As writer Henry David Thoreau once noted, “Every child begins the world again.” Every new life brought into existence in our world provides a glimpse of how life carries on, despite everything else. A baby is the very beginning of all things new—of wondrous possibilities, hopes, and dreams.

Childbirth is an anticipated and normal occurrence for expectant mothers around the globe today—and a highly joyous and deeply personal event in itself. Therefore, selecting the right birth settings is of the essence for mothers-to-be. The best place to be is wherever you will feel most supported and at ease throughout the process. For many, this place is at home.

As you plan for the celebratory arrival of your child, asking your care provider the right questions are fundamental to ensure that you receive the right support when needed most. For peace of mind, let’s closely examine the subject of preparing for a home birth and the questions to ask your midwife.

Modern Home Birth Outcomes

Home birth refers to the delivery of a baby in the place of residence, compared to a traditional hospital, medical facility, or birthing center. Be mindful that at-home childbirth isn’t a suitable option for everyone. This extremely individualized decision depends on your—and your partner or family’s—own circumstances and preferences.

A planned home birth involves your choice of either a qualified healthcare provider with previous experience, a nurse-midwife, or a certified midwife for individualized prenatal, birth, and postpartum care. Experience and education have noted the difference that the midwifery model of care can have on delivery and postpartum outcomes, including fewer interventions and higher rates of successful breastfeeding.

Choosing At-Home Delivery: What To Ask Yourself

If you’re leaning towards home birth, you will need to choose or meet with your midwife to confirm you’re a good candidate and begin to formulate a birth plan. How do you know if home birth is the right path for you? Consider the following criteria to ensure you and your baby’s general suitability for this delivery method.

Personal or Family Budget

Consider the associated costs of traditional hospital delivery versus alternative deliveries alongside possible personal or employer-sponsored insurance coverages. The cost of a midwife-assisted birth can vary depending on the home birth practitioner, location, and possible complications.

Health and Medical History

First-time mothers should consider the history of births for women in their families. Did they have vaginal births or any emergency interventions? This kind of information can serve as a prediction for whether increased risks or chances of complications may occur.

The most critical consideration is your own medical history and current health condition. At-home delivery is safest for those with low-risk pregnancies and uncomplicated health histories. Your midwife is most likely the best and most knowledgeable evaluator of your candidacy for home birth.

Preferences and Personality

Would you prefer the enhanced security of a facility or center location? Are you more go-with-the-flow and can handle possible changes to your birth plan? Mothers-to-be who plan for this delivery method favor the greater freedom and control available with a home birth experience—yet again, it’s not suitable for all preferences and personalities.

Support System

What’s your support system like? On the big day—and those leading up to the arrival—will you have a strong team of people to help you through difficulties or dilemmas? Having the right group of family or friends by your side—for encouragement and support—can provide the happiest, healthiest, and most empowering at-home labor and delivery experience.

Accessibility of Care Provider

Do you have attainable access to your choice of care provider in your local area? A preferred midwife—and an opportune backup—that can easily see you through the entirety of the birthing process? Midwife availability and accessibility are key for a swift, safe, and suitable home birth, not to mention contentment and confidence in your midwife selection. The following foundational questions can provide the insight and assurance you need to confirm the correct choice for your birthing decision.

Midwife Discussions: Key Questions and Considerations

Remember that your midwife should be the greatest asset and support to you during your pregnancy, birth experience, and postpartum period. Choose wisely based on their education, birthing experience, availability, care philosophy, and personal character.

All things considered, the relationship that you build with your care provider is as fundamental to your comfort as it is to your personal support system. It’s important to have a midwife by your side that has the right background and experience to provide the care you most seek. When you dive deeper into what home births entail and how the process is set up, you can consult with a midwife to discuss your prospective options.

Consider the following questions to ask your midwife when preparing for a home birth to understand what you can expect from their care:

• What are your credentials? Do you have midwifery state licenses? Are you a member of any associations?
• What is your childbirth philosophy and midwifery model of care?
• What is your experience level? How many home births have you attended and assisted with before?
• How will you be monitoring me throughout labor and/or after delivery?
• Have you encountered complications before? What happens if there is a complication during labor? If transferring to a hospital was necessary, where can I go?
• Who all can I have in the room with me? Can I have a water birth? Are possible pain relief options available?
• What kinds of supplies, tools, or medical equipment will you bring along with you? Otherwise, what supplies do I need to have on hand?

How To Best Prepare for a Planned Home Birth

Taking everything into consideration, a mom-to-be should feel educated and empowered about their choices during this momentous time of their life. Be sure to carefully contemplate the pros and cons, discuss the above questions and concerns with your midwife, properly prepare your home for the occasion, and gather the right supplies and equipment for a home birth.

At-home Childbirth Supplies: Customizable Kits

Cascade Health Care carries a selection of pregnancy and birth supplies for both medical professionals or parents-to-be across the USA. Our medical-grade home birth kits offer an assortment of exceptional and affordable quality products for a wonderful birthing experience.

Browse through our online collection of specially designed kits today, or feel free to give us a call. Our exceptionally trained customer service team is here to help ensure you order and receive the right healthcare supplies for your needs.