Todays Question comes from Merry, and Intended Mom who has recently become matched with a Surrogate.
Merry's Question: My Surrogate has delivered her three children at home, and has asked if we would be comfortable with a Home Birth for this Surrogacy?
Great Question.The answer isnt as simple as one might think.There are many factors at play when planning the Birth of a Surrogate Baby.The first one that likely comes to mind is Safety.Is a Homebirth safe?
I have posted some links here to look at the Safety of Homebirth, and when a Homebirth makes sense, or doesn't.
*** ***The above links share many resources for those considering Homebirth, and will be a great resource, and conversation between you, and the potential Gestational carrier.
The second question is "Who's house", as the Surrogate will want to rest post birth, and the Intended parents will want to begin bonding immediately.For these reasons, we often suggest (once all parties agree to a home birth), to find a mutual space.Often midwives have spaces in which a Delivery can happen, OR alternately we find two side by side vacation rental cabins so that everyone is close, however not in any one person's home.Those details will likely be sorted out by your midwife, with support of the agency closer to the time of delivery.
Thirdly, "What if" you cant come to a mutual decision, but for all other reasons, you'd like to work together??
I would suggest looking into a Birthing Center in your community.It is a space that mimics ones home, but provides more support than home, however less interventions than a hospital.
There are many scenarios, that even when a Home birth is planned, the stars aren't aligned, and one isnt possible.These would include, a multiple pregnancy, a vbac, a pregnancy facing other complicating factors, including high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or a breech baby(in most cases)
We dont hold opinions on HOme Births, rather we hold space, allowing Intended parents, and Surrogates to navigate all options, and make the best decision for them as they move through the Birth planning Process.
To submit your Question to Leia Swanberg, owner of CFC, please email *** or call our office at *** *** ***
www.fertilityconsultants.ca
