Homebirth is a beautiful and great choice for many families. It allows parents to
welcome their baby in a familiar, comfortable environment surrounded by loved
ones. This guide will explore the benefits of homebirth, how to prepare for it, and
what to expect during the process.

 
Homebirth:

 

Homebirth is often chosen by families who desire a more personalized and intimate
birth, without necessary interventions. Who believe their bodies were made to give
birth, with the support and care of their loved ones and a midwife.

 
Benefits of Homebirth:

 

• Comfort and Familiarity

Being in your own space can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
Many parents find that the familiar surroundings of home help them feel more
relaxed during labor.

 

• Personalized Care

Homebirth involves a midwife who provides personalized care. This can lead to a experience that meets the specific needs of your family. Our prenatal visits are a hour long, each month until 28 weeks. Every 2 weeks until 36 weeks and weekly until birth. We discuss all things: nutrition, how you’re feeling physically, emotionally, recommended labs/ tests, risks and benefits. And sometimes what your 2 year old ate for breakfast, that wasn’t food.

 

• Control Over the Birth Environment

Parents can create a birth environment that feels right for them, including choosing who is present, lighting, music, movies, etc.
Creating birth affirmations, banners, siblings making art, eating, moving, going for walk outside, yes even in labor!

 

• Lower Intervention Rates

Studies have shown that homebirths often have lower rates of medical interventions, such as cesarean sections and epidurals, interrupted labor.

 

• Bonding Time

After the birth, families enjoy uninterrupted bonding time with their newborn in the comfort of their home. The golden hour. I try to provide at least the first hour after birth to be just your family, nursing and eating a meal that we discussed prenatally!

Choosing a Midwife:

 

Selecting a midwife is one of the hardest decisions you'll make, there’s a lot of good ones to choose from! Look for someone who is experienced, licensed, and aligns with your birth philosophy. Schedule interviews with at least three midwives to discuss their approach and ensure you feel comfortable with them. I come from a community of midwives who believe there is a midwife for everyone, no competition. You may really like the first midwife you interview but have a gut instinct about the next one that she’s the right one for you.

 
Creating a Birth Plan:

 

A birth plan outlines your preferences for labor and delivery. While we have discussed this prenatally, having a plan can help communicate your wishes to your family or others who you may have at your birth. Consider including:

 

• Pain management preference during labor: Verbal affirmations, quiet, no questions, etc.

• Who you want present during the birth and what their role will be.

• Anything specific you want to incorporate. I’ve had clients who want to burn the cord, have their dog come right after birth to meet the baby, take communion.

• Snacks and drinks that you’ve thought of and stocked.

Preparing for Emergencies:

 

While homebirth is considered safe and for low risk women, we have a plan in place for emergencies. We discuss potential scenarios prenatally and have a transport plan made.

 
What to Expect During Homebirth:

 

Understanding the stages of labor can help you feel more prepared for your homebirth experience.

 

• Early Labor

Early labor can last several hours or even days. During this time, you may experience mild contractions, ignore it!!! Do not start timing contractions the moment you think you are in labor. Focus on staying relaxed and hydrated. If it’s during the day, bake a birthday cake for baby, go for a last minute shopping trip, watch a movie. If it’s at night, go back to sleep! If you’re just so excited that you might be going into labor and can’t sleep, watch a movie in bed. Read a book. Do anything to keep your mind off tracking intermittent contractions. If active labor happens to be a long way off, you can get mentally and emotionally exhausted by the time you get there.

 

• Active Labor

As labor progresses, contractions will become more intense and frequent. Contractions will usually be 3-5 min apart lasting a minute. At this time you most likely will not be able to talk through contractions. By this time I’m either on my way or already with you. I will monitor your progress and provide support. This is when you can utilize your chosen pain management techniques, whether that’s movement, water, breathing exercises, or hands on support from me and your partner.

 

• Transition

Transition is often the most intense phase of labor. Contractions may come in quick succession, and you might feel overwhelmed. Remember that this stage is temporary, and we will be there to support you.

 

• Birth

When it’s time to push, I will help guide you if needed through the process. It’s sometimes more work than anticipated, sometimes it’s a relief to be doing the active part. All of its exciting because you getting so close to holding your baby!

 

• Placenta

I allow the placenta to birth on its own. I don’t do active management rushing the birth of the placenta. I wait for the signs of detachment, and then help guide it out. I don’t do immediate cord clamping, often waiting until the placenta is out, before the cord is cut.

Postpartum Care:

 

After the birth, I will check on both you and your baby. This includes monitoring vital signs and assisting with breastfeeding. Postpartum care is all in your home, I don’t want you to pack up your newborn into a car seat if you don’t have to! First postpartum visit is around 24 hours after birth, I come to do a weight check and any newborn screening options you have chosen for baby and assessment on you. The rest of postpartum care is planned at two, four, and six weeks. Of course I can come anytime in between those times if needed, sometimes a weight or jaundice check is needed that first week. As a midwife I am qualified to provide care for both you and baby first weeks after birth. I will be on call for you and baby 24/7 to answer questions or concerns.

 
Insurance:

 

I use Billing for Littles →

They can do a verification of benefits and create a professional superbill for you to submit to your insurance company.