Cindy Crawford, Demi Moore, and Gwyneth Paltrow are just a few of the celebrity moms who have chosen to deliver their babies at home. They, like thousands of women in the U.S. and other developed countries, are on the forefront of a trend that has seen a slight uptick in recent years: the home birth. But even as the practice increases as part of a larger, natural-delivery movement, having babies at home remains a source of controversy. The medical establishment opposes the practice, insisting that it leads to an increased risk of birth injury and infant mortality, as well as potential post-natal complications for mother and child. Proponents of home births argue that existence of attorneys in Pennsylvania specializing in birth injury claims suggests that hospital deliveries pose the greater risk.
What accounts for the trend? Women who choose to deliver at home with the assistance of a midwife offer a number of reasons. Interestingly, many mothers argue that home deliveries are safer and offer less risk of infection than a hospital or delivery center. Others say they like the familiarity and comfort that come with having a baby at home. Another factor for some women is having greater control of the process without the intervention and, some say, pressure of medical staff. That’s an argument doctors tend to take issue with, insisting that hospitals are far safer and better equipped to respond should an emergency arise. The prevalence of medical interventions such as Cesarean section and forceps delivery in some birth injuries, however, carries considerable weight, as Pennsylvania malpractice attorneys are quick to note.
Women who choose to stay at home often want to deliver their babies naturally and without anesthesia. They contend these decisions are sometimes – though not always – discouraged by hospital staff anxious to avoid complications. On the other hand, ample evidence shows that infant mortality rates dropped significantly as hospital deliveries became the norm in the 20th century. Although conflicting studies exist, there is evidence to suggest a difference in the mortality rates between planned and unplanned home deliveries which may affect the perception of risk. They key to a safe home delivery may be skilled assistance who can monitor both mother and child and recognize quickly if transfer to a hospital setting is needed to prevent a catastrophe.
Proponents of home births say that safety, comfort, and control are essential to a smooth delivery and a healthy child. Their arguments, to some extent, are backed by the statistics regarding hospital birth injuries and attorneys filing malpractice suits for unnecessary medical intervention. The obstetrics community, on the other hand, is all too familiar with the rates of infant mortality resulting from poorly equipped home-delivery settings. As the natural-birth movement continues to gather steam in Pennsylvania, it’s a debate likely to continue.
Birth Injury Attorney Pennsylvania – To find a birth injury attorney in Pennsylvania, contact Rosenbaum & Associates for a free consultation. The Rosenbaum & Associates legal team is nationally recognized for their diligence in standing up to the medical community and insurance companies on behalf of clients who have suffered injury.
