How to Prepare for a Home Birth: Six Tips You Should Know

Home birth has become increasingly more common in America in recent years. Once thought of as only something parents on the extreme fringes did, more and more parents from all walks of life are choosing to give birth at home. Fueled on by outspoken home birth advocates, many of whom are well known celebrities, and by a desire to move away from the overly medicalized model of birth, new parents each year are considering home birth. If you are thinking about or planning a home birth here are a few tips that you should know.

Check with your insurance company. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of a home birth, but not all will. You should contact your insurance provider and find out if they cover a home birth and just how much they are will to pay for one. If your insurance does not cover home birth discuss payment options with your midwife or doctor. Many are very willing to arrange payment plans or provide a sliding scale of cost for patients.

Your area's laws on home birth. Different states have different laws regarding a home birth. Your midwife or doctor should be up to date on what your area's laws on, but it can be helpful to be informed of them yourself. You should know how to file for a birth certificate and social security number, what proof of birth you will need to provide, and how soon after birth your newborn needs to be seen by a pediatrician. You will also need to know what care providers in your area are allowed by law to attend a home birth. Some states have strong restrictions on who is allowed to attend a home birth which may mean you will need to search farther for a care provider.

Plan your birthing space. Where in your home are you planning on giving birth? Some women choose their bedroom, bathroom, or their living room as the place to set up for the birth. You will need a room large enough to comfortable fit you and whomever you are planning to have attending the birth, yet somewhere also private and comfortable for you. Some women feel the need for privacy and quiet during labor, you may want to plan a space that you can go to if you should need to be alone. If you do not own your home or are living in an apartment you may need to find out if there are any stipulations on having a home birth. For instance some apartments may not allow birth tubs inside, or a woman laboring at night may be concerned about noise complaints from neighbors.

Who will be with you at your birth. One of the benefits of home birth over hospital birth is you have more freedom to choose who you want and do not want assisting you during labor and birth. Some women feel uncomfortable surrounded by nurses, student doctors, and assorted hospital staff coming in and out while they are laboring. At home you can decide who you wish to be present while you labor and birth. Make a list of people that you rely on and that you feel will be able to care for you during labor. Many women choose their partners or close family members, though for some hiring a doula who is trained in caring for a laboring woman is a great option.

What supplies will you need. Most midwives and home birth doctors bring their own supplies, but some do require that you buy extra things yourself. Check with your care provider about what supplies, if any, you will need to purchase yourself. Some things include bath herbs for soaking after the birth, a birth pool if you are planning a water birth, and cleaning items for clearing your home after your home birth.

Have a back up plan. Though your home birth will more than likely go well it never hurts to be prepared. Have a back up plan ready in case you need to transfer to a nearby hospital. Visit your local hospitals and gather any paperwork you would need in advance. Many hospitals provide registration forms to pregnant couples in advance, having those forms filled out and in a save place will make any possible transfer go smoother.

As home birth numbers increase more and more people are seeing this choice as one of many safe options for childbirth. By being prepared and planning for your home birth you can help ensure that yours is a safe and healthy delivery.