As the rate of home births continues to rise in the U.S., the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a new policy statement published in the journal Pediatrics, titled “Planned Home Birth”, which includes a number of new recommendations for the care of children born at home. In particular, it stated that there should be at least one person assigned to always be present to care for the newborn.

Only one percent of all births in the United States are carried out at home, However, over recent years the rate has been climbing. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2004 and 2008 there was a 20 percent increase in the number of home births.

Women often want to give birth at home because it provides a family setting, as well as being cheaper and involves fewer medical interventions.

Home births are not encouraged by medical experts, who are concerned that home is not the ideal setting in case of an emergency, especially if travel times for medical care to arrive are long.

According to research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, a home-birth-similar experience in the hospital proves to be more financially feasible, safer, and more satisfying than an actual at-home birth.

Newborns, no matter the circumstance of their birth, should always receive health care standards that adhere to the AAP. The AAP has already stated that the safest environment for a baby to be born in is either a hospital or birthing center. However, the academy understands that some women may wish for their child to be born at home.

In fact, a previous editorial in the medical journal The Lancet stated that while a woman has the right to choose where and how to give birth, she does not have the right to put her baby at risk.

In contrast, another study by researchers in Canada at McMaster University revealed that low-risk women giving birth with the assistance of midwives have positive outcomes regardless of where the delivery takes place.

Lead author of the statement, Dr. Kristi Watterberg, said: “Babies deserve the best care they can get. And we need to support women wherever they choose to give birth.”

The AAP recommends parents who want to go through with a home birth carefully choose midwives who have been certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board.

In addition, there should be at least one person present during and after delivery who specializes in caring for the newborn infant. They should have the necessary training and equipment to perform full resuscitation if required.

Before delivery, it’s crucial that all medical equipment is tested as well as making sure that there is a way to call in case of an emergency.

The AAC recommends that pregnant women considering home birth should:

  • Have no preexisting medical conditions
  • Be pregnant for at least 37 weeks and no more than 41 weeks
  • Have access to consultation with a healthcare professional
  • Make sure that a trained professional cares for the newborn and attends to any medical emergencies if necessary
  • Ensure that there is available transport to a nearby hospital

Watterberg added:

“It’s important to remember that this is an area of strong emotion. You’ll see babies in home births have terrible things happen, but you also have terrible things happen in the hospital sometimes. Women have the right to make an informed decision.”

The authors concluded:

“The goal of providing high-quality care to all newborn infants can best be achieved through continuing efforts by all participating health care providers and institutions to develop and sustain communications and understanding on the basis of professional interaction and mutual respect throughout the health care system.”

Written by Joseph Nordqvist