Are you considering having your baby naturally out of a hospital? It can be very rewarding to have your baby at home, where family and friends can gather in the home to celebrate the birth of your infant. Here are a few tips, and thoughts you should consider.

1. Plan to have a mid-wife present for the birth. It is not wise to risk a delivery without a trained professional to help you, and to aid in making decisions if problems arise. Your Doctor and their nurse are most likely not allowed to work with you on a home delivery.

2. Discuss your plans with your family, and your Doctor. You Doctor may be able to direct you to a great mid-wife they have worked with before.

3. Consider how you wish to deliver your baby. Do you want to have the baby in your bed? Are you considering having the baby in a squatting position? Some mothers prefer renting a birthing tub, and having a water delivery. Discuss your preferred method with your mid-wife to make sure they are comfortable with the style of delivery, and can aid you in making plans.

4. Come to terms with the facts of pain without medication. Once the process begins of having your baby naturally, out of a hospital environment, you will be dealing with pain through breathing techniques, massage, and will power. You will not have access to an anesthesiologist to administer the pain medications found in a hospital.

5. Prepare a list of phone numbers of family and friends you wish to have at your home. Designate the person who will make the phone calls. You may be a little preoccupied.

6. Have a backup plan of action prepared. Talk to your mid-wife and formulate the plan for problems. You need to know which Doctor to call, which hospital you will go to, and prepare a small bag, just in case. Normally a home delivery goes smoothly, and you have no worries.

7. Who is going to assist you during the first one or two days at home? When you have your baby in a hospital you have nurses to assist you. Having your baby naturally at home means there is no call button to summon a nurse. You need to plan whether your husband, or other family member will assist you during those early hours.

8. Put together an entertainment package for your hours of labor. You will enjoy listening to music, watching a movie, or other distractions while you wait those long hours for the big moment.

Choosing to have your baby naturally out of a hospital is a big decision, and one you can be proud to make. It changes the burden of preparation from the hospital to you. Your parents and friends may be shocked by your decision, until they understand it allows them to become more involved. By taking time to plan for the big day well in advance your home delivery will be the experience you dream about.