The number of babies born at home in Maryland has increased dramatically since 2001. According to MarylandReporter.com, 291 babies were born at home in 2001, compared to 409 in 2010. At-home births accounted for just 1 percent of all births, and while the trend does not appear to have taken hold in Allegany County as dramatically as in metropolitan areas, several mothers here have given birth to their children in their homes with great success. Jamie Bailey, 32, of Grantsville is the mother of three children. Her first two children were hospital births but she wanted to do things a bit differently with her third child. “The hospital births were not the worst experiences, but I wanted better. I wanted to labor and deliver my way — without an induction, dangerous labor-augmenting drugs, pain meds and constant monitoring — all which raise the risk of C section,” she said. “I didn’t want to be on a time schedule; if it was going to take two days, then I was up for the challenge. I wanted my family there, including my other two children. I wanted to bring my new infant into a quiet, dim and warm environment, where bonding and breastfeeding could begin immediately.” Delivering her child at home not only met Bailey’s expectations, but exceeded what she had hoped to be the outcome of her home birth. “I found that it wasn’t just the amazing birth experience that I had received. In actuality, I received an amazing pregnancy experience, too. I had a caregiver who listened and gave advice and was experienced enough to refer me elsewhere if a problem arose.” Bailey and her midwife met regularily for her checkups and the midwife also met with Bailey’s husband and other children prior to delivery. “It was amazing. I progressed a lot faster in my own home and warm tub than I anticipated. My midwife actually missed the birth by five minutes. I caught my own 8-pound, 15-ounce baby boy, Blake. I felt on top of the world — tired and sore — but on top of the world.
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