Childbirth at home or at the hospital

I have a friend who had her child in her living room! Right there, in an inflatable pool set up on the carpet in her den. I wasn't there, but I saw the pictures, and I heard her tell me about how wonderful it was to be at home with her new baby, her husband, and her parents right after her little girl was born. Her mother cooked a nice, homemade meal that night that they all ate together. They never had to go to the hospital for anything because the birth went smoothly. To be in her own home, she said, was wonderful.

Having a baby at home versus having a baby in the hospital though, is a hot topic.

After interviewing Madalene Smith this week, it's evident that she's made a difference in thousands of lives at Mercy hospital. She a nurse who helps deliver babies there, and cares for every single one of the mothers, fathers and new children she helps bring into the world. The mothers love her. The other nurses are inspired by her. Madalene Smith has made the maternity ward in Mercy pleasant, fun and safe. She's definitely making a difference. (If you haven't already watched, check out this weeks Making A Difference story.)

In the hospital, doctors, nurses and surgeons are readily available in case anything goes wrong. And there are so many things that can go wrong. At home, there are midwives there to guide you through the childbirth. They're trained and capable. They know what to do if something does go wrong. My friend who had her baby in her living room told me, they had a plan of action ready in case anything did happen - they would go to the hospital!

So when I think about home births versus hospital births, it's hard to decide which is best. Perhaps it's up to each mother and father which method is best for them.

For me, I'm not sure. I haven't had any children yet. But when that day comes, I will consider both options I think, with safety on the top of my thoughts.