Psychological Benefits Of Giving Birth At Home

Childbirth was formerly a private experience that took place at home. With technological advances, hospitals have become almost the only place where women give birth. Although medical safety may be greater in a hospital, the emotional factors are often overlooked. Therefore, giving birth at home is becoming more popular because of its psychological benefits.

Despite the fact that it is still not very common, many places recognize the benefits of giving birth at home. For example, in countries such as the UK, Finland and the Netherlands, it is covered by insurance.

Why do more women choose to give birth at home?

More and more women are choosing to give birth to their children at home, primarily due to misuse of medical and technological resources in hospitals. Most hospitals are mechanical, medical and lack empathy. In addition, those who deliver the baby follow rigid protocols that are often invasive and unnecessary.

Doctors or midwives will start following routine measures as soon as you arrive at the hospital. For example, they perform an enema, which is often not an option for the mother.

In addition, they monitor you on an ongoing basis, forcing the mother to remain in the same position. There is also excessive medical intervention because they often use synthetic oxytocin and perform episiotomies even when they are not necessary.

As a result, expectant mothers play a completely secondary and passive role. Doctors do not take their feelings into account. In addition, in some cases, the midwife will not even inform her of what is going on or ask for her consent before certain procedures.

All of this makes women want to regain control and intimacy at such an important moment in their lives.

Psychological benefits of giving birth at home

Now that you’ve read a little about a woman’s experience of giving birth in a hospital, we’ll talk about the psychological benefits of giving birth at home.

Greater intimacy

Giving birth to a baby is a very personal experience. Therefore, when it comes to such a vulnerable moment, you need to be in a familiar, comfortable and warm place. This process requires intimacy, friendship, support and understanding. Therefore, childbirth at home is surrounded by loved ones and with the guidance of empathetic professionals is very beneficial for the mother.

More natural birth

Giving birth at home makes the process more natural. The woman’s body is physiologically prepared to give birth, but it needs to be respected. Therefore, excessive intervention can be harmful.

When it comes to home birth, the midwife will regularly monitor the mother and baby, but not continuously. This allows the mother to move around and perform other activities instead of being bedridden and focused solely on the pain she is feeling.

In addition, you can choose to give birth in water or to place yourself in different positions that your body may want to be in during the process.

More control and freedom

The biggest psychological benefit of giving birth at home is certainly the amount of control and freedom the woman has. For example, you can come up with your own specific birth plan and make sure everyone adheres to it.

You can also play an active role during childbirth by setting the pace and making decisions. Healthcare professionals will be there to support you, work with you and work for your benefit. In addition, the mother will always be informed and can decide every step, giving her an invaluable sense of control and security.

Is it safe to give birth at home?

It is important to emphasize that home birth is not always an option. The pregnancy should be low risk and the baby should develop normally. In addition, it is important to have qualified professionals at a home birth as well as a plan in case of an emergency.

With all these things in mind, childbirth at home is safe and is a far more emotionally satisfying experience for many women. Remember, the mother must be the protagonist in her birth, and that is why her active commitment is crucial. Every woman has the right to have a good memory of such an important moment in her life.