Why Choose a Homebirth?   There is nothing more beautiful than the experience of giving birth. The female body and mind working together in perfect harmony. It is amazing how when you let the body do what nature intended everything seems to work.                   Familiar, relaxed environment. Labor often progresses most smoothly when the laboring women feels relaxed, safe and fully supported. Many women feel most comfortable and relaxed at home and will birth best in that setting. Woman who birth at home need not worry about leaving for the hospital too early or to late.   Safety. Not a single research study has indicated that the hospital is safer than the home for healthy women with good prenatal care and a trained midwife or doctor. Research does show, however, that women who plan hospital births are much more likely to receive epidurals, cesarean sections, forceps delivery and episiotomies.   Respect. When I attend your birth I will be a guest in your home. While you can count on me to give you my frank professional assessment, I will respect your opinions and preferences, as well. I realize that homebirth is for families that want to take an active role in making informed decisions that affect the birth and well-being of their child.   Family-Centered Care. You are free to invite the people you want to be with you during birth. I do not limit the number or ages of those present. Unlike many institutional births, I will place your baby on your breast immediately after birth and your baby will never be taken from you. I do not believe in separating newborns from their parents during these first magical hours.     Why Homebirth Works Not an illness: Childbirth is not a disease. In fact it is as natural an act as breathing or  walking. However, hospitals are designed to treat everything as a disease or trauma. Medical training is geared towards the care of the sick and injured. The vast majority of babies don't need any help to come into the world. Unfortunately, hospitals are bound by protocols; so many babies are assisted into the world by medical intervention. This steals the euphoria that is natural childbirth from the mother, a sense of loss that stays with many women throughout their life.   Emotional comfort: Having a baby is an intensely personal and emotional experience. Few of us don't like sharing such experiences with people we don't know. The emotional comfort difference between home and hospital is enormous. At home you have chosen who will be there, while in the hospital it is the doctor that controls this.   Pain: Drugs are not the best solution to deal with pain. Developing a birth plan(example- having a water birth) where you will be in the comfort of your own home, where you feel in control, where you are supported by the people you trust and where you have no fear, is the greatest reducer for pain.   The experience: Once the baby arrives, a home birth allows you to bond with your baby instantly. You are all where you live, and your baby instantly starts to feel at home. you can do what you want, whenever you like, it is your house not a ward in a hospital.   "We try to give a birthing woman freedom to find the right position for her own needs and comfort. Unfortunately, in our society we think of birthing as something done while lying down." Michel Odent, MD