Over the years, I have had a total of six Home Births. With so many different experiences I feel like I know the good, the bad, and the ugly realities of Home Births. In this post I will explain what My Negative Perspective on Home Births are. If you would rather something more upbeat, then check out My Positive Perspective on Home Births.
Home Births are Not a Sure Thing
Once you have decided on a home birth for your birthing experience, keep in mind that things may not unfold as you planned. Thus, why I consider this a Negative Perspective on Home Births. Birth is not a cut and dry experience so having your baby at home is not a sure thing. Being prepared and packing a hospital bag just in case is wise. Emergencies may arise and transferring to the hospital may end up being in your or your baby’s best interest.
I have been fortunate that all my planned home births have worked out. However, during the birth of my second son things got a little wonky as he got stuck during delivery. Thankfully my Midwife knew what to do. She was able to help me deliver my son with no further complications, or my being transferred to the hospital. If you are interested to read more about my potentially traumatic birth, then catch that story in my Successful Home Birth with Baby #3.
The Pain of Childbirth is Unavoidable During a Home Birth
Whether at a hospital or at home, birth is painful! When you are in the thick of it during a home birth there is no changing your mind for that epidural. Even Extra Strength Tylenol can’t take the edge off when the pain hits. The unavoidable pain you experience during a home birth is another of the negatives. My personal experience has been that labor is bearable until the last hour, and then the intensity really amps up. When it is time for delivery, I am just praying the baby comes quickly.
A home birth is definitely not for the faint of heart! There have even been times when I have considered not following through with another home birth. However, pain aside it has been a wonderful experience for me six times over. Just keep in mind that the reward of holding your new baby helps make all the pain you go through worth it!
The Cost of a Home Birth Can Become Expensive
Many people are curious how much home births cost. For a rough idea I talk about that in my post What Our Home Birth Cost with Baby #6. Since the answer isn’t straight forward, this is another Negative Perspective on Home Births. This all depends on what your Health Insurance is willing to pay. Some will cover the whole cost and others only a percentage. In rare cases you may have to pay your Midwife in full before the home birth. Then the Insurance Company will reimburse you after birth when you have submitted a superbill. Personally, my home birth costs have ranged from $2000 to $5000+ dollars. The Health Insurance options my family had in the past either did not cover a home birth or was only willing to pay half.
More often than not, home births tend to be on the cheaper side compared to hospital births. But since home births are uncertain and can result in a transfer to the hospital you may end up paying for the prenatal care you received from a Midwife as well as a medical bill from the hospital.
Want to Learn More about Home Births…
Then check out my Pregnancy and Home Birth Resources. Or read about my most recent Home Birth in my post Successful Home Birth with Baby #6.
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