According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in the United States, approximately 35,000 births (0.9%) per year occur in the home. If you’re considering a planned home birth, you probably have questions. Is it safe? Will you need specialized assistance? How do you make a plan? Where can you find a high-quality birthing bed? Continue reading to find out how to decide if this birthing method is right for you.

Why Are Home Births Becoming More Common?

Women choose home births for many different reasons. Some of it can be contributed to the desire to give birth without medical intervention, such as pain medication, labor augmentation, labor induction, or fetal heart rate monitoring. Another reason is that they want to give birth in a familiar and comfortable setting. Some do not want to be in a hospital due to the cost, the atmosphere, the transport, or for religious and cultural reasons. Whatever reason people choose, it is important to understand f you deliver at home, it is important to understand that your labor management might differ from what you experience in a hospital setting.

When Should You Not Have a Home Birth

Unfortunately, not everyone should or can do a home birth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists cautions against a planned home birth if: you are pregnant with multiples, your baby doesn’t settle into a position that allows for a headfirst delivery or you’ve previously had a C-section. Homebirth is only liable for those who are having a pregnancy that has been low-risk. This means you’ve had no evidence of hypertension, diabetes, or other chronic medical conditions.

What Can Reduce Your Risks?

Research suggests that planned home births are associated with a higher risk of infant death and seizures than planned hospital births. There are some aspects you can include in your home birthing plan to reduce these risks. Some of these include assistance from a certified nurse-midwife, access to a personal doctor, and a set plan for transport to a hospital if needed. Additionally, a high-quality birthing bed can help make your experience more comfortable.

Homebirth is something that is becoming more common but do not skip the extensive research and planning beforehand. For more information on high-quality birthing beds, you can use for your birth, contact us today.