There is recognition of the spirituality of childbirth. Freedom to choose desired labor techniques within the bounds of safety a woman can walk without being connected to monitors, shower or bathe in a familiar setting, select positions for labor and birth without a birthing table and stirrups, etc. Emphasis on family bonding with no separation of mother and child the mother receives the baby after birth and all care is done in close proximity of the mother. The family often participates in early care. By welcoming the entire family into the delivery room, everyone can share the birth and early moments of life.
Birth becomes a family event.
Reduced cesarean risk studies have repeatedly indicated that midwives have lower cesarean rates than obstetricians. In fact, according to the Public Citizen s Advocacy Group , nurse midwives have a cesarean rate which is half the national average. However, proponenets of home birth point out that the incidence of maternal hemorrhage is low in the absence of surgical interventions as is true distress in the newborn. For continuity of care, it is important to determine if your practitioner can participate in the birth experience at the hospital. The majority of homebirths are done under the supervision of a midwife .