One of the most common questions brought up during an interview with a homebirth midwife is what happens at home if we have a complication or an emergency? One of our homebirth tenets is that, in the end, we want a great birth experience but ultimately, we all want a healthy mom and healthy baby. Most women will tell you that no matter how much they prepared for labor, their experience was very different than what they had expected and because of that, I always encourage everyone to remain flexible with their birth plan. On occasion,a problem may arise which makes us reconsider if staying home is reasonable. The dilemma is if we should transfer and when and how. Should we take a chance, push through the complication with the hope that things will be fine? But then, if they are not, the transfer is definitely more chaotic. Or, should we move sooner to avoid a chaotic transfer? As I go through the decision process to recommend a transfer, I can’t stop thinking about how much hope and effort my client put into this homebirth experience. I often spent hours and hours at her side, watched her worked so hard. As I start to put my words together before initiating this conversation with her and her support people, I often agonize at the thoughts of how things are about to change for her. Switching from a peaceful, quiet, nurturing home environment to the hospital with its bright lights, loud noises, and “rules and policies” can be very confusing, if not upsetting. Women whose birth plan didn’t work out also deserve praise and recognition for their endless efforts and hard work. Know that we look at you as our champions. You are strong, real strong
