Benefits of Homebirth

• The ability to move around in labor which helps speed labor, helps with pain management, can encourage baby into the optimal position and is a normal function in labor

• You get to give birth in the comfort of your own home- women in their own surroundings tend to labor more comfortably

• Waterbirth option- great for pain management and some feel it is an easier transition for the baby

• You get to avoid any unnecessary medications and procedures

• Eating and drinking in labor is encouraged

• You tend to feel more in control at home and are more easily able to follow your intuition

• The midwife comes to you- no riding in the care with contractions

• The cord won’t be cut until it stops pulsating or longer, as long as it isn’t wrapped too tightly around the baby’s neck

• Mother and baby are never separated

• Siblings or other family members can be present for the birth

• No possibility of an unknown person stealing the baby or switching the baby with another

• Most midwives are professionals at perineal support and do not routinely do episiotomies

• You are able to breastfeed immediately after birth and no one will give your baby formula

• Midwives are trained to handle most immediate complications, i.e. hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, resuscitation

• Babies are born drug-free and trauma free

• You have the same care provider throughout your whole pregnancy, labor and postpartum

Benefits of Advanced Doula Care

Multiple studies have shown that doula care can provide:

• Shorter labor times

• Less cesarean sections

• Less interventions

• Less postpartum depression

• More satisfaction with the birth

• Education about birthing processes

• Massage and guidance in labor

• Emotional support

• Ability to check mother’s vitals at home

• Ability to check baby’s heartbeat at home

• Ability to check, if wanted, mother’s cervical dilation to aid in correct hospital arrival time