7. You’re on Your Own A Lot Sooner
At a hospital you usually have support (i.e. incessant interruptions) from doctors and nurses for at least 24 hours after your baby is born. If you’re at home, once everything is cleaned up and mom and baby are doing well, your midwives head home to leave you to your privacy. They are always available for questions and checkups, but no middle of the night interruptions and no sending your baby to the nursery for a few hours of sleep!
8. Check With Your Insurance
Just like any procedure or doctor’s appointment, be sure to check with your insurance company for the cost of a home birth. Certain companies will cover costs of supplies and midwives, while others may not. If you don’t have insurance, a home birth can actually cost 1/3 of what a hospital birth would!
9. You May Still End Up At The Hospital
I’ll never forget the disappointment of a close friend who so deeply yearned for a home birth. A hospital birth just wasn’t an option for her. After more than 30 hours of labor and 24 hours after her water broke, her midwife intervened- a trip to the hospital was absolutely necessary for the health of her and baby. It wasn’t long before she was given an epidural and the sleep she needed to actually endure labor, and then her son was born healthy. Just because you plan on having a home birth, always keep in mind that the circumstances are beyond your control. The best of intentions cannot guarantee a successful home birth, so guard your heart from disappointment and keep an open mind for the sake of you and your baby.
10. You Are Responsible For Obtaining A Birth Certificate And Social Security Card
If you give birth in a hospital, there are very helpful people who will come around and file your baby’s birth with the county and social security. You simply have to wait in the mail for the documents to come. With a home birth, you’ll want to do your research for your state and determine if your midwife will handle any paperwork on your behalf. Some states have requirements to get a birth certificate within a certain amount of days from the birth, while others request you make an appointment.
Karly Wood
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Karly Wood
Latest posts by Karly Wood (see all)
- 15 Wonderful White Kitchens - January 14, 2019
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