The lights are dim, soft music plays in the back ground. I am surrounded by people I love and who love me. I'll have some good food and go for a walk. My needs are being met by loving hands and kind words. It sounds like a relaxing day, but nope that was a description of me laboring!

Was your experience similarly wonderful, or were you in a setting that you felt like you had to fight for your desires to be met? Did you feel like you didn't get continuity of care? Did you feel like you had a voice? Well you're not alone, there are many families that are looking for a different experience where their voices are heard and respected.
Home Birth is on the Rise
So it shouldn't surprise anyone that the Home Birth movement isn't just a trend, it's a cultural shift that is snow balling! Families are taking back their rights for their healthcare. Indiana is in the top ten states for those choosing to birth outside the hospital. Homebirth is not for high risk pregnancy it is considered safe for only low-risk pregnancy. In the Netherlands 20% of birth happens at home and a large 2012 study concluded that planned homebirth was actually safer then planned hospital births. There was also a study done in United States by Mana (Midwives Allience of North America) HERE. That is huge!! So you're probably wondering why more women are not having homebirths. Well, we live in a fear based world driven by money and maternity wards that want the bed empty for the next patient. However, there is definitely a place for hospitals and they're essential when you need one in the case of a transfer. But if you check the Mana stats linked above, only 10.9% of all homebirths transferred and less than half of those were for emergencies.

I chose homebirth with my first child as a teenager. How empowering, how freedom inspiring! After climbing that mountain while as a young woman, what could I not accomplish? I am now here to inspire, encourage and support you in your journey to having the birth you want. You may read this and wish that this could be an option for you however, you're not there yet. I get it and I hope that this blog post has made you think about you're options. Home Birth is not an easy decision for many families, but the families that choose homebirth are practicing their freedom of choice. I encourage you to continue to research your options and be in charge of your health, body, and BIRTH.
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