We at Gentle Spirit monitor and assess your labor and birth process to ensure the best possible outcomes available for you and your child.
STATISTICALLY, MIDWIFE ASSISTED DELIVERIES ARE SAFER
The common misconception is that homebirth is a far greater risk than birth in an institution. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that babies born at home are less likely to be born preterm and low birth weight compared to babies born in the hospital. In addition, contrary to popular opinion, evidence-based research shows that homebirth is safer in most instances.
STATISTICALLY, MIDWIVES HAVE A LOWER CESAREAN SECTION RATE
In Midwife assisted deliveries, the rate of cesarean sections is less than half of the national rate which is 12% versus 25% as reported by the Public Citizens Health Research Group. Midwives also have lower infant morbidity (disease) and mortality rates. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that Midwife-assisted deliveries are 19% lower in morbidity and mortality rates than Physician-assisted deliveries.
Homebirth allows for a woman to be surrounded by supportive people of her own choosing in a comfortable and familiar environment. You will feel remarkably less inhibited in expressing your natural and individual responses to labor. You are in your own domain adopting comfortable positions close to your partner and other family members. With supportive family and friends, you can draw strength from them which help you to cope better with labor.
When labor and birth occur in the home, the risk of infection is significantly reduced. In addition, there is less interruption of family routines. You can according to your own values choose how to involve the other children in the birth experience. In addition, children are not challenged to endure a lengthy absence of their mother. Staying home to birth eliminates the difficult decision about when to go to the hospital or birthing center. Leaving too early can slow down labor’s progress, and too late can be intensely uncomfortable. Breastfeeding and family bonding are uninterrupted and in their most natural setting.
Homebirth is a legal option in the states of New York and New Jersey and accepted by most insurance companies.
These are just a few of the many benefits of choosing homebirth as an option for the nurturing of your pregnancy and the ideal setting for your birth.
Homebirth Supportive Articles & References
Outcomes of planned home births with certified professional midwives: large prospective study in North America Johnson K, Daviss BA. BMJ. 330(7505):1416-1423, 2005.
Perinatal mortality and morbidity in a nationwide cohort of 529,688 low-risk planned home and hospital births de Jonge A, et al. Brit. J. Ob. Gyn.116(9):1177-1184, 2009.
Outcomes of planned home birth with registered midwife versus planned hospital birth with midwife or physician Janssen, PA, et al. Can. Med. Assoc. J.181(6-7):377-383, 2009.
Dr. Marsden Wagner
• Fish Can’t See Water – The Need to Humanize Birth in Australia
• Technology in Birth – First Do No Harm
• The Active Management of Labour
Henci Goer
“The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth”
Margaret Charles Smith & Linda Janet Holmes
“Listen To Me Good”
Ina May Gaskin
“Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth”
Barbara Katz-rothman
“In Labor: Woman & Power in the birthplace”