--- title: Deciding Where to Give Birth date: 2022-07-18T23:53:53-04:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-deciding-where-to-give-birth" section: "Stories & Conversations" --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Deciding Where to Give Birth MB explains how she came to the decision to give birth in a hospital. She recalls learning about midwives who attend to home births. She also spoke with her mother, an OB-GYN nurse. ## Transcript **OBOS Today:** Um, did you do all three of your births in a hospital? **MB:** I did, yeah. I did. I have—one of my closest friends did two of her births in her apartment in New York City. And so, it's so interesting hearing about the differences, you know, in our experiences and—Yeah. Yeah. And I think it's in—in a lot of, I know in some European countries, like, when a midwife goes to their house, and they give birth at home with a midwife, and they have really great maternal outcomes, and neonatal outcomes, and stuff like that. So I think being able to—for low-risk pregnancies, being able to provide that as an option is really important, you know, for people to be able to do that with a well-trained midwife, a low-risk pregnancy, you know, and everybody being, you know, well educated on when the person would need to transfer to a hospital and stuff like that. So I think when I first heard about home birth it sounded like, oh what a terrible idea, but then you realize, like, other countries do it and they do it really, really well, and we probably need to support midwives a lot more than we do currently in this country. **OBOS Today:** Yeah, absolutely. What contributed to your decision of giving birth in a hospital? **MB:** My mom is an OB-GYN nurse. And so, I think, you know, we always grew up knowing what could go wrong in labor and delivery and that was like sort of our dinnertime conversation. And so— so I think, you know, that was probably a big factor, and I think if there were—yeah, that was probably a big factor, but I think it's, um. Let me see. I don't think that—I don't think that I felt so strongly about it that I would necessarily have gone either way. I think that it probably was, like, just defaulting into it more than anything, because I actually—when I was in college, one of the things that I was considering like as a career option was being a midwife, and so, it wasn't like—I think it wasn't like I was against home birth or anything like that, it was more so, like, just defaulting into the, into the hospital system like most women do. ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth) - [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk. ![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,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) A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section. ![My Story- Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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) MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-overcoming-challenges-during-pregnancy) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## 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Managing My Pregnancy While Dealing With Endometriosis and Asthma CB shares her experience of pregnancy and birth while managing stage four endometriosis and asthma. ![Carlisa](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEBElEQVRIiW1WQbLsNg4DQDoHzAHmBHP/VQuYBSl3/2ResVQutx8hgCQk/vc/fyNAgjg+OMb54JwJ+tBhwFAUVVWt6upH3dVPdddTqq6WqlSSKIkiCZICCAIEgPtM8H15f+P8yP3s+zEA8q4kuf++0eB8FXAeEwY0KDIQACNECAp6sTfdm4giKFCY7Wuw2FQhCQJdFsH7x4H1ZSFCpPZh8lKkRBVrQpQkQSTQUCEhAgckeIJXFYKmTc47kqLePd613tStrqkEpR8GABIwiEMSWrIUfWDDYTIKUmKR9a4TxW5tlKookaLYrF6AJDEp8MCCB0DwoYNklIfEN2r2e1M/zz5UUYPBZj1AACCmExkW7B8A0WY8faSRu8UulVilLnWrH/WzGNVLQmx2IwCCBDLjWPCBCZGHMBnLJqLRqDbYpS4OwNN6BuCpbi4Jtl6JkDiIuSS+KjGHtmACIqkvhrpqJXr0PHr+qucZ0aj6h0ShnBj2t7unRw2JCgVM/k09PdOl7prBfh71X3pa1S+D2p6fImfyESZMnMVSBiBFlkpdKv1kr9tCq5J663wlQpIwQgye5LWFkCCjQIEAXQZVddc3+x/xC5BBQAwzBA2gFgAhJUdBEUXO1lUaiX6FUvUWoJpVpFolbBMZIch4JWMCiZAsKQrEiPxuXVWDduN3qm8N7iQnRAxj3BkUZWY9S2CRIl8GVbXrEFLpLjtlEqWWdAGyUmG883VfagDAIuqnRX+eJu/Yg35NuyUhABN7DC33HJh1awsUeWsw8a/8b949PRiwNf4ehET4ujUDJEqIKCmggCJKLKpv3pv92j/X88cciLTeV7yNuQBhQkcegBRRYAOvh67O39OFt1+uewIvQMLvwI0/05EtW0ghFTRYU2fe0/dm5rXke7yvUC1ep7jZmSCmzcluF7wMVquF0RgTv2d6kjGbgAkAtgBwWudmd2DzHJ6jc8pHOFveQoFNTL9qVNkivqNqxwmChGzugb+/I0aMYx4PgHwKllDSMHhnYttmS5fRNnF47ITOMrgXI+5Hpg/P4efofOSPmApKUKqCAgvUe73h1HVvViGMGDIYsLniY7LThofB0fnoc5QjRE2ZNe2Edb0h8Hbd+LwBI44NGlgGQfDq40Mfng8/R5+P8hGjOcicmbu6EwWQgHN7M546OzxAgmayrTvxR4U//HyYI0WEbCUz1bpOMvrOhQ1xkJgOnbmNoPmO3cIYNm0e83N4jvJh5kSLMgxIQLc18Z0uI5xDy84CTGoG/5cEz2GsgGXa41Nv4HYfc7dpwImTMwBp3g28dZ4pe6nAByBjJkQ4FyR893/9JTsLW+LEiZfBTtkeMmMcc5uz5zY8fTBGyB+vzZ86XYwsD+d/Kyjs/Eq6UlgAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) CB shares her experience of pregnancy and birth while managing stage four endometriosis and asthma.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-managing-my-pregnancy-while-dealing-with-endometriosis-and-asthma) [ResourcesRead ## Choices in Childbirth A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them. ![Choices in Childbirth scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choices-in-childbirth) [ResourcesRead ## Choosing a Maternity Care Provider This Childbirth Connection resource walks you through questions to consider when deciding on a birthing care provider. ![Baby Hand with Adult](data:image/png;base64,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) This Childbirth Connection resource walks you through questions to consider when deciding on a birthing care provider.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choosing-a-maternity-care-provider-2) [ResourcesRead ## Choosing a Place of Birth This resource helps you decide among your options for giving birth at a hopsital, home, or birth center, depending on your geographical location. ![janko-ferlic-T5Q78o0xTdw-1536x960](data:image/png;base64,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) This resource helps you decide among your options for giving birth at a hopsital, home, or birth center, depending on your geographical location.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choosing-a-place-of-birth) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Claiming Back My Sexuality and Body L discusses how she reclaimed a sense of confident power in her own body and her sexuality, from contraceptive choices to the decision to have a natural birth with no medication. ![Mom and newborn baby skin to the skin after birth](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEDElEQVRIiW1W23bjRgwDwPHp7rr947bfnUQk2AeOJMddHseZjBSAd5J///sPyVCsFY/1eDzWY60VK0Ik0bArs47j6/Pr6+Pj8+Pz4+Pz8+s4ygXysR4/fvx4/vr1fP7515/P5/P5/PX8+fPnjz/+eDwea8XCln75fpW3+35/ch+777+60XO18CaN/ahB9PVuz9Xv4Lsb/V18/eIa4vudl2OD8+dcvL42d3xD94uUK0xyzT8C/9Oi21u/U6ETbGs94LZfkctV+0slAAvob+Buu61mG2A37OvJux9A3IrXJZlZETk5stoG2e7WhWObxLzQbts9el7OxWnPQG/0rKwcmSTs7nWa7DYvU0kBJgm0N77dvRluGnTVVn7QjzweGcchEUDZq91gN2DJG8xkASABwHb5m4xXhoakc7ySeRz5OI5jhWLUj4i1FQEH2C6bIBvbR267To4zWU6T2kBJVVnHkY/HcRwRIQmE2xGx2gZggEWS41KA6DGhfeJfduyAuNqN7hLriFx5HEfEUgSlMV0RyzYBAWbRrCqQ4FhFdLt73Lzjeaajy5MRJFODHhGhHV5UOUKrq3qcTbKKJKsAuJvkjkHVzXFbUm0TLDClOBmknT92KWKVzdc2QE7hsZtkA32l+Ohdp/7ldgEEIDGliPga/5DdXbYUy1Xk5BFAoup3BK4z2X0e53aKnaQUOg7tCLOBcCtquQocp2EevBG8+Pz00+4GQzBNiwopQsdBCRJIu2WtqgIhqrFz552g+/LRVbNTWq5Co6NJZkiRilAEY9eBOlZVArRaG/p/MeiuF+DzkFXlHAuClF6YVSlpcFZmjYe27jtHwV1o7e76rWS5cjorpXgvFVOCvS1QaM8gThlTwBXkXWvf0eeHQAPa0K9NfU+WlVkg1a1Gg4uc9Ef3TtnuHdWbI7MyJwZgALGWe4/Jne2nD1aeFsTUGjmVjMuCbcKNn/PJ8hSmeKMTJEVqhFpHJkl1TJpSpMUa+l3JvvvE9OXMHAssSZ4xR5IX8kiEVg5BNAhSlMgaO3TG4JoTt/8rM8t2ANG7hgZ9OtKKWBGKWEcWyRgNJFlt2SbpHYNpzvUa6SPrqJwS82n6i+JDskKxspJkoylKEbJl2VP+APb8cl825A5yTYI20NwMccqKteZwVE0wKUWUHdfknVExhzdHZdXOjlk+Xiy4GWJFxMpMSgQjXDMJZ1K1ptx+Y8IZCVBx+Z+adhSvVihW2uomGQ7fe8PM23P/u1eVTZNVWabg2fEm/c4ohCJOulUu85z358KA/eFeOYfj3Cgm3OkS4VEE3xM0hiMUWmXPe35Bn91wr7M9e98Ox+mrrt0WrsK9RTskFLncfbn51PZq2dd6O8vfbv59LUj3LkyeZfxd9B94qGnSPpSs8wAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) L discusses how she reclaimed a sense of confident power in her own body and her sexuality, from contraceptive choices to the decision to have a natural birth with no medication.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/claiming-back-my-body)