7 Things to Know about a Hospital Birth versus a Home Birth ...

By Jessica

Some pregnant women are torn between choosing a hospital birth versus a home birth and wonder what's best for themselves and their baby. Both choices have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's really a matter of personal preference and the health of the mother and baby during pregnancy. People can be passionate on either side and even critical of each other, so it's best to be solid in your choices and not let others negatively impact you! Here are some things to consider when comparing a hospital birth versus a home birth!

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1

Your Own Environment Vs. a Foreign One

One of the things to know about a hospital birth versus a home birth is the environment you will be laboring in. In your home, you're surrounded by familiarity, comfort and as many family members as you desire - this can be incredibly relaxing in a stressful time such as labor. Hospitals are foreign, sterile, and generally associated with sickness which can be discomforting for some.

2

Medical Interventions Are Immediate in a Hospital

One of the greatest advantages of a hospital birth is that medical intervention is immediate. No transportation is required for emergency situations or the need for pain management if laboring becomes unbearable. Sometimes time is extremely critical, especially when immediate attention is needed. That is a huge comfort for most pregnant women and makes them feel secure and safe!

3

Freedom to Birth the Way You Want at Home

Birthing at home gives you the freedom to sit up, lay down, walk around, get on all fours, birth in a tub, etc. In a hospital, you're incredibly limited in your mobility during labor and how you give birth. Often times, your natural instincts and desires are not met because of hospital regulations.

4

You Have 24/7 Care during Your Hospital Stay

Because a new baby sleeps for the first 24 hours, that means you can rest yourself after delivering! In a hospital, you're taken care of, fed, provided with medication, and have support for whatever you might need. You also don't need to worry about "cleaning up" after giving birth in a hospital compared to at home.

5

Your Baby Will Enter the World in Your Own Home

It's a beautiful concept when you imagine your baby coming from his first home in your womb immediately to the place that you call home. Instead of the bright, white hospital lights and strange smells and sounds, your baby will be delivered into the familiar environment of home.

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6

Immediate Pediatric Care is Available if Needed

If for whatever reason a newborn baby needs immediate, emergency attention, pediatric care is available right away. That's not the case with a home birth and travel time to reach a hospital could mean a life or death situation. Although rare, especially if mom and baby were healthy during the whole pregnancy, it does happen so it's one factor to consider!

7

You Can Eat, Sleep and Move around at Your Whim

The great thing about a home birth is the ability to do what you want. You can eat a meal, take a nap, go for a walk outside, do yoga, etc. You don't have the restrictions you would have in a hospital, which makes the birthing process more normal, natural and manageable.

If you could use two words that describe the advantages of a hospital birth versus a home birth, you're left with comparing the safety and care of a hospital versus the the freedom and comfort of home. It's totally a personal choice! For you ladies who've made this decision, what led you to it? What other things can you add to this list?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Wow. Could this be any more anti-hospital. There are pros and cons to both. And not all that is stated here about hospital births, is true. Some of it depends on the facility and the medical professionals. Do your own thorough research before deciding.

I'm a mom of four , and I had each one at a hospital . Each one of them had the cord around their neck when they came out ! This doesn't mention the benefits of having the baby's heart rate monitored closely at the hospital ! If the baby is in distress , at the hospital the Dr or Midwife can intervene immediately , my youngest had the cord around his neck so tight that his heart would drop so low the monitor wasn't even picking it up during contractions, then his heart rate would pick up between the contractions . A very scary situation ! My Dr intervened and thank God we got him out in time , and he's a beautiful healthy two year old today . I personally feel the hospital is a much safer and less risky place to give birth.

If home were safe for this stuff they woulfnt make hospitals in my opinion

I had my kids in the hospital because I had diabetes. But I did them with a midwife there. That way I could do a natural birth with the security of the pediatric specialists at hand in case the baby had issues from my diabetes. I had very pleasant experiences all 4 births.

Giving birth is scary

I had to give birth in a car. It was really stressing to find someone for help

some hospitals allow water birth and most of the maternity units are beautiful. Obviously there are always a few hospitals that may not be up to par but from where I am from the hospitals go the extra step for the labor and delivery unit. Whether you choose a home all natural birth or a medicated hospital birth, let it be your own decision. Both can be a beautiful experience :)

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