Home? or Hospital? The age old debate as to whether or not women should give birth in the comfort of their own homes or the safety of a hospital continues to rise, especially now after Dannii Minogue gave birth to her and husband Kris Smith’s first born child (Ethan Edward Smith) on Monday the 5th of July. Complications halfway though a planned home birth led to Minogue being rushed to the Royal Women’s Hospital in Parkville Melbourne to deliver her baby in safety. To keep the birth a secret, Minogue checked into the public hospital using an alias. Both baby and Dannii are doing very well.

According to Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, president Dr Ted Weaver said up to half of all first-time mothers attempting a home birth had to be transferred to hospital due to complications.

“It is better if first-time mothers don’t attempt a home birth or, if they do, they should be counselled about their risks and needs for transfer,” Dr Weaver said.

As wonderful as it might be to have a home birth, if a complication arises, the help of doctors and midwifes may be too far away. Some hospitals have arrangements where a midwife can attend the home birth and after delivery the baby and mother go to the hospital for check ups.

If you are considering a home birth, plan ahead, understand the potential risks, and ask your hospital if they have a home birth program where a midwife can do house calls.

Congratulations!!! First Pics of Dannii Minogue's newborn son - Ethan Edward Smith (5th July 2010)

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