Is Home Birth a Good Option in This Uncertain Coronavirus Time?

Home Birth Versus Hospital Birth
In this uncertain time where the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is active everywhere, we have to be especially cautious. Hospitals are not the best place to be at the moment. Besides that, hospital guidelines are changing every day and this can determine whether or not doulas are allowed to be present during the birth.

Fortunately, midwives are educated to help moms at their homes for a safe delivery of their baby. They often have the support of a birth assistant.

The Advantages Of a Home Birth:

• A relaxing & intimate atmosphere - Your home is your safe environment.
  
• You can walk around, sit in the bath tub or shower, eat whatever you like and sleep in your own bed.
• You don’t need to go into a car while having contractions or vomiting.
• You have your own favorite music.
• You are the one with your partner who has the leads.
• You can decide who you want to have with you when you are in labor.
• There are less interventions at home than in a hospital.
• Midwife don’t wake you up for medical checks.
• You can have the baby in your own tub.
• After having the baby, the midwife and her assistant clean up everything and you can rest in your own bed.
• Less chance of getting an infection or getting the coronavirus.
• Your doula can be with you the entire time.

The Disadvantages Of a Home Birth:

• If you have complications, you still have to go to the hospital.
• If you would like to have pain medication, you will need to go to the hospital.

The Advantages Of a Hospital Birth:

• Easier access to pain medication.
• If you have complications, there is an OB/GYN or Neonatologist on site.

The Disadvantages Of a Hospital Birth:

• Traveling with contractions in the car to the hospital.
• Less privacy, nurses coming in and out all the time and not being in your own environment.
• Difficulty moving around with all the wires and monitors.
• Only few rooms have availability of a tub.
• Higher chance of medical interventions, like breaking your water, Pitocin, an episiotomy, forceps or a vacuum suction.
• Higher chance of an infection or getting in contact with the coronavirus.
• Your doula might not be able to be there.

Please start a conversation with a midwife in your area. At least you will have another option.

*Make sure that you have access to your medical records.