Summary of Critical Points by Peter F. Schlenzka Doctoral thesis comparing safety and costs of natural, out-of-hospital birth with in-hospital obstetric births. He finds out-of-hospital births to be slightly safer and significantly superior in terms of economic costs ($13 billion annually) and social costs (reduced incidence of birth trauma and bonding disorders).

May 2011- Annotated bibliography provides citations and critical appraisal of original studies on home birth.

Conclusion: Home birth can be accomplished with good outcomes under the care of qualified practitioners and within a system that facilitates transfer to hospital care when necessary.

Healthy women with qualified care providers, usually midwives, can have safe home births.

Home birth can be a safe option for 90% of mothers, with appropriate prenatal care and attendant personnel.

Outcomes given less prominence were no significant differences in perinatal mortality, and in neonatal deaths with planned home births attended by certified midwives. Mothers planning a home birth were significantly less likely to have a preterm or low birthweight baby.

Objective - To assess procedures and outcomes in deliveries planned at home versus those planned in hospital among women choosing the place of delivery.

Safe in selected women, and with adequate infrastructure and support

Hospitals have only existed for a short period of time (and thank goodness they exist!). As birth transitioned from midwives to doctors in hospitals it was taken over by timelines, schedules, protocols, policies, etc. It became a business. Hospitals offer a ton of wonderful things that save lives all the time. But not all births can be expected to go the same way, to happen within a certain time frame, to be void of surprises. Every woman labors in her own way

With my second pregnancy, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to deliver at home with Hillary Kieser and Gentle Birth Care. Inc. She delivered my first at the hospital in the ABC room of West Suburban Hospital

When I went into labor, I felt knowledgeable and comfortable with what was to come.

I began listening to my Hypnobirthing audio and labored in bed (which had been prepared for potential delivery if necessary). My water broke at 11:30pm, and right after that, Hillary and Rita arrived.

How wonderful to be HOME!

The experience of having a home birth was amazing. The midwives were incredible, calm, and focused. Being able to climb into bed with our own pillows and sheets was so comforting. Mike made everyone eggs and pancakes and we enjoyed staring at you and welcoming you into our family.

Poppy’s birth story, told by big sister Olive Jenkyns, age 9

After I delivered her head and most her body Hillary had me reach down and grab Minnow as the rest of her emerged from me. I quickly looked and found she was a girl and exclaimed, “Julia was right!”