Home Birth – Planning for your home birth

If you're pregnant and considering a home birth in Ottawa, this blog post is for you! In it, we'll explore some of the factors to consider when making your decision. We'll also provide helpful tips for those who are planning to have a home birth.  We’re so glad you’re here, and we want to do everything we can to support you through your preparation and delivery.

What to consider before planning a home birth

If you're thinking about having a home birth, there are a few things you should take into consideration first. One of the most important factors is whether you have a Midwife.

In Ottawa there are 6 Midwifery clinics, but it can be hard to get a Midwife. Often you are put on a waitlist when you first reach out but if you are further in pregnancy or giving birth during a busy month, it can feel impossible to find a care provider for your birth.

You'll also need to make sure that you have access to emergency medical care in case of any complications. Distance to the hospital is something that needs to be considered when talking to your Midwife about your perfect birth.

It’s important to think about what kind of environment you want to give birth in and where you will feel safest. Right now, due to ongoing restrictions, home birth can also be appealing to those who want to have additional support for their birth or are planning on having a birth photographer.

Taking the time to consider all these factors will help you make the best decision for you and your baby.

The benefits of having a home birth

Giving birth at home can be a very empowering and positive experience. It allows you to be in control of your environment, surrounded by people who care about you and who you feel comfortable with.

Home births are also very safe when attended by a Midwife. Midwives are experts in managing labour and delivery, and they provide continuous support throughout the birthing process. Home births have been found to have lower rates of interventions, such as forceps or vacuum-assisted deliveries, and shorter labours. They also result in fewer complications for both mother and baby.

If you are considering a home birth, the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre offers a monthly choice of birthplace session where they talk about available options. Also, speak with your Midwife to see if it’s a good option for you!

How to prepare for a home birth

When planning a home birth, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that everything goes smoothly. First, if you are wanting a waterbirth you'll need to make sure that you have a birth pool or a tub deep enough to safely deliver your baby in and all the necessary supplies.

In terms of comfort measures, it can be helpful to have some pillows and blankets on hand, as well as a birthing stool or other piece of furniture that can be used for positioning. A TENS machine can be helpful, as well as a yoga ball. Your Midwife will also give you a list of supplies to have on hand.

Lastly, it's always good to have a backup plan in case anything unexpected comes up. By being prepared, you can help make sure that your home birth is a positive and memorable experience.

What to do during labour and delivery

If this isn’t your first baby, you may be wondering about what is different during your labour and birth when having a homebirth.

First, when labour starts, you will want to make sure all your supplies are ready. If you are planning on using a birth pool, you’ll want to make sure the pool is inflated, liner in the pool, hose is set up, and towels are ready. You’ll want to have somewhere to lay down that is protected from fluid, a shower curtain under a sheet works well. Ensure you have a table or flat surface close by for your Midwife to use to set up her equipment.

When things start to pick up, you’ll want to call your Doula for support and when active labour is well-established call your Midwife to come to join you as well. One of the best parts is that you never need to get in the car to go anywhere!

After birth, once your Midwife has ensured that everything is going well, you get to climb into your own bed! Your Midwife will come back and check on you the next day, so you don’t need to go anywhere!

Are you considering having a home birth? We hope we have answered some of your questions and have helped you feel confident in your choice. If you have any additional questions or need more support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are always happy to chat.