Unpredictable complications such as meconium aspiration, shoulder dystocia, and postpartum haemorrhage require the immediate availability of adequate standards of care which are provided in the hospital setting and cannot be matched in the home situation regardless of the expertise of the attendant. Any patient who states her intention to deliver at home should continue to receive prenatal care and counselling from the physician. The patient should be familiarized with emergency services available in the community. Routine prenatal care should be provided as outlined in the Manitoba Prenatal Record.
Ongoing care is required to assess fetal and maternal well-being.
In addition to physicians providing prenatal and postnatal care and support as outlined above, hospitals should continue to develop family orientated surroundings thereby offering an acceptable alternative to home births. Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.