Overall, home births are safe. While there is an increased chance of infant death, seizures, neurological disorders, and lower APGAR scores, the risk is still extremely low.
If the mother has a low-risk pregnancy and is in the care of a certified nurse-midwife, they have higher eligibility for a successful home birth.
There is a form of home birth that is called unassisted birth or free birth. It makes up around 33 percent of all home births (source), although this figure includes unplanned home births. It’s defined as giving birth without a physician or midwife. Most doctors do not recommend this type of birth, especially since there is nobody qualified to spot warning signs or arrange a hospital transfer.