There are many reasons why a woman will choose to forgo the usual physician and hospital approach and have her baby outside of the hospital. Regardless of the reason, out-of-hospital birth with a licensed midwife is a safe alternative for maternity care and birth.

Many women desire this option because they are interested in having a water birth, or laboring in water to ease labor pains. The warm water relaxes muscles, which not only makes the contractions easier to manage, but makes for a gentler birth for baby. Others elect to have midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth since they can labor and birth in whatever position feels comfortable to them; following their instincts and feeling what her body needs her to do, without being forced onto her back in a bed.

With an out-of-hospital birth, the mother is the decision maker and is completely supported by those around her. There are no rooms full of strangers or loud noises, no people trying to hurry her labor process, and no unfamiliar machines wrapping themselves all around her making it difficult to labor effectively. She is seen and honored for the unique person she is, and the brave journey she is undertaking in bringing her child Earth-side.

When you give birth at a licensed birthing center or in your home with a midwife, the connection created between everyone involved only deepens the emotions that flood the room at the time of birth: the sense of pride a mother feels as she brings her baby to her chest; the joy of a new father at being able to actively participate in the birth of his child; the peacefulness of a baby being born into a candle-lit room with soft music playing in the background; older siblings and family members being involved in the process. The experience is incredible and life-changing for all involved!