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Where can you give birth?
Where can you give birth, the different options at a glance
If the pregnancy is going well and there is no medical indication, you can decide for yourself where you want to give birth. This can be at home or in the hospital. Are you still undecided? We list the facts and pros and cons for you.
At home
In short
You will be guided by your own midwife at home during the delivery and the birth of your baby.
For whom
If there is no (medical) indication and it is responsible to give birth at home, then you are allowed to give birth at home in the Netherlands. Provided that you give birth between 37 and 42 weeks and the hospital is a maximum of thirty minutes away by car.
The idea behind it
The birth of your child takes place in a familiar environment. This gives some pregnant women peace, confidence and a safe feeling. They relax better as a result, which can have a positive effect on the course of the delivery.
Some facts/figures
The Netherlands is one of the few European countries where you can give birth at home. However, there has been a decrease in the number of home births: in 2010, the share of home births was 25 percent, in 1965 this was still 70 percent. But these figures are constantly changing. (Source: CBS)
How safe is it?
Just as safe as giving birth in hospital, you and your baby are not at greater risk. A home birth is often associated with a shorter recovery time and fewer infections. Various studies have shown that giving birth at home has the lowest risk of complications for mother and child.
Who is/are present?
The midwife is present during the active dilation phase. Furthermore, you can decide for yourself who you want to have around you. If necessary, you can be supported from the first contractions by an Early Parturition Assistant (VIP): a maternity nurse who is trained to provide support during the birth.
What kind of birth?
A natural birth without medical interventions and without medicinal pain relief. Trust in yourself and your own strength are the starting point.
Pain relief
Medical pain relief, such as an epidural, is not possible during a home birth. With the help of good breathing and/or a massage, you can relieve some of the pain. We offer mild pain relief in the form of a TENS device (which uses mild electric shocks to relieve the pain of the contractions) and sterile water injections and laughing gas. Other options include: hypnobirthing and acupuncture. You can read all about pain relief at home here.
Ter overweging
- You are in your own familiar environment, with your own bathroom and toilet.
- You have all the privacy and can do what you want, for example, lie quietly in the bath.
- You can try out all birthing positions undisturbed.
- You lie in your own bed and can also sleep in your own bed after the birth.
- You can be distracted by children, which prevents you from relaxing.
- Keep in mind that medical complications can always occur, for which you sometimes have to go to the hospital at the last minute with painful (pushing) contractions
In the hospital
In short
If you choose to give birth in the hospital, without medical indication, this is called an outpatient delivery.
For whom
Every pregnant woman can choose an outpatient delivery. If the delivery goes as desired, mother and baby can often return home within 24 hours.
The idea behind it
Many women find it reassuring and safe to give birth in hospital, because medical pain relief can be provided and doctors are present who can intervene in the event of unforeseen complications. In that case, it is a medical birth and no longer an outpatient birth. Pain relief may not be given during an outpatient birth.
How safe is it?
Research shows that a planned outpatient birth is just as safe an option as a planned home birth under the supervision of a midwife. However, there is a greater risk of intervention during the birth. In hospital, there is a greater chance of infections for you and your baby, due to the presence of bacteria and viruses.
Who is/are there?
Your own midwife will supervise the birth. In addition, a nurse or maternity nurse will be present for support. These ladies are well trained in supervising births!
What kind of delivery?
A natural delivery that starts at home, you often go to the hospital during the dilation phase. The midwife will decide together with you – based on the dilation – when you go to the hospital.
Pain relief
If you consciously choose to or have difficulty coping with the contractions during delivery or can no longer tolerate the pain, medical pain relief is possible. You will then be transferred to the gynaecologist at the hospital. You will then have a medical delivery and no longer an outpatient delivery. The epidural anesthesia, infusion pump (Remifentanyl) and injections with painkiller (pethidine) are most commonly used in the Netherlands.
For consideration
- In the hospital, you have less privacy and freedom of movement.
- It can be a bit restless because of the hospital staff present and the noise from other delivery rooms. This can make it harder for you to relax, which can make the contractions painful.
- Figures show that an artificial delivery (using a vacuum pump) occurs more often in hospital births than in home births.
- If you want to give birth in the hospital without a medical indication, you will pay a personal contribution. You can take out additional insurance if necessary. Consult your health insurance.