Home birth.

Giving birth at home? Find out what you need, what to look out for, and use the checklist for safe preparation.

Thuis bevalling checklist NL _ EN.pdf

Download PDF • 20.55MB

Many women consider a home birth . Perhaps because it feels safe at home, because they prefer to be in control of their labor, or because they desire peace, intimacy, and trust. But how do you know if a home birth is truly right for you? And what are the practical aspects involved?

As a maternity professional, I've had the honor of assisting many home births over the past few years. I've witnessed firsthand how powerful, calming, and positive a home birth can be, provided you're well-prepared. Here, I'll guide you step-by-step through everything you need to know, so you can make your choice confidently and with the right knowledge.

Why choose a home birth?

Your own familiar environment

Giving birth at home means you can give birth in your own bed, at your own pace, and with your own belongings. This gives many women a sense of peace and control.

More control over your delivery

You decide where and how you give birth: in bed, in a birthing pool, on a birthing stool, or perhaps even standing. You also choose who's present and how you arrange the space.

Fewer medical interventions

Research shows that women who give birth at home are less likely to be induced , have a lower risk of episiotomy, and require less pain relief. This is because your body responds better to the natural process of labor in a relaxed environment.

Personal guidance

Your midwife and maternity nurse are there entirely for you and your baby. You often have more one-on-one support during a home birth than in a hospital, where staff sometimes have to manage multiple births simultaneously.

Faster recovery after childbirth

You don't have to travel home after the birth, which is often a comfort. You can crawl straight into your own bed and enjoy those first precious moments with your baby.

Is a home birth safe?

Yes! In the Netherlands, a home birth is just as safe as a hospital birth in a healthy, complication-free pregnancy . Midwives are highly qualified and trained to recognize signs of potential complications in time.

What if something goes wrong?

Your midwife will closely monitor your progress throughout the delivery to ensure everything is going smoothly. Should there be a medical reason to go to the hospital, this will be discussed and arranged in a timely manner. Most hospitals in the Netherlands are within 15 to 30 minutes , and midwives work closely with gynecologists and pediatricians.

Preparing your home for a safe and relaxed home birth.

A home birth isn't the same as just giving birth at home. It means arranging your environment so that you and the healthcare professionals can work optimally. Consider:

Choosing the right place

A space where you feel comfortable and have plenty of room to move around. This is often the bedroom or living room.

Creating access

Make sure the midwife can quickly store her materials and has sufficient light when needed.

Warmth and atmosphere

Soft lighting, soothing music, something personal that helps you relax, all of this supports natural childbirth.

Safety

Discuss this with your midwife beforehand. Consider stair safety, space for equipment, and sufficient workspace.

How do you prepare for a home birth?

A home birth requires thorough preparation. Here are the most important steps:

1. Request a maternity package in time

   Many health insurers offer a maternity package with essential supplies for delivery, such as underlays, sterile gauze, and maternity pads. Check with your insurer to see if you're eligible and order it in time.

2. Make a birth wish

   A birth plan (not a rigid plan, but a guideline) helps you clearly define how you'd like to give birth. Consider things like who can be present and what equipment you'd like to use, such as a birthing pool. Flexibility is key, as every birth can be different.

3. Discuss your wishes with your midwife and maternity care

   During your pregnancy, you can discuss your vision for the birth and postpartum period with your midwife and maternity care team. Discuss where you'd like to give birth, what support you'd like, and your expectations for the postpartum period. This way, everyone knows what's important to you.

4. Complete the home birth checklist to prepare

   Use the handy checklist to ensure you are well prepared.

5. Prepare a getaway bag

   Births often don't go as planned. Therefore, pack a getaway bag in case you need to go to the hospital.

A home birth requires preparation, but above all, it requires trust. Trust in your body, in your team, and in the choices you make.

You can never fully predict childbirth. You plan what needs to be planned, and then you can let go. The greatest gift you can give yourself is flexibility and space for how things unfold, even when things don't go as you expected. By trusting, going with the flow, and accepting that you can't control everything, you create the foundation for a positive and powerful birthing experience .

Love,

Bobby