Home Birth: Everything You Need to Know + Complete Checklist

One of the most important choices you will make in the coming months is where you want to give birth . In the Netherlands, a home birth is a safe and well-organized option. However, the idea of giving birth at home raises questions for many expectant parents: Is it safe? What do I need? How do I prepare?

In this blog you will discover everything about giving birth at home , including advantages, possible disadvantages and a step-by-step preparation with a complete checklist. This way you can choose with confidence what suits you best.

Why Choose a Home Birth?

Your own familiar environment

Giving birth at home means that you can give birth in your own bed, at your own pace and with your own things around you. This gives many women a sense of calm and control.

More control over your delivery

You decide where and how you give birth: in bed, in a birthing pool, on a birthing stool or maybe even standing. You also choose who is there and how you set up the space.

Fewer medical interventions

Research shows that women who give birth at home are less likely to be induced , have a lower chance of an episiotomy and require less pain relief. This is because your body responds better to the natural process of giving birth in a relaxed environment.

Personal guidance

Your midwife and maternity nurse are there for you and your baby. Often, you have more one-on-one support during a home birth than in a hospital, where staff sometimes have to support multiple births at the same time.

Faster recovery after childbirth

You don't have to travel home after the birth, which is often experienced as pleasant. You can crawl straight into your own bed and enjoy those first precious moments with your baby.

Is a Home Birth Safe?

Yes! In the Netherlands, a home birth is just as safe as a hospital birth in the case of a healthy pregnancy and without complications. Midwives are highly educated and trained to recognize signals of possible complications in time.

What if something goes wrong? Your midwife will keep a close eye on you during the delivery to make sure everything is going as it should. If there is a medical reason to go to the hospital, this will be discussed and arranged in good time. Most hospitals in the Netherlands can be reached within 15 to 30 minutes , and midwives work closely with gynaecologists and paediatricians.

How to Prepare for a Home Birth?

A home birth requires good preparation. Here are the most important steps:

1. Request a maternity package in time Many health insurers offer a maternity package with essential supplies for the delivery, such as underlays, sterile gauze and maternity pads. Check with your insurer whether you are entitled to this and order it in time.

2. Create a birth wish

   A birth wish (not a strict plan, but a guideline) helps you to make clear how you would like to give birth. Think about things like who can be there and what aids you want to use, such as a birthing pool. Flexibility is important here, because every birth can be different.

3. Discuss your wishes with your midwife and maternity care

   During your pregnancy, you can discuss with your midwife and maternity care how you see the delivery and postpartum period. Discuss where you want to give birth, what support you would like and what your expectations are for the postpartum period. This way, everyone knows what is important to you.

4. Complete the home birth checklist in preparation

   Use this handy checklist to ensure you are well prepared.

HOME BIRTH CHECKLIST.

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