In a study of nearly 13,000 BC women over 5 years, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, home births were found to be as safe as hospital births for low risk women, and may even reduce the number of complications such as post-partum hemorrhage. The study surveyed the experiences of three groups of women: those who planned a home birth with a midwife, those who planned a hospital birth with a midwife, and those who planned a hospital birth with a OB/GYN. Women who planned to give birth at home, but who ended up giving birth in hospital, were included in the study. About 80% of women who planned to deliver at home actually did so. The risk of perinatal death was the same for all three groups of women, less than one in a 1000. This is good news for the increasing number of women who choose to give birth at home.

A common misconception is that if you would like a midwife for your birth, you must give birth at home. BC’s registered midwives have hospital privileges in at least one hospital, and follow their mothers-to-be from the first signs of active labour to delivery, whether that be at home or in a hospital. Midwives also provide follow-up care for 6 weeks in the mother’s own home if necessary, and provide support with lactation and other common concerns of new moms. I had my son at St Paul’s with the help of my wonderful team of midwives from Bloom Community Midwives, and found the after-birth support crucial as I and my son adjusted to each other and to motherhood for the first time. This study re-emphasizes the range of choices available for women giving birth today.

See the original article at the Globe and Mail’s website.