Home Birth in Singapore: Is It Right for You?
The idea of giving birth at home is a deeply personal choice, one that resonates with parents seeking a calm, intimate, and low-intervention birth experience. In Singapore, where hospital births are the norm, homebirths are rare but not unheard of – with 149 out-of-hospital births recorded in 2023¹.
At Maia House, we honor every parent’s right to choose the birth experience that feels right for them. This article gently explores the benefits, considerations, and practical steps for pursuing a homebirth in Singapore, while emphasizing the importance of safety, preparation, and the right support team.
What is a Homebirth?
A homebirth is exactly what it sounds like: giving birth at home, surrounded by the comfort and familiarity of your own space. Unlike in some countries, Singapore does not have a system of independent midwives attending homebirths. Instead, homebirths here are supported by homebirth-friendly OBGYNs who may require you to be accompanied by a doula for emotional and physical support.
It’s a choice that requires careful thought, thorough preparation, and a clear understanding of the risks and benefits:
Potential benefits:
For those who are eligible, homebirths can offer several beautiful benefits:
Comfort and familiarity: Being in your own space can help you feel relaxed and in control.
Greater control over the birthing experience: With a homebirth-friendly OBGYN and doula by your side, your needs and preferences are prioritized.
Low-intervention approach: Homebirths often avoid unnecessary medical interventions, allowing your body to follow its natural rhythm.
Family involvement: Your partner, children, or other loved ones can be more actively involved in the experience.
Potential risks:
While homebirths can be a beautiful experience, they are not without risks. It’s important to weigh these gently and thoughtfully:
Limited access to emergency care: If complications arise, transferring to a hospital can take time.
Unpredictable situations: Even low-risk pregnancies can experience unexpected complications during labor.
Pain management: While certain pain relief drug options like epidurals aren’t available at home, there are many other effective ways to manage pain in a home birth setting.
Key Point: The importance of having a qualified, experienced care team cannot be overstated. In Singapore, where midwives are not available for homebirths, a homebirth-friendly OBGYN is a prerequisite to ensure a safe delivery.
Who is Eligible for a Homebirth?
Not every pregnancy is suitable for a homebirth. Eligibility depends on several factors, including your health, your baby’s health, and your pregnancy history. Here’s a gentle guide to help you understand:
Homebirth may be an option if:
You’re having a low-risk pregnancy (no complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or placenta previa).
You’re expecting a single baby (not twins or multiples).
Your baby is in the head-down position (vertex position) by the third trimester.
You have no history of high-risk deliveries (e.g., previous birth was a C-section or had complications).
However, a homebirth is not recommended if:
You have underlying health conditions (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure).
Your baby has a known medical condition or is not growing as expected.
You’re expecting twins or multiples.
Your previous birth was a C-section or other high-risk delivery.
N.B. For an evidence-based discussion on eligibility, you may refer to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)¹ who provide guidelines on homebirth eligibility. However, only a medical professional can advise you based on your specific circumstances.
How to Pursue a Homebirth in Singapore
If you’re considering a homebirth, here’s a gentle, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Build Your Support Team
Since midwifery-led homebirth is not an option, finding a doctor who supports homebirth is essential. If you need assistance, our doulas can connect you with professionals who align with your preferences. Consider working with a doula to provide emotional and physical support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.Undergo Medical Screening
Your chosen OBGYN will assess your pregnancy to ensure you meet the criteria for a safe homebirth. This includes routine checkups and monitoring to mitigate any potential risks.Plan for Emergency Support
While homebirths can be safe for low-risk pregnancies, it’s critical to have a transfer plan in place in case hospital intervention is needed. This involves knowing which hospital you will go to in an emergency and ensuring smooth coordination with your OBGYN. Discuss your transfer protocols with your care team.Prepare Your Home
Gather supplies, such as clean towels (lots of ‘em!), a birthing pool, and medical equipment. Do what you need to to make your home a calm, comfortable environment for your birth.
“Gem was our doula for our 3rd baby. Although seasoned parents we had yet to achieve the home birth that we had always wanted, having had 2 previous difficult and highly medicalised births in the UK. (...) During the birth she created an environment for our whole family that meant that I could feel safe and calm knowing my other two children were right there with us. With her gentle, respectful encouragement and her brilliant knowledge of the birthing process our baby boy was born as planned, in the bath, with no major medical intervention. A total contrast to our other two birth experiences and one that has been profoundly healing. We will be forever grateful for knowing Gem and having her as our birth doula. ”
Why Work with Maia House?
At Maia House, we understand that every birth journey is unique. Our collaborative care model brings together doulas and homebirth-friendly OBGYNs to ensure you have the support you need, whether you choose a homebirth or a hospital birth.
If you’re considering a homebirth, our doulas can:
Provide personalized guidance to help you make an informed decision.
Advise you on whether your home could be a suitable birth space
Connect you with trusted, experienced OBGYNs who specialize in homebirths.
Offer continuous support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period.
Interested in a Home birth? Let’s Talk.
A homebirth can be a beautiful, empowering experience – but it requires careful planning and the right support team. If you’re exploring this option, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with one of our doulas today, and let us guide you through the process of creating a safe, personalized birth plan that feels right for you.
Ready to begin? Schedule a 30-minute discovery call with one of our MAIA House doulas here. Let’s explore how we can support your journey.
Our heartfelt note to you:
We’re here to provide thoughtful, well-researched information to support you on your pregnancy and birth journey. However, this content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every pregnancy is unique, and it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your needs. Our team is not responsible for decisions made based on the information provided. If you have any concerns or questions, we encourage you to speak with a trusted medical professional.
1 Department of Statistics, 2023
