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Many women are choosing to birth outside of the hospital environment either at home or in an active birth unit (ABU). These days a homebirth is a safe, alternate option to a hospital if facilitated by an experienced, qualified midwife. The relaxed, familiar atmosphere of home is of great benefit to a labouring woman allowing the hormone responsible for labour, (oxytocin) to perform optimally. The equipment brought to a homebirth includes resuscitation equipment for both mom and baby. Oxygen, suction and intravenous therapy to name some. The decision to birth at home needs to be well thought through and discussed with your caregiver. Your pregnancy needs to be low risk and labour must progress optimally otherwise a transfer into hospital may be necessary. Birth Your Way by Sheila Kritzinger would be some extra reading material on this topic. |
