On Birthing and "Brave" Women

I have heard many times other women say something along the lines of “Oh! You had a home birth? You're so brave!” I know many women who have given birth at home as well as women who have had their babied delivered in the hospital. My observation: I do not think the homebirth mothers are any braver than the hospital mothers.

When something scares you and you do it anyway, that’s bravery. The homebirthers I know have done their research, explored their options and concluded that (for them) homebirth is safe, desirable, and something they are comfortable with. For the women I know, giving birth at home isn’t scary.

My conclusion: women who have their babies at home aren’t any braver than hospital delivered mothers. Like hospital mothers, homebirth mothers are just looking to give birth in a place where they feel comfortable.

PLEASE STOP CALLING US BRAVE AS THOUGH WHAT WE ARE DOING IS SCARY.

For us, it isn’t. ♥