The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for homebirth is to schedule a consultation with a midwife to go over your current health and medical history. Below you can find a good starting point when considering whether or not homebirth is for you.
In order to have a safe delivery at home, we need to determine if you are considered ‘low-risk’. Low-risk means that the chances of you needing medical intervention during birth is considered ‘low’. Women (birthing folks) who fall into this category tend to be our best candidates for homebirth. These are my own guidelines for discussing risk and they may differ from midwife to midwife depending on experience and training.
This certainly does not go over every possible scenario, but it is a good starting point when considering whether or not homebirth is for you. During prenatal care we focus on preventative and holistic care. Often we may see complications like anemia (low iron) come up and as a midwife and herbalist I am able to make suggestions that may help resolve those issues naturally, prior to delivery.
You are a fantastic candidate for homebirth if you are generally healthy and…
You have had a previous vaginal/unmedicated birth before.
You have had a previous vaginal birth that was uncomplicated.
This is your first baby and you have an uncomplicated gynecological history.
If you have any of the following, it does not risk you out of having a homebirth, but your midwife may monitor more closely or include a physician in your care…
You have had multiple miscarriages.
You are pregnant with the help of IVF.
You have had one previous cesarean birth.
You are considered advanced maternal age, but have an uncomplicated gynecological history.
In my own midwifery practice, I do not offer homebirth as an option if you are…
Expecting multiples (such as twins or triplets)
Find out your baby is in the breech position. *Clients whose babies turn breech during pregnancy are encouraged to try and turn the baby prior to delivery. Otherwise I encourage clients to have a hospital delivery and afterwards continue their postpartum care with me.
You have had more than one previous cesarean.
Type 1 & 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Severe Asthma
Heart Disease
Certain Viral Infections
If, for any reason a client risks out of having a home delivery during their pregnancy, I am still able to provide further prenatal appointments as well as postpartum and newborn care for 6-8 weeks after delivery.
WANT TO KNOW MORE? CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION AND WE CAN GO OVER YOUR HEALTH HISTORY TO DISCUSS HOMEBIRTH OPTIONS.
コメント