Advantages of Home Birth:

• Statistics show that home birth is as safe or safer than hospital birth for low-risk women with adequate prenatal care and a qualified attendant.
• At home, a woman can labor and birth in privacy and comfort of the familiar surroundings of her own home, surrounded by loved ones, in whatever positions and attire she finds most comfortable.
• The laboring woman maintains control over everything impacting her labor and birth. Meeting her needs is the only focus of all those present. Nothing is done without consent.
• Labor is allowed to progress normally, without interference and unnecessary interventions.
• Studies show that the risk of infection is reduced for both the mother and baby.
• During labor the woman is encouraged to eat, drink, walk, change position, make noise, shower, bathe, etc.
• Care-givers are invited guests in the birthing woman’s home. She can have anyone she desires present: family, friends, children, etc. Her care providers (midwife and birth assistant) do not go home because their shifts have ended. They also don’t take the day off because they planned something else or because it is a holiday.
• The birthing mother doesn’t have to worry about when to go to the hospital since her care providers come to her.
• Continuous one-on-one care is given by the midwife, providing ongoing assessment of the baby’s and mother’s condition throughout the birth process and postpartum period. Her care provider knows her well and she knows her care provider. They have established a trust relationship.
• Women are supported throughout the hard work of labor, and empowered to realize their magnificent potential from such a powerful life changing event.
• Bonding is enhanced and includes everyone who has contact with the baby, including relatives and neighbors. Breast feeding is facilitated by the baby remaining with the mother.

Disadvantages of Home Birth:

• Clients must assume a greater responsibility for their own health: physical, mental, and spiritual. This requires active ongoing participation in decision- making in all aspects of their care, and a willingness to accept the consequences of those choices and decisions.
• Since the hospital is currently the socially accepted location of birth, choosing otherwise may result in negative judgments and lack of support.
• Cesarean section, forceps deliveries and a neonatologist are not available at home. Transport to the hospital is necessary for these and other medical interventions.
• Personal arrangements must be made for postpartum care, such as meals, housekeeping, child care, etc.