Gisele Bündchen is planning a home birth: Pros and cons

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen is expecting a baby with boyfriend Joaquim Valente, reports Fox News Digital.

The 44-year-old supermodel is expecting for the third time. She has two kids with ex-husband retired NFL Tom Brady. She is planning a home birth, according to People Magazine. Gisele Bündchen is no stranger to home birth, as she has previously done while expecting her son. However, experts think the risks might vary.

Talitha Phillips, a labor and postpartum doula and CEO of health nonprofit Claris Health told Fox News that the biggest concern with home birth is the less access to necessary medical interventions, in case of any medical complication.

Kristin Revere, an elite certified birth, postpartum, and infant care doula and owner of Gold Coast Doulas in Michigan, pointed out that homebirths are not covered by general insurance. She further stated that if an epidural is needed, transferring the mother to the hospital would be difficult.

The experts are also of the opinion that, though home birth has some risks, it also has some benefits, including the expecting mother having a comfortable environment, and it would feel ‘less clinical’.

Childbirth is indeed a life-changing experience that impacts the expecting mother physically, emotionally, and socially. The right to choose the place of birth is up to the mother and the family. Though home births aren’t common, some people continue to choose them.

Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of home birth.

Pros

• Home birth gives the expectant parents control over the experience, by allowing them to personalize the environment, choosing the setting, people, and birthing plan. This might help them embrace the bond.
  
• Familiar settings could put you at ease. When you choose to have a home birth, you have the opportunity to feel at home, quite literally. This sense of familiarity could help you loosen up and feel relaxed during the birth.
  
• In-home births, there is a lower likelihood of C-sections compared to hospital births. The reason behind this is the minimal interventions. This allows labor to progress naturally at its own pace.
  
• After home birth, the mother gets the opportunity for unlimited skin-to-skin touch with child. This interaction will strengthen the bond between the mother and child and is proven to be beneficial for both.
  
• In a relaxed environment, the mother could breastfeed the newborn.
  
• Cultural and religious concerns.
  
• Home birth is inexpensive, compared to hospital births.
  

Cons

• Though home birth is likely safe for healthy, low-risk pregnancies, it isn’t suitable for everyone. Expecting mothers who have pre-existing medical conditions are at higher risk during home birth.
  
• The financial aid will be mostly zero for home births, as many insurance policies do not cover home birth expenses.
  
• The biggest concern during home birth is the unexpected complications. In such cases of an emergency, transferring the pregnant woman to the hospital might arise. This situation can be stressful for the mother.
  
• Analyzing the health of the newborn is crucial. So in home births, if at all there arises a complication, it could put the life of either the mother or the baby, or both at risk.
  
• Postpartum hemorrhage is a serious concern during home births.

(Pic courtesy: Instagram/ Gisele Bündchen)