Pregnancy is an emotional and scary time and, for a lot of mums-to-be, the mere thoughts of giving birth at home can send a shiver down their spine.
But there is absolutely nothing to be scared of; in fact, as long as you are in tip top condition and there is no risk to either you or your baby, giving birth at home can be a wonderful and unique experience.
Here’s why:
1. You don’t have to leave the house at all
No panicking that the traffic will be bad or that your partner won’t be able to find parking – you ain’t going anywhere!
2. You will have built up a relationship with your midwives
Depending on what scheme you go through in the hospital, you may or may not have the same midwives or healthcare professionals for your entire journey. But giving birth at home is a different story - you will start and end your pregnancy with the same group of people in the comfort of your own home!
3. It is just as safe as giving birth in a hospital
Just because the dog got sick in one corner of the room and you can’t remember the last time you actually vacuumed, it doesn’t mean your home is not as clean or as safe as a hospital. No midwife would let you bring a baby into the world if they didn't think it was clean – you’ve plenty of time to get the walls gleaming before the big day.
4. You can have as many birth partners as you like
Fancy having your mum, your partner, your best mate, your other kids or even your neighbour in the room when Baby arrives? Well, you certainly won’t be able to do that in a hospital! Giving birth at home means you can invite the world and its mother!
5. It can act as a seamless transition from giving birth to looking after Baby
You don't have to arrive home after spending a few days in hospitals worried about how you'll cope - you're already there!
6. You can shower at home
Now we're not knocking the washing facilities in maternity hospitals, but there is nothing quite as good as a shower at home!
7. Only people you want there will show up
Yes, sometimes other people that you have never met before (like student doctors...) may appear halfway through your delivery, without so much as a please or thank you! At home you have the power to let them in – otherwise they can wait on the doorstep until you’re ready!
8. It’s probably the most comfortable place to be
Home is where your elasticised trousers and hot water bottle are! You can enjoy a cup of tea after and snuggle down with your baby without having to smile politely at a stranger, whose newborn has been asleep for at least five hours.
