More parents are taking control of their birthing options by choosing home births, says a new study from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Statistics released in late January say home births in the United States have risen by nearly 30 percent between 2004 and 2009.

"A lot of women really like the idea of home birth because they want a lower-intervention birth. A lot of women are worried about higher C-section rates and other types of intervention that happen once you go to the hospital," said lead author Marian MacDorman from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics.

Statistics from the study show that women with other children are more likely to choose a home birth, as are white women and those age 35 and over.

Why are more women choosing home births?

Just one hundred years ago, home births were the norm across the country. But as we entered an era of new technology, home birth rates decreased rapidly until 99 percent of babies were born in a hospital setting in 1969. At this point most parents believed that modern medicine held all the keys to a safe birth. Unfortunately, this proved to be wrong.

Since then, many have questioned the need for so many medical interventions in what should be considered a completely natural event. As parents have discovered the hospital setting is not necessarily best for mother and baby, home births have been making a comeback.

Done with some careful planning and preparation, a home birth can be quite safe. A knowledgeable birth attendant can help decide if further care is needed during any part of the birth.

In fact, a study in 2009 showed that planned home births with registered midwives were as safe or even safer than hospital births. Home birthing mothers with midwives experienced a lower risk of complications like C-sections, infections and bleeding.

Saraswathi Vedam from the Home Birth Section of the American College of Nurse-Midwives says home birthing can definitely be a safe option for many women.

"Women who are healthy and have a profile of having a good outcome for them and their babies have come to understand that the equipment and personnel a hospital has to offer is not necessary for all women. It's most appropriate for women and infants who have medical indications that could benefit from what the hospital offers," she says.

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