06/29/2022
What ✨Not✨ to say when someone you know decides to birth at home (or anywhere outside of the hospital)
"You know you don't get an award for that, right?"
She is not choosing the home birth route for attention or praise (as deserved as it may be) and to let her know that she will not be receiving any implies that that is her goal in birthing at home. She may choose this route for any number of reasons, but most likely your admiration is not one of them!
"Don't do that! Someone I know nearly died in childbirth!"
As well-intentioned as this may seem, every birth is different. There are plenty of horror stories for every birthing situation. Sharing these with an expecting mother will do nothing but harm.
"Just wait until those contractions start, you'll want the drugs"
This can imply that you believe her to be weaker than she believes she is. Yes, labor can be painful. Yes, it is extremely hard work. BUT, with preparation, coping techniques, and the right support team, home birth can be incredibly empowering.
"That's so irresponsible, don't you want your baby to be safe?"
Trust that your friend has done her research and taken all of the necessary precautions. Consider that there may be information out there about the safety of out of hospital birth that you do not know about.
The best thing to do is support your friend and leave her birth plan between her and her provider! 🧡