Children and Pregnancy

So why would anyone want to have their baby at a birth center? Or at home? For me it was about not having to fight to get the birth I wanted. Even more importantly, it was about having childbirth treated as a normal and natural process rather than as an illness. And I certainly didn’t want to expose my newborn baby to hospital germs if it wasn‘t medically necessary. It was about being allowed to “call the shots” rather than being treated like a patient who needed to be rescued. While it is common practice for OB and hospital midwives to expect the mother to lie on her back while pushing, this is not the case in a birth center or at home.

The mother can labor and then push in whatever position feels best for her. Some women prefer to push on all fours while others use a birthing stool or another position. It’s up to the individual mom. She may naturally know what she wants or she may listen to recommendations of her doula and midwife. In addition, she’s allowed to eat and drink as she normally would and isn’t tied down by a monitor or IV. She’s able to move about freely with the midwife or assistant checking the babies heartbeat on an intermittent basis. She may labor in the water or even give birth in the water! (There are special waterproof dopplers to use during waterbirths.) My point is that the choices are hers. She’s allowed to follow her natural instincts regarding childbirth and she is advised when she needs help making those decisions. Make sure you have child health insurance as well, for this is going to come in handy and help monitor expenses.

As a mom who gave birth in a hospital and then a birth center, I can tell you the difference is remarkable. These are just a few of the reasons why I would only go back to a hospital for childbirth if it were medically necessary.