Hospital vs. Birth Center vs. Home Birth: Which Birth is Best for You?

As a mother, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make about the birth of your baby is where you’ll be giving birth. A thorough consideration of your own health, desires for your birth experience, and amenities, advantages, or disadvantages for various pre- and post-natal care options is something you would need to think about, well before you go into labor. While most women automatically think of giving birth at a hospital, it’s not always doable. According to recent reports, obstetrics units in rural hospitals are being dissolved, as hospitals cut back or close services to reduce costs. A 2020 study also reveals that in 1,976 counties, 1,045 never had hospitals with obstetrics services to begin with.

This trend has paved the way for out-of-hospital deliveries at birth centers or at home. More women are now becoming more comfortable with the idea of undergoing the birthing process outside a hospital setting. Moreover, birth centers and home births may be more aligned with a mother’s personal philosophies on the birthing process, preferences for care practice, and types of intervention available. Here are how hospitals, birth centers, and home births differ:

HOSPITALS

Around 98% of women in the US give birth in a hospital, often for reasons of convenience, distance from home, and health insurance. Other women choose to give birth at a hospital so they can have access to epidurals or medical interventions if necessary. However, expectant mothers may receive unwanted medical care at this setting, and be encouraged to stay between 24 to 48 hours after birth — even if they would like to leave sooner.

The hospital is ideal if you want continued professional support and guidance. OB-GYNs who specialize in the care of pregnant women work with both low and high-risk pregnancies, and are assisted by nurses in delivery rooms. These nurses provide a bulk of the care services support. Professionals with advanced nursing credentials will have specialized in pediatrics, so they can deliver expert care for newborns and provide you with the knowledge to make healthy choices for your child. Hospitals can further connect you with long-term healthcare providers who can perform check-ups and routine immunizations for your baby.

BIRTH CENTERS

Moms see birth centers as a happy medium between home birth and hospital birth, because these combine medical expertise with a home-like birthing. It’s also a less expensive setting to give birth at, although it may not be covered by health insurance policies. You should also expect to be discharged within 4 - 6 hours after giving birth, which is something many women are uncomfortable with.

Birth centers are typically staffed by Certified Professional Midwives and Certified Nurse Midwives, who are formally trained to work with healthy, low-risk moms; they may also have an OB-GYN or a family medicine doctor on staff who can assist in labor and delivery, as well as prenatal care. While birth clinics don’t offer epidurals for pain relief, they can provide other pain management options like nitrous oxide or massage therapy.

HOME BIRTHS

Studies reveal that planned home births with a licensed midwife are just as safe as birth at a licensed birth center. Home births are best for expectant mothers who wish to avoid medical intervention, or feel safer at home with a midwife and a doula for support — rather than staying in a hospital surrounded by medical staff.

At home, you will have complete control over your environment and birth plan. You’ll also keep your baby with you without interruption. The major downside to home births is that expectant mothers have no access to pain medication if their labor is especially challenging. You may also need to plan for an emergency transfer to a hospital, should complications arise.

CONCLUSION

There is really no right or wrong answer on where to give birth, as long as you make the best choice for you as an individual. Regardless of where your birth setting is, you may want a reliable birth photographer and certified doula on stand-by to offer additional support. As long as we’re notified early and updated often, we can arrive in time to capture these important moments for you. Call us today to learn more about our services.

Exclusively penned for nataliezepp.com

by Jayna Barton