Home birth

Giving birth at home can be a more relaxing experience than giving birth in a medical facility. You’ll feel more relaxed at home in familiar surroundings and will be free to move about for as long as you feel capable.

If this is your second or third child and a previous delivery had complications, then your doctor will likely advise you to have your baby in the hospital, so as to get immediate medical help if a similar situation arises. It’s still your choice, but you should weigh the pros and cons.

Giving birth at home can help a woman feel like she has more control of the situation, which can lead to better pain management.

In addition, many women choose to have their families present during labour and birth; even older siblings participate in the experience of welcoming the newest member of their family.

If you choose to have a home birth, be sure to discuss and plan this with your doctor in great detail beforehand. When home births go wrong, the delay in transferring the mother to the hospital can put both hers and her baby's life at risk.

Even if you choose to have a home birth and change your mind during labour, you can still go to the hospital. It’s always an option.