“THEThe way in which a child is born does not only concern him and his mother, but the whole society. “so he said Ina May Gaskin, American midwife known as “mother of the natural parts “ in the United States. For Gaskinthe way we accompany the birth speaks of ours relationship with care, with the female body and with freedom of choice. His experiences and research – including the community The farm In Tennessee, where he witnessed thousands of births at home – they contributed to spreading the idea that, in conditions of physiological pregnancyThe Having birth at home may be as sure as much as the one in the hospital if assisted by Expert professionals. With Covidin Europe and America, the number of mothers who have chosen the home birth. But in Italy are there still women who choose to give birth at home?
Home birth in Italy
Up to 1950sthe parties in the house were the norm in Italy. For the few women who still choose it today, the Having birth at home above all represents the possibility of living the birth of their child in a more environment intimate, familiar and welcoming compared to the hospital. In 2023 approximately were born in Italy 400 thousand childrenbut less than 400 They came to the world out of a hospital. It is therefore a very rare choice, which concerns only a small Couples minority. Unlike other European countries, where practice is more widespread – in Netherlandsfor example, 14% of the parties take place at home – in Italy home childbirth remains an uncommon option and, above all, regulated differently from region to region.
Obstetrics at home and maternity houses
In Italy there are Obstetric associations dedicated to home birth and maternity houses, such as the “National Obstetric Association of Highlights Home and Maternity House“. These professionals take care of the physiological pregnancies and low riskfollowing future mothers starting from 32nd weekthat is, from the beginning of the eighth month. The goal is to create a relationship of trust: the midwives, always at least two at the time of childbirth, visit the house, know the woman and the partner, evaluate the health conditions and they ensure that the environment is Safe and comfortable.
A possible choice, but not for all
Any woman in Italy can choose to gather at home or in a maternity house. However, the guidelines indicate that this possibility is reserved for physiological pregnancies and low risk. Situations such as premature parts, twin pregnancies or fetuses in a running position. In these cases, The hospital remains the safer environment. The home birth takes place with the assistance of at least two midwiveswho follow the woman since the last few weeks of pregnancy. This allows you to know the clinical conditions and the family context. During labor, moreover, The Health Emergency Service is pre -bearing. In this way a Quick transfer to the hospital if complications arise.
The differences between the regions, rules and reimbursements
The regional laws make the difference. In Italy there are only eight regions in which parts have been recorded at home or in maternity homes. However, Only a few have introduced specific rules and reimbursements. Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Piedmont, Lazio and the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano partially reimburse the expenses supported by women who choose extra -hospital birth.
In Emilia-Romagna, for example, The refund reaches 1,540 euroswhile the costs requested by free professional midwives range between 2,000 and 3,000 euros. The conditions also change within the same region. In Bologna there are private maternity houseswhile in Reggio Emilia Home delivery can be followed directly by the public health service.
Safety and monitoring during home birth
The most recent studies point out that, in industrialized countries, home childbirth can have Risks comparable to the hospital If it happens with expert obstetricians and in adequately organized contexts. However, not the whole scientific community is in agreement: some medical societies remain contrary to this practice, while others underline the women’s right to be able to choose.
In Emilia-Romagna, where the network is more structured, a Report on Extraospedali parts. In 2023, of the 168 requests recorded, the 10% of women He was transferred to the hospital before childbirth. Most of the children born in the house was visited by a pediatrician within the first 24 hoursas required by official recommendations.
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