People who wish to give birth at home may do so assisted by midwives. These deliveries have been governed by a regulation of the Midwifery Act since April 2005. Mothers and their families may therefore receive all the necessary assistance at home, with the collaboration of the health services.
A home birth, like birth centres, is as safe as giving in the hospital. However, it is only offered to healthy people with normal pregnancies. This represents approximately 85% of pregnancies.
Home births are also practised safely in a large number of industrialized countries such as the United States, England and the Netherlands.
Three essential conditions to be able to give birth at home
- Your residence must be located 30 minutes from a hospital;
- You must have access to a telephone;
- Your pregnancy should not present any risk or complication.
Other conditions may be required. Do not hesitate to discuss this with your midwife.