Home Birth

Why Would I Choose A Home Birth?

Home birth is becoming more popular in the UK and there are many advantages:-

• increases your level of control and relaxation
• increases your level of privacy
• increases the quality of the relationship with your midwife
• increases your freedom to manage pain
• increases your freedom to choose which family members and friends are present at the birth
• Midwife is always present
• less inhibitions – free to change positions, make noises and so on
• no routine procedures
• no hospital – home adjustment
• no fractious long, fast journey between home and hospital
• reduced risk of infection in domestic surroundings
• Post natal checking, weighing and measuring all done in your presence
• Post natal care can also take place home and this suits families in rural locations who may have long drives to hospitals or community centres

Most home births occur after an uncomplicated pregnancy and when the baby is in a “head down” position. You can book your home birth with your midwife or GP or you can book a private midwife to be with you. (See below for contact information)

How Safe Is A Home Birth?

For a healthy mother who has enjoyed a straightforward pregnancy a home birth can be just as safe as a hospital birth. The birth mortality rates are 4-5/1000 for home births and 9-10/1000 for hospital births.

Antenatal preparation can help to manage expectations. A midwife will plan several antenatal visits to your home and this is a great opportunity to discuss plans and ask questions. Most midwives will bring oxygen, IV fluid and some drugs when they deliver the baby. These initial meetings are ideal for alleviating your fears and finding out what happens if complications ensue.

Epidurals are not an option during a home birth because an anaesthetist is needed to administer it. Gas and air, are options as is the TENS machine or alternative therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, meditation, water etc. (Please refer to our pain relief options for more information)

Many women find a home birth in their own surroundings more comfortable and relaxing. Because the mother is more relaxed there tends to be less intervention such as drugs or delivery with ventouse or forceps.

Are There Any Post Natal Benefits To Home Birth?

There are many and they include:

• no hospital to home adjustments
• freedom from hospital routines
• you are immediately accessible to your other children
• free to breastfeed
• post natal checks and visits can be in your own home

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

If there is post partum haemorrhage, ergometrine is injected intravenously to contract the uterus and stop the bleeding. A catheter is inserted into the bladder and and ambulance is called if necessary.

If there is distress to the baby it will depend how early on this happens. If the baby is distressed during the first stages of labour, an ambulance is called and you will be taken into hospital. If it happens during the second stage of labour the baby will be delivered as quickly and safely as possible. If the baby is not breathing, the umbilical cord (an oxygen supply) will be left attached to the baby, the baby will be kept warm (with blankets and possibly massage.) Your midwife may employ an ambubag or mouth to mouth resuscitation or might insert a tube into the windpipe to help the baby to breathe.

It should be stressed that these eventualities are rare and often depend on the level of stress inflicted on the mother. It is a good idea to discuss these eventualities with you midwife.