Hospital Birth vs Home Birth – Choosing the Best Option Skip to main content
Powered By Book That In
More Parenting Articles

Hospital Birth vs Home Birth – Choosing the Best Option

Many mums choose to give birth to their baby at home, while others prefer a more suitable option of hospital birth. When deciding which one of the two to go for, there are a few things you should be considering, for the safety of both yourself and your baby. We look at a few of these below.

Home Birth

Usually done by a midwife, home birth is an option that most mums consider when weighing whether the risks are to their benefit. However, this will depend on several things such as where you live and if you have the right facilities to give birth at home. 

Those who are low risk, i.e. are healthy and have no complications, can try a home birthing solution; however, if you suffer from a medical condition, or are at risk of a complication, the safest alternative is to give birth in a hospital where trained staff will ensure things go according to plan. According to one medical negligence solicitor at https://www.gadsbywicks.co.uk/ not all mums should try a home birthing option because no matter what situation you are in, there is a possibility that you may need treatment during labour, and immediately after your baby has been born. Specialists are always available in medical facilities and you may never know when you need their help.

If you do not require “instrumental delivery” or assisted delivery, i.e. with the aid of a suction cup or pair of forceps, a home option is viable. No matter where you choose to be, it should be the best and most comfortable choice for you, as a mum.

Hospital Birth

There are many options for delivery outside of the home, for instance, you can choose to go to a GP surgery, children’s centre, or local maternity unit, and the majority of the information can be found from your local hospital. Most of these are done in a dedicated maternity unit and there are a few advantages of choosing one of the above options.

  1. You will have direct access to anaesthetists, where you can be given an epidural.
  2. You will have direct access to an OB or obstetrician in the case where your labour could become complicated.
  3. There are always specialists in neonatal or newborn care (neonatologists) and in the case where a problem may arise, you can get special care for the baby.

In most hospital scenarios you can go straight home once the delivery is completed, or moved to a ward for observation, here you will be looked after. Your midwife can help you decide on the best course to take and the one that feels right for you and suits your current situation the best.

Always ask the professionals the right questions, and if you have any doubts, make sure you get the answers to help you understand the most suitable option for you. It is not worth putting your baby at risk because of personal comfort.