I’m pregnant at the same time as a friend right now (eeeeek!) and she was sharing about her plan to have a home birth which, honestly, freaked me out! We’re in BC and she’s under midwifery care… I guess bottom line: Is home birth safe?
Hey Maria,
How exciting for you and your friend. Congratulations!
I’m happy to share that, for people with low-risk pregnancies who are cared for by a registered midwife, planned home birth IS considered a safe option in BC.
Home birth is offered by many midwifery practices in BC and is included in the education and training of registered midwives. Midwives carry medications, equipment, and supplies to manage obstetric emergencies at home, and they follow established guidelines and protocols regarding when a transfer to a hospital is recommended (however, most transfers are non-emergent).
Whether someone is a good candidate for a home birth depends on several factors, including their pregnancy, medical history, and the home environment. Your midwife can help you understand your individual options and discuss the benefits and risks of each birth setting.
The AOM Choice of Birthplace handout is one of my favourite resources that explains the evidence and the absolute risks and benefits of different birth settings in a way that’s easy to understand.
Here are some additional evidence-based resources if you’d like to read more:
- Perinatal Services BC * Planned Place of Birth
- Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: * Planned Home Birth Position Statement
- Canadian Association of Midwives * Home Birth Statement
- PubMed Article on * Risks & benefits
I hope this information is useful to you - let me know if you have any other specific questions about home birth safety!