Rise in home births - could you have a home birth?

[Kristi]

Did you have a home birth?
Would you ever give birth at home?

According to this, home births are on the rise.

I personally don't think I could have a home birth. I'd be too afraid of complications. I like knowing doctors and technology are right down the hall if I need it.

[Vanessa]

Absolutely not. Too many horror stories I've heard personally. One of my friends' kids is fighting for her life right now because she aspirated meconium during her home birth, and the midwife didn't know it. I've heard of other friends being rushed to the ER because their blood pressure (albeit high) wasn't monitored properly, etc. Not to mention I LOVE epidurals. Haha.

[Ally]

NEVER!! I not only want the safest setting for my child to be delivered, in case of problems, but I'm also with you Vanessa...I want DRUGS!!! I don't want to feel anything! HA!

[Dena Capley]

I have had five home births. I am due April 29th and am looking forward to another home birth.
My first birth was at the Women's Pavilion in Northport with Dr Edwards. And it was a positive experience.

[Ally]

Wow Dena! That's good to know that it has been such a good experience for you! And congrats on your next little one!

[Dena Capley]

Thanks a bunch, Ally. It's not something a person goes into without much prayer. I don't take God's grace for granted. I rely on him and not my own confidence.

Ally said:

Wow Dena! That's good to know that it has been such a good experience for you! And congrats on your next little one!

[Sarah M]

Home birth is something I would consider if the legal situation in Alabama were different. From everything I have read about it there are actually better outcomes from HB than hospital births in healthy low risk pregnancies. Also, in industrialized countries where home birth is still the norm they actually have lower infant mortality rates than we do here in the US. I think it is important to have a skilled and experienced midwife that would be able to handle emergency situations. I would never deliver a baby at home without a midwife, which I think is also gaining popularity.

[Dena Capley]

Micaiah was born on May 3rd. Our "homebirth" ended up at the hospital this time. Dr Edwards was there to deliver. That was really neat. He got to meet my oldest daughter whom he delivered 23 years earlier and my other children as well. Once again, it was a pleasant experience. (After I got the Epidural)

[Alina Coryell]

I would LOVE to try a home birth in an uncomplicated pregnancy. Unfortunately, Alabama is one of the most regressive states in the country when it comes to birthing choices and options. Midwives are not allowed to attend home births, from what I've been led to understand. In fact, I've heard that a midwife can be arrested if she attends a home birth in her professional midwifing function.

If I can't have a midwife or experienced birthing professional attending my labor at home, I would rather not do it. So the Alabama legislature keeps a number of women like myself from having home births. It makes me sad because I love living here.

[Heather Milam]

Several of my friends have had home births. I "attended" one through a web connection last year and it was amazing. If I wasn't high risk I would absolutely consider a home birth. A well trained midwife with emergency back up connections (easy access to a doctor and hospital) would be very important. I'm new to Alabama and didn't know midwives were so restricted. That is truly a shame!