Home Births
In Singapore you can have a home birth with an obstetrician or licensed midwife: skilled professionals who make sure you're supported and ready for any emergency.
A home birth may suit you if
- You're having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy
- You want to avoid interventions like episiotomy or epidural
- You want to share the experience with family
- You want to move, eat and drink freely in labour
- You want the comfort of familiar surroundings
A home birth isn't for you if
- You are diabetic
- You have chronic high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia
- You've had, or are at risk of, preterm labour
- Your partner doesn't fully support your decision
Source: American Pregnancy Association.
Transfers to hospital
A UK study found that about 40% of first-time mothers and 10% of women who have given birth before are transferred to hospital. Common reasons include maternal exhaustion, premature rupture of membranes, high blood pressure, labour not progressing, fetal distress, cord prolapse and haemorrhage.
Tips when considering a home birth
- Put together a care team of a midwife and an obstetrician
- Interview several midwives about their birth philosophy
- Write a Plan B in case a hospital transfer is needed
- Hire a doula
- Check that your midwife works with a backup OB/GYN
- Find a paediatrician who will examine your baby within 24 hours
Benefits
Home birth allows immediate bonding and breastfeeding, and lets you be surrounded by the people you love. An uncomplicated vaginal birth also typically costs much less at home than in hospital.