Home Birth 101: Safety, Planning, and What to Expect

More families are choosing home birth as a safe, intimate, and empowering option. But if you're considering giving birth at home, you may have questions about what it really looks like, how to plan for it, and whether it's the right choice for your family.

At Attuned Midwifery Service, we believe in informed choice, evidence-based care, and honoring your instincts. Here’s your guide to understanding the essentials of home birth—from safety to preparation to what you can expect on the big day.

Is Home Birth Safe?

Yes, home birth is a safe and evidence-supported option for healthy, low-risk pregnancies.

Research shows that:

• Planned home births with a trained midwife result in similar outcomes to hospital births for low-risk people

• Home births are associated with fewer interventions, like inductions or cesareans

• Midwives are trained to monitor you and baby, detect complications early, and transfer to hospital if needed

At Attuned Midwifery, we use clinical skills, experience, and intuition to keep safety at the center of your birth experience.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Home Birth?

Home birth may be a good fit if you:

• Are having a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy

• Are carrying a single baby (not multiples)

• Are at term (37–42 weeks)

• Don’t have high-risk conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes (depending on severity)

We always do a full assessment and talk through your individual health and history before recommending home birth.

How Do You Plan a Home Birth?

Here’s what to expect in the planning process:

1. Choose Your Midwife

Find a midwife who:

• Respects your values

• Has experience with home birth

• Offers continuity of care (the same midwife at every visit and birth)

2. Prepare Your Home

You don’t need to turn your house into a hospital. We’ll help you prepare with:

• A home birth supply list

• A birth tub if you want water birth

• Tips for setting up a cozy, clean, and calm space

3. Build Your Birth Team

Include anyone you want: partner, doula, children, photographer, or support people. Your birth team is your call.

4. Create a Birth Plan

We’ll guide you through writing a plan that includes:

• Preferences for labor positions, lighting, music, etc.

• Thoughts on pain relief

• Ideas for newborn care

What Happens During a Home Birth?

Early Labor

We’ll talk regularly and check in as labor begins. You stay home, move freely, eat, rest, and settle into your rhythm.

Active Labor

When labor is active, we come to your home. We:

• Monitor you and your baby

• Offer emotional and physical support

• Use herbs, homeopathy, massage, or water for comfort

The Birth

Whether you birth in the tub, on a birth stool, or in bed, we are by your side—supporting, not directing. Your birth, your way.

After Baby Arrives

We stay for several hours after the birth to:

• Help with initial bonding and breastfeeding

• Complete a full newborn exam

• Ensure both of you are stable and well

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Midwives are trained to:

• Recognize red flags early

• Handle emergencies (hemorrhage, newborn resuscitation, etc.)

• Transfer to hospital if needed

We have collaborative relationships with local hospitals and will stay with you during a transfer to ensure continuity of care.

Postpartum Care: What Comes Next?

One of the best parts of midwifery care is in-home postpartum visits:

• Day 1, 3, 5–7, and at 2 and 6 weeks

• We check healing, feeding, and emotional wellbeing

• You’re supported through the whole fourth trimester

Why Families Choose Home Birth

Families choose home birth for:

• Autonomy and control

• A peaceful, non-medicalized environment

• Natural pain coping tools

• Respectful, personalized care

At Attuned Midwifery, we honor your vision of birth and support your choices every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Home birth is not just about where you birth—it’s about how you birth, and who walks with you. If you’re seeking care that is gentle, empowering, and evidence-informed, home birth with a skilled midwife may be the perfect path.

Ready to Explore Home Birth?

Book a free discovery call and we’re here to listen, answer questions, and support your journey.