She is in charge, with a midwife she has invited into her home to guide her. Midwives at home are able to monitor the mother's vital signs and progress of labor and the baby's heart rate. They are equipped to manage common complications and emergencies and to determine when to transfer a mother or baby to the hospital should medical intervention become necessary. Birth at home can also be the best of circumstances for babies. There is no exposure to unfamiliar germs and infections, no separation from mother and family, no restrictions or interruptions to breast-feeding and family bonding.
Home birth provides a calmer, smoother transition to extra-uterine life.
It is my opinion that today, that the best of circumstances exist when women can know the facts and choose the type of care, the setting and the care provider they trust and feel safest with. It is my opinion that the healthier and happier the woman, the happier the baby. Schutt is a midwife who lives in Trumansburg. All rights reserved.