Opting for a Home Birth: San Francisco

Pregnancy is life changing for women and their spouses or partners. When a woman's pregnant belly grows, so will her questions--her need for information about what is still to come, not just during pregnancy and labor, but after the birth as well. Many women seek the answers and reassurance they need from a doula or a midwife. San Francisco residents are fortunate to have easy access to midwifery and home birth services, and there are definitely some wonderful labor coaches from which to choose. The best way to go about finding the midwife that's right for you is by getting recommendations from people you trust and interviewing potential candidates. The number one rule: ultimately, you have to be comfortable with the midwife you choose before, during, and after the birth of your child. After all, it is one of the most personal and intimate periods of your life.

Every pregnant woman has the opportunity to decide if they want a midwife instead of a physician to help with pre-natal care and childbirth. Physicians rely on conventional birthing techniques and medicines throughout the course of the pregnancy, usually in a clinical setting. Midwives, on the other hand, tend to approach childbirth with a holistic, minimal intervention policy. Many women find that they're more comfortable with the midwife's approach to natural childbirth, and also choose to have a home birth. San Francisco has wonderful hospitals, but no matter where people live and what kinds of medical care they have access to, there will always be women who prefer to bring the baby into the peaceful, warm, and loving world that only your very own home can provide. Most midwives will deliver babies at home or in the hospital, depending on the choices of the mother. Mothers need to realize, however, that midwives can only supplement the medical support given at the hospital--they can't take over completely, and they have to work with the hospital's schedule.

If you choose to hire a midwife, make sure that she is licensed to practice midwifery in your area. If you're choosing a home birth, San Francisco is home to many direct-entry midwives that specialize in supporting women who opt out of the hospital. Licensing and regulations vary from state to state, so make sure the person you choose is both qualified and legal. If you're not sure where to begin your search, ask your obstetrician, inquire at your local women's center, or simply do an online search for "home birth San Francisco." Line up preliminary appointments with them to see who you're the most comfortable with. Feel free to ask candid questions about their training and experience, what their attitude is towards pregnancy and childbirth, how they handle complications, and what types of services they provide. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as necessary, interviewing several midwives if you need to.

If you're considering undergoing labor at home and/or having a natural childbirth, San Francisco should make it very easy for you to find someone you trust to back up your choices while making you feel comfortable and safe. Unlike many physicians, midwives are skilled at smoothing out some of the emotional peaks and valleys that can affect a pregnant woman or new mommy. Should you choose to hire a midwife (San Francisco resident or otherwise) you shouldn't have too much difficulty finding someone you trust who specializes in helping women prepare to give birth with minimal intervention. A natural childbirth, whether performed at home or in the hospital, increases chances that both mother and baby will have a healthy and happy post-natal period. Labor coaches and midwives provide a wealth of knowledge and support for a woman while she undergoes her most life-altering transformation.

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