Will My Next Baby be a Home Delivery?

As I've mentioned before, I am a planner.  So when I found out I was preggers, preparing for my bundle of joy was a no brainer.  I found a great ob-gyn, and a fantastic hospital.  I read up on everything involving being pregnant.  From diet and exercise to everything leading up to delivery.  I wanted to make sure I had all my i's dotted and my t's crossed.

I was especially curious about the labor process.  I remember asking my doctor if it was ok to deliver my baby in a different position.  I didn't plan on getting an epidural and researched ways to cope with child-birthing pains.

The conversation went something like this:
Me: "Would it be ok if I move around during labor?"
Doc: "I don't think you'd be in any condition to move about much, once those contractions get strong."
Me: "I know.  But, I've read that moving around will help with the pain and dilation."
Doc: "You're free to walk around.  But once we're ready to push, you'll have to be in bed."
Me: "On my back?  Would it be ok if I pushed kneeling down, if I were more comfortable?"
Doc: "Absolutely not!"

I  later learned that hospitals would allow you to walk around before being 10 centimeters dilated.  But once you're drugged and ready to push, you have to lie on your back with your legs up and spread eagle during the pushing phase.  I wondered if I made the right choice of giving birth in the hospital.  I read about the risks of getting the epidural.  All the side effects made me extremely nervous.  Besides, I wanted the liberty of moving around without being tied to machines the entire time.

I researched at home deliveries and considered changing my birthing plans.  But later stuck with the original one, since I was so far along in my pregnancy.  Sometimes I wonder how my experience would have been, if I had given birth at home.  I recently stumbled across this article on CNN Health which states that home births are on the rise.   It's most common in women over 35 who have already experienced child birth.  While there's no clear cut reason as to why more women are choosing to deliver at home, one doctor theorizes that home births cost less than hospital births.  Also, some moms-to-be may be dissatisfied with hospital care, and feel more comfortable with one-on-one attention.

I have a ways to go before I even reach 35, but a home birth is something that I would consider.  Since I've already experience child birth and don't have any health concerns, maybe this could be right up my alley.  I'd be free to roam about, deliver in any position, and I wouldn't be medicated.  I wouldn't have to deal with those hospital rules.

Even though I'd have more freedom during delivery, there would still be a lot to consider.  For me, safety is numero uno.  What if something goes wrong?  What if I can't hold out on getting an epi like the last time?  My midwife may end up having to send me to the hospital anyway.  But, what if I don't make it and go into cardiac arrest or something.  Then what?!

If it's one thing I've learned since becoming a mom, you can plan everything leading up to d-day.  But you can't plan your delivery.

Would you ever consider giving birth at home?

Weather Anchor Mama