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The Homebirth Option

Why Are More and More Women Choosing a Homebirth?

By Kelly Burgess

Amber Lehrman of Lawrence, Kan., decided to go the route of homebirth because, she says, she's not a big fan of doctors and hospitals. She was surprised and pleased when her research indicated that, statistically, homebirth was safer than giving birth in the hospital. She delivered both her son and daughter at home.

"I found studies showing that homebirth is much safer and that you're less likely to get sick, die or suffer a serious injury," Lehrman says. "There are also lower rates of intervention. I didn't want to go to the hospital from the beginning, and found that my natural reluctance was statistically backed up by research."

Keri Nieforth of West Warwick, R.I., whose son was born at home, was considering homebirth from the beginning, but was initially fearful, mostly because of comments other people would make when she'd mention homebirth to them. Then she read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (Bantam, 2003) by Ina May Gaskin.

"It was a revelation for me," Nieforth says. "I realized that my body could do this. I went on to research homebirth further and the more I learned the more I was empowered. Through learning I lost my fear."

Yuen agrees, saying that the research she did on childbirth kept her calm and matter-of-fact even when it became clear that her midwife was not going to arrive in time for the birth of Isaiah. She says it was important to her to be well educated and take responsibility for givingbirth, rather than just leaving it up to her care provider.

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Welcome Home Baby! Two Moms Share Their Home Birth Stories
• Mother-friendly: 10 Steps of the Mother-friendly Childbirth Initiative for Mother-Friendly Hospitals, Birth Centers and Home Birth Services
• The Home Team: Where Do You Start When Drafting Your Homebirth Delivery Team?
• Talk about it!