Where Will You Give Birth?

In the past, women stayed at home until the day labor started, isolated from both people and medical assistance, except for the husband or a member of the family if not just a non-qualified midwife putting at risk the baby and the expectant mother's lives.

Today, times have changed and giving birth at home is just a natural act. Mothers-to-be may decide on the place for labor and delivery according to their own preferences or religious beliefs with the confidence in finding proper medical attention, services and whatever they need, their due date is near.

If you are pregnant, traditional oriented or devoted to alternative disciplines in communion with nature, you will be amazed in knowing every single day more women prefer to stay home to give birth. The increasing popularity of natural births at home has been enhanced with adequate preparation and education for the parents-to-be, who can always ask for a certified midwife to attend the labor and delivery.

Pregnancy planning helps to determine any risk of complications requiring medical intervention so if it is not possible, your next bet is the hospital, the most common and safe place for birthing, particularly if you will have a Caesarean delivery. Make a checklist of the hospitals where you may give birth and request further information of the facilities that are available for you, your baby and family visits.

There are many other labor and delivery facilities, including birthing centers, which send you back home a few hours after giving birth but many do not have any type of pain control. The decision of where your baby will be born is a personal one and you and your husband should decide the place that best suits your needs and plans.