[Submitted Question]

I do not care for hospitals and would really like to have my baby at home. Unfortunately, my husband doesn’t like the idea at all. He is afraid that something could happen to the baby or me if we do not have a doctor there. Do you know some good reasons that I can use to convince him that home births are perfectly safe?

[WombToBloom]

Home births aren’t safe for everyone. Generally, women with high blood pressure, diabetes, previous c-section, multiples, preeclampsia, premature labor or breech positioned baby shouldn’t deliver at home. But for health women with low risk pregnancies, planned home births can be perfectly safe.

That said, it does require careful planning with your caregiver. You should have a back-up, transfer plan in place in the event that your midwife determines that medical assistance is necessary. An in-depth interview with a certified midwife who specializes in home births may help to assuage your husband’s fears. You may also want to consider hiring a pre- and post-natal doula to assist with labor and with the baby after a home birth. You should also talk with your chosen pediatrician about your choice beforehand. This conversation may also go a long way to educating your husband and making him more comfortable with the decision.

[journeybirth]

Meet with a homebirth midwife - they talk to nervous dads all the time! If you're low risk, studies have shown that delivering at home is just as safe as delivering at the hospital. A midwife is trained in how to handle an emergency - they carry things to address postpartum hemorrhage for example. What a midwife brings to the birth depends on the midwife, however - ask whoever you are thinking of hiring. For example, the midwife who caught my youngest two carries IVs for antibiotics for GBS, pitocin in case of hemorrhage, oxygen if mom or baby need it, she's certified in neonatal resuscitation... Midwives are prepared There is an abstract of an article about the safety of homebirth with a trained attendant here: Outcomes of planned home births with certified pro...[BMJ. 2005] - PubMed Result

[FirstConnections]

I would suggest he watch The Business of Being Born. It's a great documentary about home birth versus hospital birth. I thought it was very moving and convincing. I also agree with the above posters. It is essential to do your homework and make sure you have an alternate plan in place and that you have an experienced, trustworthy midwife.

[InnerSerenity]

Definitely talk to a local midwife, several even. Business of Being Born is available online through Netflix so it is very easy to access.

Homebirth is very safe, actually studies have shown it to be safer than hospital births for most mothers. Even VBAC mom's are safer birthing at home than in a hospital. Midwives for the most part are very well trained through both book education and hands on apprenticeship. A CPM has proven by taking boards both written and hands on that she is qualified.

Another note is that with Homebirth midwives your prenatals are usually 45 min to 1 hr long. With CNM's who birth in hospitals prenatals may be 15-30 minutes. With OB's prenatals are usually 5-15 minutes. Which one of these providers is more apt to catch any complications that may be arising for you or baby?

[Knoxville Doula]

The Birth Scene This is one great website that has many studies on the safety. As mentioned, home birth is NOT for everyone if there is a serious underlying medical condition, but it is the BEST choice for all healthy pregnancies!
In addition to The Business of Being Born, there is a great book called "Pushed".

[Doula Jenny]

Home Birth is Gentle Birth!

I am glad this question is up here. I had my boys at home. midwives come fully prepared for everything. I suggest going and talking with a home birth midwife. like a previous poster said midwives talk to nervous dads all the time. they are very good at easing fears.

I also want to add that you are the one carrying this baby, you are the one that's going to have to go through labor and delivery, you should be the one choosing where and how your baby will be born.

Be empowered to give birth on your own terms!

[tariq456]

Yes,You have the rights to take the decision where and how your baby should born but Please take the right decision If you do not have problem of blood pressure,Diabetes or any other serious problem then you can force your husband to agree on Home birth!
Good Luck!