Planned Home Birth
Planned Home Birth (PHB) is a model of care that respects the physiology of birth and centers the woman and her family. It is conducted at home, in a welcoming, safe, and familiar environment, accompanied by a team of qualified professionals.
This model promotes a more respectful and natural birth experience, with interventions only when necessary, unlike the hospital-centered model commonly used in Brazil, which often leads to unnecessary cesarean sections and practices not based on scientific evidence.
How does home birth support work in Florianópolis with Parteras Sin Fronteras?
Safety is our priority throughout the entire process, from prenatal care to postpartum. Here’s how we work:
Personalized Prenatal Care
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We offer full or shared care with other healthcare services.
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We monitor the health of the mother and baby to ensure the pregnancy remains low-risk.
During Birth
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Two experienced nurse-midwives will be present throughout labor, birth, and immediate postpartum.
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Continuous monitoring of the mother and baby's vital signs, using equipment like a Doppler sonar for fetal heart tones.
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Emergency equipment is available, including medications for hemorrhage and neonatal ventilation (ambu).
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A pre-established plan for hospital transfer in case of need, with established routes and partnerships with nearby hospitals.
Immediate Postpartum
Careful assessment of the mother and newborn's well-being.
Support for the emotional and physical needs of the family during this transitional moment.
Extended Postpartum
Three consultations after birth, including:
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Assessment of the mother's recovery.
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Monitoring the newborn’s health.
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Technical and emotional support for breastfeeding.
Care for the Baby at Birth
Does the baby need to leave home after birth?
No! In Planned Home Birth, we ensure all necessary newborn care at home, just as it would be provided in a maternity ward.
Care provided to the baby:
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Skin-to-skin contact: Strengthens bonding, regulates temperature, and calms the baby.
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Complete newborn assessment:
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Checking primitive reflexes.
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Heart and lung auscultation.
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General health assessment.
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Newborn heart screening test: Detects potential heart problems.
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Breastfeeding support: Guidance on correct latch, positioning, and signs of good nutrition.
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Preservation of the umbilical cord: Cut only after the pulsation stops, ensuring more nutrients for the baby.
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Umbilical stump care guidance: Instructions on how to care for the umbilical cord until it heals.
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Baby’s Registration:
After birth, we provide the Declaration of Live Birth (DNV), the same document issued by hospitals, allowing parents to register the baby at the civil registry with ease.
Why is PHB safe?
Studies and recommendations from international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Royal College, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, indicate that Planned Home Birth is safe for low-risk pregnancies, provided that:
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It is conducted by qualified professionals, such as nurse-midwives or midwives.
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It follows strict evaluation and care protocols.
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There is readiness for swift transfer if needed.
Safety Data:
Studies show that:
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PHB has complication rates equal to or lower than hospital births for low-risk pregnancies.
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The rate of unnecessary interventions in PHB is significantly lower, promoting better recovery for both the mother and baby.
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Planned home births have lower rates of infection, as the home environment does not expose the mother and baby to hospital pathogens.
Equipment and Team Preparation:
All maternal and neonatal care materials are of hospital-grade quality and available at the location.
Emergency protocols are regularly trained to ensure agility and precision.
Pre-planning for potential complications, with calculated response times for transfers, if necessary.
Can all women give birth at home?
No. PHB is only recommended for women with low-risk pregnancies, meaning those who do not have:
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Conditions like uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or other illnesses that may increase risks.
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Clinical or laboratory changes indicating the need for hospital monitoring.
Safety Criteria:
We perform continuous evaluations during prenatal care to ensure the pregnancy remains low-risk.
All protocols follow international recommendations and are rigorously applied to protect both mother and baby.
How are potential complications managed?
Even in low-risk pregnancies, unforeseen circumstances can arise. Therefore, we are prepared to act swiftly and effectively in cases of:
Fetal Bradycardia:
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We continuously monitor fetal heart tones with a Doppler sonar to track the baby’s response during labor.
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If needed, we quickly transfer the mother to the hospital, ensuring fetal oxygenation during transit.
Postpartum Hemorrhage:
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After birth, we monitor uterine contractions and bleeding.
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We use uterotonic medications to control bleeding and stabilize the mother at home.
Baby’s Breathing Difficulties:
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We use an ambu bag for ventilation, if necessary, keeping the baby connected to the umbilical cord to ensure oxygenation until their breathing stabilizes.
Transfer Rates:
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Transfers are rare, representing less than 5% of the cases we assist with.
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In cases requiring transfer, we prioritize rapid communication with the hospital and continue monitoring the mother until arrival.
Does the doula replace the technical team?
No, the doula and the medical team have complementary roles.
While the doula provides emotional and physical support, the medical team ensures safety and clinical monitoring. Together, they create a supportive and safe birth experience.
We explain more about the difference between a doula and a nurse-midwife in this article on our blog.
