The global trend toward home births has been ongoing for many years. The percentage of such births fluctuates depending on the country—this is influenced by many factors, not just the wishes of pregnant women. Read about the situation with home births in Ukraine, as well as how to ensure the safety of the mother and newborn while preserving the naturalness of the process, in this UNN report.
One of the most progressive countries regarding home births is the Netherlands—up to 16% of all births in the country take place at home. This is a very high figure, achieved through a philosophy that childbirth is a maximally natural process and that a pregnancy with a low risk of complications does not require unnecessary medical interventions. However, most developed countries have formed a different approach—there, the work of midwives outside of hospitals is not encouraged, and in some places, it is explicitly prohibited. Consequently, the percentage of home births is very low.
Studies related to the observation of planned home births indicate a lower number of obstetric interventions, but at the same time, such births are associated with a higher risk of perinatal death and neonatal seizures.
In Ukraine, home births are effectively unregulated. However, no doctor has the right to officially attend a birth at home. Nevertheless, there is a demand for a maximally home-like atmosphere and a natural process. The response to this has been "home birth" programs within hospitals. For example, the "Birth Without Limits" program has been operating at the capital's Perinatal Center for many years.
"Home births—within the walls of a maternity hospital. We created these conditions—back at Maternity Hospital No. 5, about 500 births a year took place in this format. We created completely comfortable conditions within the hospital walls—with hydromassage tubs, without gynecological chairs. Women gave birth in whatever way was comfortable for them. On the floor, on a stool—however they wanted. Of course, we cannot deviate from our protocols, and we must protect the woman from complications. But we are ready to create conditions that are more comfortable for the woman: she stays in the position that is more convenient for her, or, for example, stays in the tub, where the pain of contractions is somewhat reduced. These births may take a bit longer, but the woman feels that she is in control of the process: both she and the child," said Dmytro Govseiev, Director of the Perinatal Center and Honored Doctor of Ukraine, in an interview with UNN.
Some women have a previous traumatic experience of giving birth in strictly hospital conditions, while others, conversely, have already had a positive experience with home births. But women who choose this format usually seek peace and comfort, control over the process, naturalness, and timely support from loved ones or a doula. And, as it turns out, all these needs can be met within a hospital setting.
At the Perinatal Center, a separate room is dedicated to such births, where an appropriate atmosphere has been created—there are no white walls or standard medical equipment; instead, there is a comfortable bed, a bathtub, a stool for vertical birth, a fitball, and even wall bars. Here, the pregnant woman can relax, listen to music, or drink herbal tea, and receive support from loved ones or, for example, a psychologist. Doctors observe and provide support as needed.
Importantly, behind this comfort for the mother lies strict adherence to safety rules and medical protocols. In case something goes wrong, a "Plan B" is in place—the mother will instantly receive full medical assistance. Furthermore, during the pregnancy management stage, the woman receives a consultation on whether such a "home birth" is suitable for her or if there are risks involved.
Such an alternative to home birth makes it possible to create a balance between a cozy atmosphere and the safety of the mother and child.