What to Do If You Need to Transfer to a Hospital

Planning a home birth brings a sense of control, comfort, and connection that many parents-to-be deeply value. But while you may feel strongly about giving birth at home, it’s wise to prepare for a hospital transfer, just in case.

Why Plan for a Transfer?

The vast majority of home births proceed smoothly, but occasionally, a transfer to a hospital becomes necessary. Common reasons include stalled labor, fetal distress, maternal exhaustion, or other unexpected medical needs. Choosing to transfer isn’t a failure or a loss—it's an informed decision prioritizing safety for both you and your baby. Being prepared empowers you to handle this possibility calmly and confidently.

Creating a Smooth Transition

A solid backup plan can make a big difference, turning a potentially stressful transition into a smoother experience.

• Identify Your Preferred Hospital: Work with your midwife or doula to identify the closest hospital with a supportive labor and delivery unit, ideally, one experienced with unplanned transfers. Familiarize yourself with their policies on midwives, doulas, and family presence.

• Plan Transportation: In most cases, using a private car is the quickest and most practical way to get to the hospital unless an ambulance is needed urgently. Keep your car ready with extra blankets, water, and a charged phone for any needed communication.

• Pack a Transfer Bag: Prepare a small bag with essentials like a change of clothes, ID, insurance information, snacks, and comfort items. Having this ready allows you to focus on the moment instead of last-minute packing.

• Communicate with Your Birth Team: Make sure your midwife, doula, and support people are all aware of the backup plan. Clear communication ensures everyone knows their role and can focus on keeping the atmosphere calm and supportive.

Preserving Your Rights and Preferences

If a hospital transfer happens, you don’t have to give up your birth preferences. Include hospital-specific details in your birth plan, and share it with your team so they can advocate for you.

• Discuss Your Key Preferences: Talk with your birth team about which parts of your birth plan matter most to you, like delayed cord clamping, minimal cervical checks, or immediate skin-to-skin contact. Your doula and midwife can share these preferences with hospital staff.

• Know Your Rights: Remember, you have the right to consent to or decline specific procedures. Having a trusted advocate, such as your doula or partner, helps ensure your wishes are respected.

Preparing Mentally and Emotionally

Even with the best planning, a hospital transfer can feel disappointing, especially if you’re set on a home birth experience. Taking time to mentally and emotionally prepare can ease the impact.

• Visualize Scenarios: Spend a few moments imagining a calm, well-supported transfer. Picture your birth team assisting you smoothly through each step—this can make the idea of transferring feel less intimidating.

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's natural to feel a range of emotions, from disappointment to frustration. Talking with your partner, doula, or therapist about these possibilities can help you process them now, making it easier to stay focused if you need to transfer.

• Embrace Flexibility: Birth is unpredictable. Reminding yourself to be flexible can empower you to adapt if plans change. The ultimate goal is a healthy delivery for you and your baby, and that’s a powerful motivator when unexpected changes arise.

Embracing Support and Self-Kindness

An unplanned hospital transfer can bring up a lot of emotions. Lean on your support team, and give yourself grace.

• Trust Your Team: Your midwife, doula, and support people understand your birth preferences and how much thought you’ve put into this experience. Trust that they’ll work to create as smooth a transition as possible while standing up for you in the hospital.

• Be Kind to Yourself: A transfer is not a reflection of your body’s ability or your choices. Birth can be unpredictable, and sometimes the safest choice is to be in a hospital setting. Give yourself credit for the care you’ve put into planning your baby’s birth journey.

Processing the Experience Afterward

If a transfer occurs, it’s essential to process and reflect on the experience afterward. Birth is a profound journey, and sometimes it goes differently than expected.

• Debrief with Your Birth Team: Talk with your midwife, doula, and support people about the transfer. Understanding why certain decisions were made can provide closure and clarity.

• Focus on the Positives: Celebrate what went well. You gave birth to your baby and made choices based on love and safety. Reflect on your strength and resilience—your story is unique and valuable, no matter the setting.

• Seek Support if Needed: If you’re left with lingering feelings of disappointment or trauma, consider speaking with a counselor who specializes in birth experiences. Processing in a supportive space can be immensely healing.

Welcome the Journey, Wherever It Leads

Preparing for a possible hospital transfer isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about empowering yourself for all outcomes. Whether your baby is born at home or in a hospital, you can still create a safe, supported, and beautiful birth experience by planning, preparing, and remaining flexible. Wherever your birth journey takes you, know you are surrounded by support, love, and the freedom to adapt to the story you and your baby are writing together.