So, you’re getting prepared for one of the most exciting moments of your life – labour and birth!! This is such an exciting yet nerve wracking time, but through knowledge and understanding of labour and birth families are able to feel confident and empowered in the lead up. One common recommendation from midwives is to stay at home as long as you can, but why? Let’s break it down.
Before we dive into why it is important to stay at home during early labour, it’s important to understand what early labour is. Early labour the first part of your labour, where your contractions have started but generally, they’re not in a predictable pattern and your cervix is usually between 0-6cm dilated. During this stage you can often talk throughout the contractions and contractions are often spaced out to prioritise rest during this period.
First off, picture this: you’re cosy at home, surrounded by your stuff, your people, your vibe. Way better than the clinical vibe of a hospital, right? That’s because being in your own space during early labour gives you a sense of security and comfort. And trust me, feeling safe is crucial when you’re about to birth a human.
Plus, staying home means you get to bond with your partner uninterrupted. No beeping machines or hospital staff barging in. It’s just you two, sharing this crazy, beautiful moment. This is also a great way to get your natural oxytocin (your love hormone) flowing, which is going to help you throughout your labour. Midwives know how important this connection is, so they’re all about keeping that sacred space intact.
And let’s talk logistics. At home, you’re the boss. You can move around, try different positions, take a warm bath—whatever floats your boat. You don’t feel like you have to ask permission to do anything and you don’t feel like you’re being watched. Being in control of your environment helps you relax and let your body do its thing.
The World Health Organisation (2020) tells us that staying at home as long as we can during early labour can:
- Give you improved confidence in your body and its ability to birth your baby
- Improve your control
- Reduce the length of your labour by around 3-5 hours
- Reduce the need for an epidural (for those who aren’t wanting an epidural in their labour)
- Reduced need for any medication to speed up your labour (syntocinon augmentation)
- Reduction in caesarean sections
- Reported improved birth outcomes
Now I know what you’re thinking, that is a lot of benefits for something as simple as staying home. One great way to help you stay at home as long as you can is the use of a TENS Machine from Bliss Birth. A TENS Machine is a small handheld device that sends tiny electrical impulses through the skin layer of the back using four electrode pads. Its purpose is to interrupt the pain pathway to the brain – meaning that less of those pain signals will be received by the brain and registered as pain. Helping you to stay mobile, active and at home during your early labour period.
Other ways that we can try to manage early labour at home include:
- Using the bath or shower
- Setting up a calming environment
- Using music or hypnotherapy tracks
- Using a birth comb
- Distracting yourself as much as you can, not watching the clock and not timing contractions
- Lots of natural oxytocin through cuddles and love from your partner
Now, every birth is different, and sometimes you got to go with the flow. If complications arise or you need medical help, that’s what hospitals are for. But if you’re low-risk and everything’s smooth sailing, why not kick back at home and let the magic happen in your own space? The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and safe in whatever space you are in.
So there you have it—why midwives are all about staying home during early labour. It’s about feeling safe, staying connected, and letting your body do its thing. So grab your comfiest blanket, queue up your favourite playlist, and get ready to start one of the best days of your life, right in the comfort of your own home.
Written by Lauren Brenton
Endorsed Midwife
Founder of One Mama Midwife Pty Ltd