Womans Day 26.September 2005

Petra's Baby Boy - Jude's birth was full of surprises

Although home birth is not a new phenomenon, statistics show it is still not that popular among New Zealand women.
According to Statistics New Zealand, babies born at home make up just for two per cent of the country's births. However, there are many reasons why some women choose to have babies at home. Some of the advantages with a home birth include being in a familar environment, privacy, emotional wellbeing, immediate bonding time and family involvement.

There are even claims that having a home birth leaves the mother and baby less susceptile to infection and that breast-feeding is easier to establish...

Petra says one of the most important ways to ensure a positive birth experience in any environment is to be prepared physically and mentally.
She recommends a set of resources called The Pink Kit, which helps couples learn birthing skills.

Visit www.birthingbetter.com for more information.