Home Birth vs Hospital Birth – Pros and Cons

Pros And Cons of Home Birth vs Hospital Birth

Many women struggle when choosing between home birth vs hospital birth. Whatever way you happen to be leaning, there are benefits and downsides of both to be aware of.

There are few things more exciting than welcoming a child into the world. But it’s important to make a birthing plan while you’re still pregnant, especially if you’re considering a planned home birth. From water birth to natural childbirth, there are so many options it can be hard to know what to do. With more than 60,000 out-of-hospital births in 2014, many women are opting for a home birth. Here are some things to consider when it comes to giving birth.

What Should I Know About Giving Birth?

Home Birth

Hospital care can be quite expensive. As a result, many families are pursuing the option of home birth for a more economical, personalized experience. Often times, this involves using a trained midwife who helps during labor, delivery, and after birth. It’s important when choosing a midwife that it’s someone who has both experience and certification. You should also be having regular check-ins with them to ensure you’re on the same page. While home birth statistics point to an increased risk, things are beginning to change. Recent studies show that babies born at home can be as healthy as hospital babies if a certified midwife is present. But, it’s important to have a back-up plan in the event that labor is complicated.

Hospital Birth

When it comes to giving birth, most women choose hospital care for the sake of having medical knowledge at hand. It will require that women and their families are packed, primed, and ready to go at any moment! However, being in a hospital will ensure that if there are any significant difficulties they can be handled immediately. Birth center childbirth and a planned home birth will usually include a midwife, but being in a hospital provides different options. The OB-GYN, family physician, nurse-midwife, or even doulas (birth coaches) can partake. Hospital birth means a hospital birth verification will be provided and any emergencies can be dealt with without transfer.

Home Birth vs Hospital Birth – Which Is Better?

Home Birth

If your pregnancy is low-risk, home birth vs hospital birth may be a question worth asking yourself. There are a number of reasons a planned home birth can be a worthwhile choice:

  • Sharing the Experience– A birth at home enables you to have the ones you love around you, which can provide a feeling of relaxation and calm.
  • Lower Costs– Many people are choosing home birth because it can be more economical. The average home birth cost is between $2000-$4000, making it approximately ¼ of the price of the typical hospital birth.

The Comfort of Home– Going into labor and giving birth are not easy experiences. But, being in your own home can provide a pleasant environment where you feel truly comfortable. Instead of worrying about sharing a room, you’ll be able to move freely and do as you would.

Hospital Birth

However, there are many other factors that come into play if you’re dealing with pregnancy difficulties. As a result, there can be many advantages to choosing hospital birth.

  • Safety– If you think you may be dealing with a breech birth or premature birth, being at a hospital is best. Home birth vs hospital birth statistics point to the fact that difficult pregnancies should be handled close to extended medical care.
  • Backup Medical Care – A good midwife can be the key to a positive home birth. However, having in-house medical care provides the backup you might need for dealing with birth stress. It also provides expertise in a variety of different ways.
  • Technology – A hospital will have the most up-to-date technology to deal with issues that appear during the parturition process. Fortunately, this can make for a less stressful experience for the mother and everyone else involved.

Is It Safer to Give Birth at Home or in a Hospital?

There are a number of benefits associated with both home and hospital births. However, it’s worth being aware that both options have their downsides. So it is necessary to know them before deciding the question of home birth vs hospital birth.

Home Birth

Home birth may be becoming a more popular option as families consider its possible benefits. But that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. If you are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, a hospital is best for dealing with complications in an emergency. This will ensure that an episiotomy, epidural, or cesarean section can be administered if necessary. You’ll be in a place where you can receive exactly what you need immediately in case anything goes wrong. Comfort is great, but the security of knowing you’re in the right place to be taken care of is of utmost importance.

Hospital Birth

A hospital birth can provide a sense of stability and safety. But one of the most difficult parts of hospital birth is all the associated costs. An in-hospital birth can cost approximately $10,000, meaning the cost of home birth is far more economical. And this is without any labor-related issues! While having medical care is great, many hospitals can also feel impersonal and cold. There may also be a lot of interruptions, even in a private room, which can lead to a less relaxing experience. Being in your home means that you will be able to come and go as you please. Hospitals have rules and procedures that you’ll be required to follow.

How Can You Prepare For Giving Birth?

When it comes to preparation for a baby, it’s not a shortlist. The following tips will give you a good place to start. You may even want to share them with other parents on FamilyApp! There you can also discuss the matter of home birth vs hospital birth with your relatives.

Home Birth

If you are strongly considering staying at home, having a plan and emergency home birth supplies are important. The following home birth tips will help you prepare for the delivery of your child.

  • Who Should Be There?– Being among the comfort of family and friends is one of the best aspects of home birth. Before your due date, choose who you would like to be with you through the process.
  • Prepare a Plan– If something unexpected happens, ensure that you have a plan to get to the hospital. It may also be beneficial to have a pediatrician on hand that can examine the baby if it’s necessary.
  • Have the Right Supplies– Your midwife will probably have supplies like painkillers, peridural anesthesia, and oxygen. She may even bring along sterile gloves and gauze pads for hygiene. It’s very important to discuss a home birth kit list with your midwife so you don’t miss anything!

Hospital Birth Tips

A hospital birth will alleviate many of the concerns that go along with preparing for a home birth. However, there are still some ways you can prepare yourself for your child’s coming into the world – independently from choosing between home birth vs hospital birth.

  • Visit the Hospital – Making a trip to the baby hospital that you plan on giving birth at is the key to feeling comfortable. Instead of having it be a surprise, you’ll be able to prep for the drive and explore the hospital’s amenities.
  • Make a Plan – It’s good to be ready, but the best way to succeed when it comes to birth is being flexible! Try writing up three birth plans that will account for the things that might happen. This will leave you ready for anything on the big day.
  • Pack Up! – You’ll need your hospital paperwork, ID, and insurance card, but there are plenty of other things to bring too! Bring a birth bag with a bathrobe, socks, slippers, lip balm, lotion, water spray, entertainment, earplugs, and a pillow. You’ll also want to think about the things you’ll need for your after birth bag too!

As studies reveal the benefits of planned home birth, it’s no surprise that more families are choosing this option. However, the hospital is still the best choice if you’re dealing with a high-risk pregnancy. Do you have any home birth stories? If so, share them with us in our comments. Or discuss the topic with your family and friends on FamilyApp! While preparedness is key, being in a place you feel comfortable can make for an experience you’ll want to remember.

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