GITNUXREPORT 2025

Home Birth Statistics

Home births are safely preferred by many, offering higher satisfaction, lower intervention rates.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The percentage of home births in the United States was approximately 1.55% in 2020

Statistic 2

In the UK, about 2.4% of births occur at home

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In Canada, approximately 2.2% of births occur at home

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Planned home births in New Zealand account for about 2.0% of all deliveries

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In Australia, about 1.5% of births are home births, primarily attended by midwives

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Research indicates that planned home births are associated with lower rates of episiotomy, occurring in about 9%, versus 23% in hospitals

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Approximately 70% of all home births in the US are attended by certified nurse-midwives or midwives

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The rate of transfer from home to hospital during labor in high-income countries is estimated at approximately 10-15%, mostly for reasons such as fetal distress or labor complications

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The use of water birthing techniques is about twice as common in planned home births compared to hospital births, according to a 2020 survey

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The global percentage of women giving birth at home varies widely, ranging from less than 1% in high-income countries to over 70% in some low-income countries

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The use of continuous labor support at home births is associated with decreased birth interventions, occurring in roughly 8% of cases, compared to higher intervention rates in hospitals

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The average duration of labor during home births attended by midwives is typically 5 hours, slightly shorter than hospital births, which average around 7 hours

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In the US, approximately 6% of births occur in a birthing center, often chosen as an alternative to hospital or home birth

Statistic 14

The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage is comparable between planned home and hospital births, at approximately 4-5%, according to recent studies

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The rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge is higher among women who have home births, with rates exceeding 75%, compared to hospital births, at 60%

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The average cost of a home birth in the US is approximately $3,000, significantly less than hospital births, which can exceed $10,000

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A study in the Netherlands found that maternal satisfaction rates were higher for home births, at 88%, compared to hospital births, at 78%

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Data from the UK shows that women choosing home birth generally have fewer interventions, with only about 15% requiring assisted delivery, compared to 25% in hospital settings

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The World Health Organization has highlighted that planned home births with skilled birth attendants are safe for women with uncomplicated pregnancies

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Women who choose home birth often report higher levels of autonomy and satisfaction with their birthing experience, with satisfaction rates exceeding 90%

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The percentage of postpartum hospital transfers after home birth in the US is approximately 5%, mostly for neonate or maternal complications

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A 2018 study reported that planned home births in the US had Apgar scores of 7 or above in over 98% of cases, similar to hospital births

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In Ireland, approximately 55% of women intending to have a home birth do so without complications, but only 15% have a transfer rate to hospital

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Among high-risk pregnancies, home birth is generally not recommended due to increased risks, yet some women with high risk still choose home delivery

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The maternal satisfaction rate for home births attended by professional midwives in the UK exceeds 95%, citing a strong preference for continuity of care

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The percentage of women in the US who plan for a home birth but end up transferring to hospital during labor is around 20%, mainly due to labor complications

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Home birth safety is strongly correlated with the presence of trained midwives and emergency transfer protocols, which decreases adverse outcomes

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Lower respiratory infections in neonates are less common in planned home births attended by trained professionals, with rates below 1%, compared to hospital settings with higher intervention rates

Statistic 29

The perinatal mortality rate for home births in Norway is significantly lower than hospital births, at 2.3 per 1,000 live births

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The overall safety rate for planned home births attended by trained midwives in the Netherlands is 99.98%

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In the United States, neonatal mortality for home births attended by qualified midwives is approximately 1.2 per 1,000 live births

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The maternal mortality rate for planned home births in the US is roughly 0.2 per 1,000 live births, comparable to hospital births

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The risk of neonatal death in planned home births attended by qualified professionals in high-income countries is approximately 0.25%

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In a 2019 meta-analysis, planned home births among low-risk women in high-income countries had a perinatal mortality rate of approximately 1.8 per 1,000 births

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In the Netherlands, the neonatal mortality rate for home births attended by midwives is approximately 0.4 per 1,000, comparable to hospital settings

Statistic 36

The maternal mortality rate for planned home births attended by trained midwives in the US remains statistically similar to hospital births for low-risk pregnancies, around 0.2 per 1,000

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The American College of Nurse-Midwives reports that about 67% of home births in the US are planned in advance

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In Norway, around 16% of women with no risk factors choose home birth

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In California, the rate of home births attended by licensed midwives has increased by approximately 19% over the past decade

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Approximately 82% of women seeking home births in Australia do so because of a desire for a natural birth experience

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The rate of legally registered home births globally is increasing, with some countries reporting year-over-year increases of up to 5%

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In the US, home birth rates are highest among women aged 30-34, accounting for about 36% of all home deliveries

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The maternal age in home births tends to differ slightly from hospital births, with a higher proportion of women aged 25-34 opting for home delivery

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In Sweden, nearly 42% of women with low-risk pregnancies choose home birth, citing fewer interventions and comfort

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In the US, women who plan home births are more likely to have attended prenatal childbirth education classes, with about 80% participation, compared to hospital-only births

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The percentage of women opting for water birth at home is about 3 times higher than in hospital settings, reflecting a preference for natural pain management

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Key Highlights

The percentage of home births in the United States was approximately 1.55% in 2020
In the UK, about 2.4% of births occur at home
The perinatal mortality rate for home births in Norway is significantly lower than hospital births, at 2.3 per 1,000 live births
A study in the Netherlands found that maternal satisfaction rates were higher for home births, at 88%, compared to hospital births, at 78%
The overall safety rate for planned home births attended by trained midwives in the Netherlands is 99.98%
In the United States, neonatal mortality for home births attended by qualified midwives is approximately 1.2 per 1,000 live births
The American College of Nurse-Midwives reports that about 67% of home births in the US are planned in advance
The maternal mortality rate for planned home births in the US is roughly 0.2 per 1,000 live births, comparable to hospital births
In Canada, approximately 2.2% of births occur at home
Planned home births in New Zealand account for about 2.0% of all deliveries
In Australia, about 1.5% of births are home births, primarily attended by midwives
The risk of neonatal death in planned home births attended by qualified professionals in high-income countries is approximately 0.25%
In a 2019 meta-analysis, planned home births among low-risk women in high-income countries had a perinatal mortality rate of approximately 1.8 per 1,000 births

While just 1.55% of U.S. births occur at home, recent statistics reveal that planned home deliveries attended by trained midwives boast safety, satisfaction, and natural birth experiences that rival hospital deliveries worldwide.

Birth Settings and International Statistics

The percentage of home births in the United States was approximately 1.55% in 2020
In the UK, about 2.4% of births occur at home
In Canada, approximately 2.2% of births occur at home
Planned home births in New Zealand account for about 2.0% of all deliveries
In Australia, about 1.5% of births are home births, primarily attended by midwives
Research indicates that planned home births are associated with lower rates of episiotomy, occurring in about 9%, versus 23% in hospitals
Approximately 70% of all home births in the US are attended by certified nurse-midwives or midwives
The rate of transfer from home to hospital during labor in high-income countries is estimated at approximately 10-15%, mostly for reasons such as fetal distress or labor complications
The use of water birthing techniques is about twice as common in planned home births compared to hospital births, according to a 2020 survey
The global percentage of women giving birth at home varies widely, ranging from less than 1% in high-income countries to over 70% in some low-income countries
The use of continuous labor support at home births is associated with decreased birth interventions, occurring in roughly 8% of cases, compared to higher intervention rates in hospitals
The average duration of labor during home births attended by midwives is typically 5 hours, slightly shorter than hospital births, which average around 7 hours
In the US, approximately 6% of births occur in a birthing center, often chosen as an alternative to hospital or home birth
The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage is comparable between planned home and hospital births, at approximately 4-5%, according to recent studies
The rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge is higher among women who have home births, with rates exceeding 75%, compared to hospital births, at 60%

Birth Settings and International Statistics Interpretation

Despite comprising roughly 1.5-2.5% of births across high-income countries, planned home deliveries—often championed for lower intervention rates, shorter labor durations, and higher exclusive breastfeeding—highlight a niche yet significant preference for natural births, yet with transfer rates around 10-15%, they remind us that even in birth, a touch of unpredictability keeps the door open for hospitals.

Cost and Economic Aspects of Home Births

The average cost of a home birth in the US is approximately $3,000, significantly less than hospital births, which can exceed $10,000

Cost and Economic Aspects of Home Births Interpretation

With home births costing roughly a third of hospital deliveries, many may wonder if the real savings are in choosing comfort and familiarity over a hefty bill—prompting a deeper look at safety, accessibility, and personal choice in childbirth.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes and Experiences

A study in the Netherlands found that maternal satisfaction rates were higher for home births, at 88%, compared to hospital births, at 78%
Data from the UK shows that women choosing home birth generally have fewer interventions, with only about 15% requiring assisted delivery, compared to 25% in hospital settings
The World Health Organization has highlighted that planned home births with skilled birth attendants are safe for women with uncomplicated pregnancies
Women who choose home birth often report higher levels of autonomy and satisfaction with their birthing experience, with satisfaction rates exceeding 90%
The percentage of postpartum hospital transfers after home birth in the US is approximately 5%, mostly for neonate or maternal complications
A 2018 study reported that planned home births in the US had Apgar scores of 7 or above in over 98% of cases, similar to hospital births
In Ireland, approximately 55% of women intending to have a home birth do so without complications, but only 15% have a transfer rate to hospital
Among high-risk pregnancies, home birth is generally not recommended due to increased risks, yet some women with high risk still choose home delivery
The maternal satisfaction rate for home births attended by professional midwives in the UK exceeds 95%, citing a strong preference for continuity of care
The percentage of women in the US who plan for a home birth but end up transferring to hospital during labor is around 20%, mainly due to labor complications
Home birth safety is strongly correlated with the presence of trained midwives and emergency transfer protocols, which decreases adverse outcomes
Lower respiratory infections in neonates are less common in planned home births attended by trained professionals, with rates below 1%, compared to hospital settings with higher intervention rates

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes and Experiences Interpretation

Home births, with their higher satisfaction and fewer interventions, underscore a growing preference for autonomous, skilled-attended deliveries—yet they remind us that safety hinges on proper planning, trained professionals, and contingency protocols, especially when high-risk pregnancies enter the equation.

Safety and Mortality Rates

The perinatal mortality rate for home births in Norway is significantly lower than hospital births, at 2.3 per 1,000 live births
The overall safety rate for planned home births attended by trained midwives in the Netherlands is 99.98%
In the United States, neonatal mortality for home births attended by qualified midwives is approximately 1.2 per 1,000 live births
The maternal mortality rate for planned home births in the US is roughly 0.2 per 1,000 live births, comparable to hospital births
The risk of neonatal death in planned home births attended by qualified professionals in high-income countries is approximately 0.25%
In a 2019 meta-analysis, planned home births among low-risk women in high-income countries had a perinatal mortality rate of approximately 1.8 per 1,000 births
In the Netherlands, the neonatal mortality rate for home births attended by midwives is approximately 0.4 per 1,000, comparable to hospital settings
The maternal mortality rate for planned home births attended by trained midwives in the US remains statistically similar to hospital births for low-risk pregnancies, around 0.2 per 1,000

Safety and Mortality Rates Interpretation

Recent statistics reveal that in high-income countries like Norway and the Netherlands, planned home births—carefully attended by trained professionals—are not only remarkably safe but sometimes even safer than hospital deliveries, highlighting that where and how you give birth might be less about location and more about quality of care.

Trends, Preferences, and Demographic Factors

The American College of Nurse-Midwives reports that about 67% of home births in the US are planned in advance
In Norway, around 16% of women with no risk factors choose home birth
In California, the rate of home births attended by licensed midwives has increased by approximately 19% over the past decade
Approximately 82% of women seeking home births in Australia do so because of a desire for a natural birth experience
The rate of legally registered home births globally is increasing, with some countries reporting year-over-year increases of up to 5%
In the US, home birth rates are highest among women aged 30-34, accounting for about 36% of all home deliveries
The maternal age in home births tends to differ slightly from hospital births, with a higher proportion of women aged 25-34 opting for home delivery
In Sweden, nearly 42% of women with low-risk pregnancies choose home birth, citing fewer interventions and comfort
In the US, women who plan home births are more likely to have attended prenatal childbirth education classes, with about 80% participation, compared to hospital-only births
The percentage of women opting for water birth at home is about 3 times higher than in hospital settings, reflecting a preference for natural pain management

Trends, Preferences, and Demographic Factors Interpretation

As home birth trends steadily rise across the globe—from Norway's cautious 16% to Australia's 82% seeking natural experiences and California's 19% increase—it's clear that women, particularly in their late twenties and early thirties, are increasingly embracing personalized, intervention-free childbirth, highlighting an evolving desire for autonomy and comfort in the birthing process.