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IS HOMEBIRTH THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU?

Giving birth is a personal and intense experience, one that is aided by a feeling of support and comfort and the individualized care of experienced midwives. The best place for you to have your baby is where you feel most at ease – for many people, that place is home.

The number of homebirths in the United States has increased significantly in recent years, as more families seek the comprehensive homebirth services of Licensed Midwives. Numerous studies have demonstrated that midwifery care results in excellent outcomes and lowers health care costs - yet many families remain unaware of the benefits of midwifery and have questions about what homebirth entails.


what are the benefits of giving birth at home?

The benefits of homebirth begin long before you have your baby. By the time labor starts, you will have developed a relationship with your midwives during your pregnancy through your individualized prenatal care, with visits that last an hour (or more!) and include complete clinical assessments and discussions about all your questions related to pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. During labor, your midwives will provide labor support and experienced clinical care in the familiarity and privacy of your own home, where you will be encouraged to labor and birth in the way that suits you. After birth, your midwives will provide comprehensive postpartum visits for you and your baby in the comfort of your home and will support you in the process of transitioning through the “fourth trimester” of the postpartum period, with special focus on both physical and mental health and breastfeeding success. The research on homebirth shows the difference the midwifery model of care can have on outcomes — there are fewer interventions, more postpartum support and higher rates of breastfeeding for clients who choose homebirth.

Who can give birth at home?

Homebirth is a safe option for clients with a normal pregnancy and an uncomplicated medical history under the care of a trained midwife. Comprehensive homebirth services include all necessary labwork and prenatal care which enables your midwives to assess your risk status throughout your pregnancy and identify if a consultation or transfer is necessary. Most pregnancies and births proceed without complication and most clients who intend to have a homebirth are able to do so.

Who will be at my birth?

You decide who will be at your birth! Depending on each client’s personal situation, doulas or other support people can be very helpful but many clients choose to only have their partners present. The most important factor is that you feel comfortable with everyone who plans to be with you. Every birth is attended by both Licensed Midwives, who are each trained in the management of complications for both mothers and babies. Having two experienced providers present means that both mom and baby have a midwife, which is essential when extra support is needed.

What happens if there is a complication during pregnancy?

Licensed Midwives develop a personalized consultation plan with their clients to identify the reasons a consultation or transfer of care would be necessary at all stages of pregnancy and the providers who would be consulted. Some complications can be resolved and the plan to deliver at home can continue while others might necessitate a transfer of care to another provider for more advanced pregnancy supervision. Your midwives will discuss their protocols for consultations and transfers of care with you during your prenatal care. You can also visit the Minnesota Council of Certified Professional Midwives website to review the standards of practice for Licensed Midwives in Minnesota or the Wisconsin Guild of Midwives website for standards in Wisconsin.

What happens if there is a complication during labor?

Licensed Midwives are trained to recognize and manage many of the complications of labor and delivery. Your midwives carry oxygen, medications to control postpartum bleeding and IV fluids and are certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR. An emergency transport plan is also developed for each client which outlines the protocols for hospital transfer should one be necessary, including processes for communication with receiving providers. Maintaining excellent relationships with hospitals and transferring providers is a high priority for the midwives, and the midwives are often able to continue providing labor support after a transfer.

Are there any special preparations necessary for delivering at home?

Preparing your home for birth will be discussed during prenatal care although there is minimal preparation required. Clients gather supplies such as common items like towels and baby blankets and order a custom birth kit that contains things like protective pads and postpartum supplies. For families wanting a water birth, there are additional supplies like a portable birthing pool – and extra towels!

Do I need to see a doctor if I am planning a homebirth?

Licensed Midwives can take care of all routine assessments and screenings for both you and your baby throughout pregnancy and for the first six weeks postpartum. For most clients, their midwives are the only provider they see for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care until establishing regular pediatric care for well-child visits. You are, of course, welcome to see any provider of your choice at any time although it is not necessary if all is proceeding normally.

How do you choose a midwife?

The relationship you build with your midwives is an essential part of your comfort and reassurance when you give birth. It’s important to choose midwives who have the background and experience to provide the care you desire; most midwives offer free consultations so prospective clients can ask questions and discuss their options. These are some useful questions to ask a midwife to get a sense of what you can expect from their care (adapted from the Wisconsin Guild of Midwives website).

Our Midwife's Diplomas
  • What is your philosophy of pregnancy and birth?

  • How long have you been a midwife?

  • What credentials and licenses do you have?

  • How many births have you attended? How many as primary midwife?

  • What is your experience with managing complications and emergencies?

  • Who are your consulting and backup providers?

  • Who attends births with you? A second licensed midwife? What is their birth management experience?

  • Who provides care for your clients if you are not available? Do you have travel plans around my due date?