Home Birth During Covid-19?
Midwifery Care North Don River Valley: Home birth during COVID-19?
Choice of birthplace for a well pregnant person at low risk of complications during COVID-19.
While hospitals remain a safe choice during the pandemic, keeping healthy people out of hospital can ensure resources are targeted to those who need them most. Home births can be a form of social distancing, and has the potential to relieve strain on an overburdened hospital in the context of a pandemic.
However, much is unknown about providing home- based intrapartum care in the context of the current pandemic, including a lack of evidence about outcomes for clients with mild illness associated with COVID-19.
Ontario evidence shows that home birth is as safe as hospital for clients who are low risk and attended by a midwife.
Association of Ontario Midwives Video about home birth:
Is home birth right for me?
If you are a well pregnant person, with a low risk pregnancy, talk to your midwife if home birth is right for you.
Some of the reasons you might choose home birth include: you value birth with less intervention, you want more control over your movement and environment, you feel comfortable and safe at home, and are confident in your ability to give birth.
Home birth is NOT recommended if:
You, a family member or close contact have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19. Hospital birth is recommended.
You have a clinical or personal health reason to give birth in hospital.
What can I do to prepare my home during COVID-19?
Pregnant people and their support people are asked to self-isolate as much as possible in the weeks leading up to the birth.
Regularly clean the surfaces in your homes.
Your midwives will give you a recommended list of supplies to have for your
home birth.
Association of Ontario Midwives clinical FAQ about COVID and home birth:
What happens at a home birth?
Midwives care for you in your home for active labour and for monitoring after the birth.
Your midwives will bring all of the necessary medical equipment they need for the labour, birth, postpartum and to care for your baby.
Read here for more information on the care provided during a home birth.
Association of Ontario Midwives general FAQ about home birth
What might change my plans to have a home birth?
If you, a family member or close contact develops any symptoms.
If your health changes during your pregnancy, a home birth may no longer be
recommended.
If there are not enough midwives when you go into labour.
If midwives do not have enough personal protective equipment to provide
care in the home setting.
If any concerns arise during your labour, you may be transferred to the
hospital to give birth.
Updated: April 7, 2020