What Are The Advantages of Hospital Birth?
Even though current research does not show increased risks to mother or baby when women chose home birth, there are some advantages to a hospital birth including: • Quicker access to blood products for transfusion in emergencies • Potentially quicker access to on-call specialists (obstetrician, paediatrician) • Additional equipment, medications and staff to assist in emergencies • Possible delay in ambulance transport if other emergencies are occurring in the community or if poor weather conditions are present • Access to a physician who could intubate a baby who is not breathing when meconium is present in the amniotic fluid • Availability of continuous nursing support for mothers who would like a longer hospital stay and feel they would rest better in a hospital setting after the birth
