Fieldbirths

Fieldbirth, also known as out-of-hospital birth or home birth when occurring in a residence, refers to childbirth that takes place outside of a traditional medical facility, such as a hospital or birth center. Historically, fieldbirths were the norm, with women giving birth at home attended by midwives or other family members.

In contemporary times, fieldbirths are often chosen for personal or philosophical reasons, including a desire for a more natural birth experience, greater control over the birthing environment, or to avoid medical interventions. Some individuals also opt for fieldbirths due to accessibility issues or personal preference for care from a known provider. These births are typically attended by trained midwives, doulas, or sometimes physicians who have experience with out-of-hospital settings.

The safety of fieldbirths is a subject of ongoing discussion and research. For low-risk pregnancies, planned out-of-hospital births attended by skilled birth attendants can be safe, with lower rates of certain interventions like cesarean sections and episiotomies compared to hospital births. However, potential risks associated with childbirth, such as hemorrhage or fetal distress, require immediate access to emergency medical care. Therefore, planning for fieldbirths often includes arrangements for timely transfer to a hospital if complications arise. Careful screening of candidates for fieldbirth is crucial to ensure suitability for an out-of-hospital setting.