Deciding Where to Birth Your Baby Choosing where to birth your baby is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The key is to choose a place where you feel safest, not where your partner, mother, or anyone else feels most comfortable. For some women, that place is home. For others, it's a hospital. There's no right or wrong choice, only what feels right for you.

That said, it's deeply concerning that for some women, a home birth is simply not financially achievable due to the cost of midwifery care. This lack of accessibility is something that needs to change.

For women with low-risk pregnancies, home-birth is statistically very safe and a great option for those seeking an intervention-free experience. Choosing the right midwife is important, and depending on where you live, home-birth may or may not be widely supported within the healthcare system.

In New Zealand, home-birth for low risk pregnancies are recognised and covered under the healthcare system, making it an accessible option for many women. However, in some parts of the world, the cost can be significant. For example, when I gave birth in Europe, I paid €2,200 for midwifery support, only to have the midwife present for the final push!

It is important to note that midwives who attend home-births are highly trained and equipped to handle emergencies such as postpartum haemorrhage or neonatal resuscitation. Home-birth does not mean compromising on safety, it means birthing in a space where you feel most at peace.

Key Considerations for Planning a Homebirth If you're considering a home-birth, here are some important factors to think about:

Who else lives in the house? Do you want them present? Will older children be around, and where do you feel comfortable having them during labour? Setting clear boundaries in advance will help you create a calm and supported space.

Planning a water birth? Look into birth pool rentals, and make sure you have easy access to hot water. Practical preparations will help things go smoothly on the day.

Have a contingency plan. If a hospital transfer becomes necessary or if you decide mid-labour that you'd prefer to be in a different environment, knowing where you'll go and how you'd like that transition to unfold will help you feel more in control. Many women who plan for this possibility still have incredibly empowering birth experiences, even if they choose to transfer.

There's something truly special about birthing in your own space, curling up in your own bed afterward, and nourishing yourself from your own kitchen. Homebirth is safe. Homebirth is beautiful.

Peace on earth begins at birth.