Home birth

The majority of women can choose to have their baby at home. Research has found that home birth is as safe as hospital birth for healthy women having a straightforward pregnancy, and that women who plan to have their baby at home are less likely to have a Caesarean or interventions such as forceps or an episiotomy. If this is your first baby, you can still have a home birth. There is no evidence to suggest it is unwise.  If you have your baby at home you are more likely to have care from a midwife you know, and will have the support of a second midwife for the birth.

Outcomes for homebirth are good; although less than 3% of women in our area request this option.  However, the homebirth rate can be as high as 15% in some locations.Of women who laboured at home in Southampton in 2009 and planned a home birth, over 90% remained there to have their baby. 

‘My midwife was so good I never felt worried about the home birth as it was obvious she knew what she was doing and if the case arose that she needed help during birth, I know she wouldn’t mess about.’

Transfer

Home birth and birth centre care are similar in terms of resources available, for example basic resuscitation equipment. Midwives are trained to quickly detect the onset of problems and, in the rare event that you or your baby need emergency treatment, midwives are able to provide first level emergency care, for example oxygen and suction. If further aid is needed you will be transferred in an ambulance to the obstetrician-led unit| for specialist care.

Transfer can be upsetting but you can be reassured that procedures are in place for when transfer to hospital is necessary. The safety of you and your baby is always the top priority.  The majority of transfers take place during labour, although situations can arise after the birth where medical treatment may be necessary. It is very unusual to transfer after the baby is born for concerns about the baby. 

‘Having planned a home birth and having to proceed to hospital, I felt that my midwife explained every scenario properly and supported us well as she knew the last thing we wanted was to be in hospital. She continued to be a great support throughout.’