A home birth is the delivery of a baby at home rather than in a hospital or birth center. Home births are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with about 1% of all births taking place at home as of 2020. A home birth is usually overseen by a midwife. Denver families are choosing home birth more and more, but it’s not always easy to decide if that’s the right choice for you.
Today, we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of home delivery to help you make a more informed decision.
Benefits Of Home Birth
Home births have many benefits for mother and child alike. These include:
- Comfort and familiarity. Many women find that giving birth at home with a midwife is more comfortable, intimate, and familiar than giving birth in a hospital. They appreciate being able to labor and deliver in their own surroundings, surrounded by their loved ones.
- Privacy. Home births offer a greater degree of privacy than hospital births. Women who have home births can relax and focus on labor without feeling rushed or exposed.
- Cost. Home births are typically less expensive than hospital births. This is because there are no hospital fees for things like room and board, anesthesia, or emergency interventions.
- Increased bonding. Many moms and dads find that home births help to promote bonding with each other and the baby. They feel that being able to labor and deliver in a calm and relaxed environment allows them to focus on their baby and their own instincts. And a home birth allows for true one-on-one time with the newborn, as nurses are not constantly taking the baby to the nursery for medical tests.
Possible Drawbacks
While home births have many benefits, there are a few potential negatives that you should discuss with your family and partner prior to making the decision to choose a home birth in Denver.
- Costs. It’s true that a home birth may be less expensive than delivering in a hospital. However, many home birthing practices do not accept insurance. Mountain Miracles Midwifery accepts many insurance plans, including Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare.
- Potential for further medical treatment. As with any labor and delivery experience, there is a chance that complications will arise. Although this is rare, it may be necessary to visit a hospital or seek additional medical intervention.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have a home birth with a midwife is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best choice for one woman may not be the best choice for another. It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and to make the decision that is right for you and your family.
If you are considering a home birth, it is important to do your research and to find a qualified and compassionate midwife and doula who can support you through your pregnancy and birth. You should also have a plan in place in case of an emergency and make sure that your home is safe and prepared for a birth.
Ready to talk? Contact Mountain Miracles Midwifery today for more information.
Mountain Miracles Midwifery offers home and water birth services for parents wishing to bring their little one into the world with a gentle transition in a safe and relaxed environment. Our certified nurse-midwives are the best in the industry and have a decade of combined experience in prenatal, newborn, and postpartum care. We know that choosing a certified nurse-midwife for your labor and childbirth experience is a highly personal decision, and we cherish being a part of this process. Mountain Miracles Midwifery is the only service of its kind in the Colorado Springs area that accepts insurance.