Laboring at Home
by Elizabeth Weinstein
Laboring at home as long as possible is considered safe unless one of the the Big 4 are present:
While at home, you have the benefit of being in the comfort of your own home with the ability to take walks, showers or baths, rest in your own bed, eat good food, and have the physical support of your partner and doula. If you start to feel intense pelvic pressure (often described as needing to poop) that is a great time to head to the hospital if you have not already.
If things move faster than anticipated, ACNM published these recommendations for “birthing in place” Please note this is NOT a “do-it-yourself” guide for a planned home birth, nor is it all the information you need for every emergency. It is not meant to replace the knowledge and skills of a doctor or midwife. The information is a basic guide for parents-to-be who want to be ready in case they have to give birth before they can get to a hospital or birth center. It includes a list of supplies and directions for managing a normal labor and delivery while taking shelter in place.
Giving Birth In Place: A Guide to Emergency Preparedness for Childbirth from ACNM: https://www.midwife.org/acnm/files/cclibraryfiles/filename/000000007806/giving_birth_in_place.pdf
- Heavy bleeding
- Frequent strong contractions OR unusual pain
- Water breaking especially with presence of meconium or if you are GBS positive
- Decreased fetal movement
While at home, you have the benefit of being in the comfort of your own home with the ability to take walks, showers or baths, rest in your own bed, eat good food, and have the physical support of your partner and doula. If you start to feel intense pelvic pressure (often described as needing to poop) that is a great time to head to the hospital if you have not already.
If things move faster than anticipated, ACNM published these recommendations for “birthing in place” Please note this is NOT a “do-it-yourself” guide for a planned home birth, nor is it all the information you need for every emergency. It is not meant to replace the knowledge and skills of a doctor or midwife. The information is a basic guide for parents-to-be who want to be ready in case they have to give birth before they can get to a hospital or birth center. It includes a list of supplies and directions for managing a normal labor and delivery while taking shelter in place.
Giving Birth In Place: A Guide to Emergency Preparedness for Childbirth from ACNM: https://www.midwife.org/acnm/files/cclibraryfiles/filename/000000007806/giving_birth_in_place.pdf
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