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In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

Created: 01/31/12

Replies: 14

Posted Jan. 31, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert

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In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

In the 1950s the medical establishment began a coordinated campaign to discredit midwives, who were still the major health-care providers to rural black women in the South. Yet years after the medical establishment won the battle, statistics showed that in many instances the live birth rate was higher among the black midwives than under the white, professionally trained doctors who replaced them. Why do you think this was so?

In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital? Should all women have the choice?


Posted Feb. 01, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rebajane

Join Date: 04/21/11

Posts: 320

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

Good question. I would have loved to give birth at home in my own bed surrounded by family. But you have to weigh in the risks and proximity to a hospital if something goes wrong. We have birthing centers here close to hospitals so you can give birth in a home like setting with a midwive but the hospital is right there. That might be the best alternative


Posted Feb. 01, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
sarahd

Join Date: 10/16/10

Posts: 84

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

I understand the impetus to want to give birth at home. There is something wonderfully natural about it, but I, personally, am too worried about the risks. It's great if it all works out, but if there are complications, it's a scary prospect to try and get to the hospital in time. I have a baby coming on April 15, and call me a worry wart, but I'm pretty excited about the fact that I will be surrounded by medical professionals at the hospital should there be any trouble. (Knocking really hard on my wooden desk after that comment!) It's definitely a personal decision, and we're lucky to have so many options now.


Posted Feb. 02, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
scottishrose

Join Date: 07/24/11

Posts: 220

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

I had both of my children in the hospital, but that was about 30 years ago. My daughter has chosen to have both of her children at home with a certified midwife. In an effort to get me to understand her choices, she had me reading books. She has a third child due in April and is also planning to have that one at home. So I think it depends on the person. It has worked out very well for my daughter, but if you are going to worry and be stressed about it, it probably isn't a good choice for you.


Posted Feb. 02, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
bonnieb

Join Date: 09/11/11

Posts: 132

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

Overall, it is better to give birth in a hospital now. In the 1800's, a trained midwife with you at home was the best way to give birth. Even now, trained midwives have their place and get very specialized training.


Posted Feb. 02, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
EileenL

Join Date: 02/02/12

Posts: 8

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

Such a personal choice. I think so much of it depends on personality in addition to overall health. It sems as though societal norms and medical opinions tend to sway public opinion, and therefore sway women. I think either choice can be a good one for child and Mom.


Posted Feb. 02, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
joyces

Join Date: 06/16/11

Posts: 410

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

I feel that a hospital setting is probably best for most of us. I respect those who choose home birth but personally wanted to be in a place where any and all possible complications can be dealt with in a timely manner for both mom and baby.


Posted Feb. 02, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
sarahc

Join Date: 02/02/12

Posts: 6

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

Women have been giving birth since the beginning of time. It is only recently that there have been enough advances in care and knowledge that birth has become relatively safe. The question is how safe. When do you say something is not right, this is not safe, and seek expert advice and intervention? Normal pregnancy and delivery are absolutely safe and a choice of where and who will be there is up to the mother. I think there should be at least some expert advice indicating that the pregnancy is indeed "normal" and whoever is supervising the delivery should know when their level of expertise has been exceeded.


Posted Feb. 02, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
bettyt

Join Date: 05/12/11

Posts: 228

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

This is a really touchy issue. I know I would be afraid to give birth at home even with a midwife just because if something went wrong I would want all that the hospital has to offer to help save the baby. There was a time that midwives were really the only option, and there are some locations still in the US that they are needed (remote locations). I do like the idea of the birthing rooms that some medical centers offer where a certified midwife is used but the hospital is right there. I know a lot of young couples here where I live who are now choosing to give birth at home with a midwife present (even though it is illegal in this state).


Posted Feb. 06, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
suez

Join Date: 02/06/12

Posts: 2

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

I was delivered ny a midwife, as were my three siblings. It was the current practice at the time in rural England. In light of the outrageous fees incurred by giving birth in a hospital, perhaps being delivered by a certified midwife is not such a bad thing for some women, especially in areas that are far from a hospital. That being said, it is obviously much safer for at risk mothers to give birth in a hospital if possible


Posted Feb. 06, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
barbarab

Join Date: 04/15/11

Posts: 39

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

As an OB RN, I defintely have my reasons for the hospital as the better option. There are times when even the most healthy of pregnancies can have bad outcomes during the labor or delivery. I, myself would not be willing to take that chance. I certainly will not list my reasons, but I hope the couple would be very well educated on the labor & delivery process as well as the risks.
During Polly & Granada's time women midwives did the best they could with the knowledge they had, though to have a male doctor attend a delivery would have been worse. Women really understood what was going on with the female's body. I believe, Polly even mentioned that the doctor didn't use proper hand hygiene.


Posted Feb. 07, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
gwendolyndawson

Join Date: 10/20/10

Posts: 63

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

This is such a personal question. Each woman should have the freedom to choose her own birthing experience. Personally, I chose a hospital with a doctor and an epidural, but I really respect those women who choose a more natural way with a home birth. Given my personality, a home birth would have added stress rather than relieved it. To each her own.


Posted Feb. 15, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
jww

Join Date: 05/31/11

Posts: 166

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

If everything in life was 'ideal' then home birth would be the choice. However, reality dictates otherwise. All three of my children's births were less than ideal and could have been disastrous if they had not taken place in a hospital. To me, the best situation would be in a hospital (in case of emergency) with a well trained and experienced midwife attending. Some enlightened hospitals do offer this alternative.
In Polly's time, she was the ideal...the doctor was to be avoided.


Posted Mar. 02, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
bessw

Join Date: 04/21/11

Posts: 7

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

This is a very personal decision. Fortunately my twins were born in the hospital. The birth was premature and each twin weighed only 3 lbs. They were able to receive the medical attention they needed immediately.


Posted Mar. 05, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
jeann

Join Date: 11/14/11

Posts: 56

RE: In most cases, do you think it is better for a woman to be attended by a midwife in her own home, or to give birth in a hospital?

My last grandchild was born in the hospital, and had severe problems. Having professionals standing by made all the difference.
I can see how a woman might feel more emotionally connected at home, however in case of an emergency with the mother or the baby, I think being in the hospital is a better choice.


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