The due date is getting closer… You’re probably thinking a lot about what the birth will be like and what matters most to you during this special event. Having a baby is both special and intimate, and it’s important that you feel at home in your chosen place of birth.

And you can take that literally, because the Netherlands is one of the few Western countries where you have the option to give birth at home. Dutch healthcare law considers pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period to be natural events. The guiding principle is to prevent unnecessary medical intervention.

In this article, we’ll describe what a hospital birth can look like, how a home birth takes place, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a home birth, and explore some alternatives. We’ll also share a few tips to help you get started with the decision-making process.

Birth in the hospital

In the Netherlands, for most children, the hospital’s fluorescent lamp is still the first light of life. Giving birth in the hospital is possible under any circumstances. When there is a medical necessity, a hospital birth is always chosen. If the mother has a chronic condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a weak heart, or kidney disease, a hospital birth is always recommended. A hospital birth due to medical necessity is also called a clinical birth. Responsibility lies with the gynecologist, who is often assisted by a clinical midwife. Important reasons to choose a clinical birth are:

• The position of your baby : If your baby is not in the ideal position for delivery (i.e., not in the so-called occiput posterior position), the risk of complications is higher. If your baby is, for example, in a breech position, then a visit to the hospital is advisable.

• Preterm birth : Are you not yet 37 weeks pregnant and is the birth of your baby approaching? Then a hospital delivery is essentially mandatory. A premature baby requires extra medical care.

• Empress Dowager : In some cases, it is already known in advance that a cesarean section is necessary. In that case, you need to go to the hospital.

• Difficult previous delivery : If you have previously had a child and the delivery was difficult, a hospital birth is recommended because the risk of complications is higher.

• Twin : Is there a multiple pregnancy? Then giving birth at home is not a good idea. The risk of complications is higher than with a single baby.

Giving birth in a hospital can be very pleasant, because you are in the capable hands of the gynecologist and the clinical midwife. When there is a medical indication, your health and your baby’s health are closely monitored, and if complications occur during labor, you are already in the best possible place: the hospital. The image of the “birth factory” is long outdated. You can communicate your wishes for the delivery based on a birth plan, and after the birth, you are free to keep your baby close to you.

During a hospital delivery, your partner is also allowed to stay (under normal circumstances). Are you in a lot of pain? Then the hospital has the right resources to treat severe discomfort immediately.

But a hospital is still a hospital, and doctors and midwives often have busy schedules. This means midwives may support multiple births at the same time, the doctor may only step in briefly during the final stage of labor (or in case of complications), and during a longer labor you may need to take shift changes into account. As a result, a different team may suddenly be at your bedside—and in the heat of the moment, and in an environment that can feel far from homely, that can be a bit too much stimulation.

Giving birth at home

Every birth is different, but some parents later describe their hospital birth with dread. This is often due to the feeling of not being heard and having to give up a lot of control. Hospitals follow care protocols, which can sometimes feel impersonal. And feeling at home in a stark white environment that’s far from cozy can be a real challenge.

If you recognize yourself in the above, then giving birth at home might be an option for you. You’re likely more relaxed in your own home than in the hospital, and that can contribute to smoother labor. You can also move and position yourself however you like (in the hospital, you may only be allowed to shower after consultation and with a medical indication), and you don’t have to worry about hospital bacteria. Another important advantage: after the birth, you’re already at home. That can feel much more comfortable with such a vulnerable little explorer.

From when are you allowed to give birth at home? A home birth is only possible if you give birth after week 37, and both mother and child are healthy. Your BMI must also not be higher than 35. There are also requirements regarding the space. There must be running water available, and your bed must be at least 80 centimeters high. Keep in mind that in case of complications, you will still need to go to the hospital (this applies to half of the women who want to give birth at home). For this, it is important that you do not want to give birth on the fourth floor of a canal house and that the birthplace is accessible with a stretcher. This may all sound a bit dramatic, but it is good to know that only 3 percent of home births require emergency intervention.

Is giving birth at home safe?

A study involving 80,000 women has shown that giving birth at home under the supervision of a midwife is just as safe as giving birth in a hospital. In the Netherlands, midwives and maternity nurses are well trained and provide all the necessary support during a home birth. Additionally, they bring a birthing stool, supplies for stitching, medications, oxygen, and anesthetics. This means you hardly have to think about what you need for a home birth yourself.

Giving birth in a bath – is that possible?

Warm water is ideal for naturally reducing the pain of contractions. And for your baby, the bathwater is soothing. Just think about how it floated around in the amniotic fluid for nine months, like a fish in water. The transition to the big, dry outside world is quite a shock. When your baby first enters warm water, that shock can feel a little less intense.

Do you want to give birth in the bath at home? Usually, that’s possible. What do you need for a home water birth? Your own bathtub isn’t very practical because you can’t easily change positions without slipping. The water also cools down quickly, and your midwife probably won’t be able to reach you easily.

That’s why you can buy or rent a special birthing pool. It’s a large, inflatable tub with soft, sturdy edges that keep the water at a comfortable temperature. You can lean on these edges during contractions.

Is giving birth at home safe?

A study involving 80,000 women has shown that giving birth at home under the supervision of a midwife is just as safe as giving birth in a hospital. In the Netherlands, midwives and maternity nurses are well trained and provide all the necessary support during a home birth. Additionally, they bring a birthing stool, supplies for stitching, medications, oxygen, and anesthetics. This means you hardly have to think about what you need for a home birth yourself.

Giving birth in a bath – is that possible?

Warm water is ideal for naturally reducing the pain of contractions. And for your baby, the bathwater is soothing. Just think about how it floated around in the amniotic fluid for nine months, like a fish in water. The transition to the big, dry outside world is quite a shock. When your baby first enters warm water, that shock can feel a little less intense.

Do you want to give birth in the bath at home? Usually, that’s possible. What do you need for a home water birth? Your own bathtub isn’t very practical because you can’t easily change positions without slipping. The water also cools down quickly, and your midwife probably won’t be able to reach you easily.

That’s why you can buy or rent a special birthing pool. It’s a large, inflatable tub with soft, sturdy edges that keep the water at a comfortable temperature. You can lean on these edges during contractions.

Still going to the hospital

It can be a bit disappointing… you’ve prepared everything for a home birth, only to find out you still need to go to the hospital. Still, it’s important to take at least the following situations seriously, as they can occur shortly before or during labor. After all, this concerns your health and your baby’s health. For that reason, it’s also important to have a ready, even if you are planning a home birth.

• Is your amniotic fluid green ? Then your baby has passed stool in the amniotic fluid. Because of possible complications, it’s wise to go to the hospital.

• Is your baby’s heartbeat irregular ? Then it could be that the umbilical cord is around your baby’s neck, or there are other issues during delivery.

• Have your membranes been ruptured for longer than 24 hours ? Because there is an open passage between your little one and the outside world, there is a risk of infection. The longer the baby remains in the womb, the greater the chance of complications. So, off to the hospital to induce labor.

• Do you already have a little push of labor , but you’re not progressing into active labor? Then the hospital can support you more effectively.

• Is the placenta not detaching after childbirth ? Then a gynecologist in the hospital must remove it.

• Is it going not well for you or for the baby ? Then you should always go to the . For example, you might have lost too much , and that can be dangerous.

Disadvantages of home birth

There are also some disadvantages to a home birth. We’ve already mentioned a few above, but below we list them again for you:

• If complications occur during a home birth, there is a good chance you will still need to go to the hospital. This is not only disappointing, but sometimes emergency measures are also required (although true urgency is fortunately rare).

• A midwife or your general practitioner will assist you during a home birth, but a gynecologist or pediatrician does not come to your home. The specialized care they provide is therefore only available in the hospital.

• Medical pain relief during a home birth is limited. Alternative forms of pain relief are available, including acupuncture, HypnoBirthing, and so-called TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), where small electrical impulses intercept the pain signals of contractions.

• If children are present during the delivery, it can be quite distracting.

Tips for your choice: giving birth at home or in a hospital?

Have you read the information above but still don’t feel any closer to deciding whether you want to give birth at home or in the hospital? Then review the following tips—hopefully they’ll make it easier to determine which option is best for you.

Talk to your midwife about your place of birth. She knows your situation and can assess what is safest for you. She’ll also be happy to explain the possible advantages and disadvantages that apply specifically to your circumstances.

Think about your birth plan. Predicting exactly how your labor will unfold is, of course, very difficult. Still, it helps to put your expectations and preferences in writing. This clarifies your thoughts and helps you feel better prepared.

Are you finding it difficult to decide right now? Then you can always wait a little longer. When the time comes, you can decide whether to stay at home or go to the hospital. If you choose this approach, make sure you’re prepared for a possible hospital visit.

Talk to others about childbirth. Whether you want to give birth at home or in the hospital is ultimately very personal, but it can be helpful to ask other (expectant) parents about their experiences and opinions.

Alternatives: the midwifery practice and the birth center

An alternative to giving birth in a hospital is admission to a birth center. During labor, your own midwife is with you, and a hospital is always nearby in case a complication arises. The main advantage over a hospital is that a birth center is intentionally designed to feel homely. It’s essentially a cozy hotel for pregnant women, with the goal of helping you feel at ease.

Your preferences are central in a birth center. You can share your music taste so you can go into labor feeling relaxed. The options for pain relief are also more extensive than with a home birth, with, for example, a large bath or nitrous oxide. Additionally, in a birth center, you can sometimes stay longer after the birth, and maternity care is arranged for you.

Sounds good—so why doesn’t everyone head to birth centers en masse? That’s mainly due to the relatively high costs, which are not covered by every health insurer. Moreover, just like in a hospital, there is a good chance you will encounter changing teams. Also, the likelihood that you will still have to go to the hospital is greater than with a home birth.

Guidance by an obstetric practice

During your pregnancy, you can also contact a midwifery practice. Midwives work there who can support you throughout your pregnancy.

Immediately after a positive pregnancy test, you can visit the midwife practice? That’s possible, but you can also wait until week 9 or 10. A referral letter from your general practitioner is not necessary. During the intake, you will get to know the midwife better, and the midwife will get to know you. Because this person will guide you for a short period (up to a few months), it is important that there is a good connection with them. During labor at home or in the hospital, the midwife will be present. If there is a complication or if your baby is born too early or too late, the birth will take place in the hospital together with your midwife, under the supervision of an obstetrician.

Life finds its way everywhere

Please provide the text you want to be translated from Dutch to English. The birth was a magical experience for me, and although we had originally planned differently, a home birth ultimately was the right choice. I was able to support my wife throughout the entire process, I felt involved, and it became a beautiful and intimate experience that I will never forget. .”, says Marius (47 years old, father of Noah and Liam) about the home birth. It was planned, it went differently, and in the end, he was very happy with the beautiful result.

Whatever place you choose for what is likely one of the most significant moments of parenthood, life will find its way. We wish you all the best in the coming period!