Is the Number of Home Births in the US Increasing?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of home births in the United States has increased since the beginning of the 21st century. After reaching an all-time low during the 1990s, the number of women who have chosen to give birth at home has increased. From 2004 to 2009, the number of home births increased by 29 percent.

More facts about home births:

Home births are considered an option for women who are at a low risk of complications during pregnancy. Women who choose home births are likely to be more than 35 years old and have at least one other child.
The decision to go with a home birth might have to do with the religious beliefs of the mother, especially if she is a member of a faith that does not encourage the use of medical services. For women who do not have adequate health insurance, home births with mid-wives in attendance might be the only real option. In other cases, the choice might be more related to the desire to give birth in a comfortable setting, surrounded by family members and other loved ones.
From 2004 to 2009, the number of home births among non-Hispanic white women increased by 36 percent.