home birth such as: multiple babies, baby’s position, high risk pregnancy, and even pre-existing medical conditions. Each one of these plays a factor into your labor and delivery as well as the health of you and your baby. Just remember though, if having a home birth doesn’t work out you can still have a beautiful birth. It's not where you birth that makes the birth beautiful. 

Water births can be a safe option when done under proper supervision. The warm water can provide pain relief and relaxation for the mother, while the buoyancy can help with movement and positioning. Water births usually happen at home births rather than hospitals. Some hospitals don’t allow delivery in water because of the potential risk of infection, hypothermia, and even aspiration. However, water births are a great way to give birth. 

When a baby is born, several factors contribute to them starting to breathe. Midwives have a different take on it than medical professionals. The dive reflex in midwifery refers to the natural response of a newborn baby when they are born underwater during a water birth. The baby's face and head are immersed in water, which triggers a reflex that temporarily stops their breathing. This reflex helps protect the baby from inhaling water into their lungs. Once the baby is brought to the surface, their dive reflex is released, and they take their first breath. The medical model of a baby's first breath focuses on the immediate exposure to air outside the womb. In a hospital setting, when a baby is born, they are typically lifted out of the water or delivered onto a dry surface. The change in temperature, air pressure, and the absence of amniotic fluid stimulate the baby to take their first breath. Both the midwifery dive reflex and the medical model recognize the importance of a baby taking their first breath after birth. However, the methods differ based on the birthing environment and practices. It's important to note that the safety and well-being of the baby are always prioritized in both approaches.

As before, the first couple breaths that your baby takes are probably the hardest breaths they will ever take. Up until now, your baby has had fluid inside of their lungs. The fluid gets removed as the baby passes through the birth canal. As well as exposure to air outside the womb triggers a reflex that stimulates the baby to take their first birth. God designed it to be a natural and instinctive process. Doctors and Midwives might do things differently or disagree with each other, but the end goal is to have both a healthy baby and a healthy mom. 

During labor and delivery, there are multiple physiological changes happening in the mother's body. The cervix dilates and thins to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Contractions help push the baby downward, and the uterus contracts to expel the placenta after the baby is born. These changes are part of the incredible journey of bringing new life into the world.

To conclude this blog the last thing I want to talk about is what you as mom and dad need to bring for a home birth! If you are wanting a water birth make sure to have a good high-quality birth pool! I recommend renting out my birth pool from“Earthside Birth pools.” A water bottle, birth ball (if desired), or even a blanket. To be quite honest, anything else that brings you comfort! Your doula and midwife will usually provide the rest. I would recommend asking and having that discussion with them!

I hope this blog was able to grow your knowledge in each one of these topics! Birth is a wonderful thing and wherever you choose to birth let God move. If God is moving then your birth is going to be wonderful!