Due to the availability of doulas, midwives, at-home nurses and other birthing experts, numerous options exist for mothers wishing to give birth in natural settings. Although having such experts on hand can help to make nearly any environment suitable for childbirth, some options are safer than others. Because your choice of birthing location may affect your health and that of your child, knowing which options are safest can be of vital importance.
Hospitals
According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, hospitals are the safest places to give birth. With a variety of professionals on staff, all of the medical equipment that may be required in case of emergency, and epidurals and other pain-relief options readily available, hospitals are equipped to deal with all of your needs and possible complications. Due to the sterile feel and high cost of giving birth in a hospital, however, you may wish to consider other options.
Birth Centers
If you are looking for a safe, more welcoming alternative to a hospital, a standalone birth center may be your best option. With minimal medical equipment, little interference in normal births and a full staff of midwives and nurses, birth centers attempt to provide you with a homey environment while under the supervision of birthing professionals. Despite being equipped with many of the comforts of home -- such as large beds, baths and birthing rooms that can accommodate large groups -- birth centers cannot provide epidurals and have minimal emergency medical equipment. As such, the ACOG suggests that hospitals are the safest option for giving birth, although both the ACOG and American Medical Association support the use of accredited birth centers.
Home
Home births are not supported by the ACOG, and many health-insurance companies do not cover medical costs associated with home births. However, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office, home births can be safe with a certified professional or certified nurse midwife present. In addition, it notes that many doctors are willing to assist with home births, although it recommends against home births if there is no emergency medical care nearby. While this may be an option if you have no risk factors and have had a pregnancy free of complications, the absence of immediate medical care, emergency equipment and options for pain relief can make home births a somewhat risky option.
Warnings
Always listen to the recommendations of your doctor, as giving birth anywhere but a hospital may not be safe for women who have experienced complications or are at risk of complications during birth. If you choose to give birth at home, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office strongly recommends that you have both a midwife and another medical professional present. In case of emergency, it is recommended that you have fast, reliable transportation ready, that your midwife has the skills and supplies to perform some emergency care and that she has 24-hour access to a doctor.
References
- The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Planning Your Pregnancy; 2000
- WomensHealth.gov: Places to Deliver Your Baby; September 2010
- The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Choosing a Pregnancy Care Provider
- Birth and Wellness Center: Why Does St. Louis Need a Birth Center?
