Husband sets up a comfortable homebirth space for wife and internet has never been more divided

Homebirths, where babies are delivered at home instead of in a hospital, are becoming more common in the U.S. Although, still a small share of all births, the number has reached its highest level in decades. The increase grew steadily during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many families sought more control, comfort, or safety during delivery. This trend is visible across a range of communities. Some families turn to homebirths to feel more relaxed, supported, or connected to the process. Others say it offers a calm, personal environment away from the clinical setting of a hospital.

A recent TikTok video, has sparked a conversation about the traditional method, by highlighting what preparation for a homebirth can look like. Posted by Sergey, (sergey.be.be)a soon-to-be second-time father, the video shows him arranging the room where his wife plans to give birth. His setup includes a large birthing pool, adapters to fill it with water, a plastic liner, towels, paper towels, a sturdy tray for supplies, and a zippered freezer bag for the placenta. He also prepares snacks, drinks, and water bottles with straws, and a camera to capture the precious moment. In the video, Sergey is seen deep cleaning parts of the room, including the windows, and setting up his children's crib nearby.

The caption reads,  “I'm preparing a room for my wife to give birth. We're expecting our second child – this time, a son. My wife chose to have a home birth because it makes her feel much calmer and safer. I respect her decision and fully support her in this." The clip received wide praise online. One viewer commented, @Ava, “That’s how you treat your wife during birth.” Another added, “Do y’all know that home birth in water hurts less than in hospitals, and it's much cheaper, too.” A third user, @evin.txken1, argued, "I'm curious why people want to do home birth .It’s a beautiful moment/thing ,but isn’t that dangerous or something." Supporting the couple's decision to welcome their bundle of joy the traditional way, @hannah, wrote, "If she wants a homebirth, she wants a homebirth. That's what she wants, not what you guys want."

Health experts say that homebirths can be safe for many pregnancies, especially when supported by trained professionals. However, studies also show that planned homebirths carry greater risks than hospital births in some cases. The Mayo Clinic has found that while most people who plan a homebirth deliver without serious problems, there is a higher risk of infant death, seizures, and certain nervous system disorders. To reduce these risks, doctors recommend being supported by a certified nurse-midwife, having backup from an obstetrician, and planning for hospital transfer in case of emergency. These steps are especially important for people with certain medical conditions or those giving birth for the first time.

Conversations around homebirths often bring up another practice called “freebirth” or unassisted birth, where a person gives birth without doctors, midwives, or other professional care. While some find the experience peaceful and empowering, researchers have found higher health risks associated with traditional childbirth. According to U.S. registry data between 2010 and 2017, more newborns died during homebirths than in hospital births during that period. Health experts warn that while freebirth may offer more personal freedom, the absence of care can lead to serious dangers in the case of unexpected complications.

You can follow @sergey.be.be on TikTok for more videos like this.