Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Elizabeth Cohen
Published on 2024-02-23 09:30:34
Kay Kay Lineweaver, like many mothers, experienced a difficult first birthing experience. She was forced into a cesarean section after her baby was breech, despite wanting to give birth vaginally. Feeling like she had no control, Lineweaver was determined to have a different experience with her second child. She sought a vaginal birth after a C-section (VBAC), which carries an increased risk due to the possibility of scar tearing and uterine rupture.
Hospitals near her home in Abilene, Texas, were not willing to accommodate her VBAC. She was turned away by local birthing centers and faced rejection from multiple midwives before finding three who were willing to attend her home birth. She ultimately chose a midwife near Waco, Texas, nearly 200 miles from her home. Despite the increased risk, she felt reassured knowing she would be near a hospital in case of an emergency.
Lineweaver’s daughter, Nova, was born in a calm and positive environment, in stark contrast to her first hospital birth experience. She believes that the circumstances of a person’s birth play a role in shaping who they become. Despite home births making up less than 2% of all births in the U.S., there has been a significant increase in the number of people choosing to give birth outside of a hospital setting.
This increase is especially evident in high-risk pregnancies, such as VBACs, breech births, and multiple pregnancies. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in home births, possibly due to fear of contracting the virus in a hospital setting or concerns about undergoing labor alone due to hospital restrictions. The increase in high-risk home births has sparked debate and concern among medical professionals.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) acknowledges the right of women to make informed decisions about delivery. However, it raises concerns about the increased risks associated with home births. ACOG has specified that VBACs, breech births, and multiple pregnancies are “an absolute contraindication to planned home birth.” Despite this guidance, the number of high-risk home births continues to rise.
The safety of high-risk home births is a subject of limited research, but data points to increased risks when compared to hospital births. Lineweaver spent her second pregnancy researching the risks and benefits extensively. Her commitment to avoiding another C-section was based on the information she gathered from various studies and consultations with her midwife. She felt comfortable with the increased risk due to the experience and knowledge of her midwife, as well as the proximity to a hospital.
When Lineweaver finally gave birth to Nova, she described the experience as magical, spiritual, and renewing. She was pleased with her decision to give birth outside of a hospital and expressed that it was an amazing experience. Despite her positive outcome, medical professionals like Sarah Little of ACOG continue to express concerns about the risks associated with high-risk home births. The debate surrounding the safety of home births and their increasing popularity remains ongoing.
