Newspapers have recently been reporting the dangers of home births and many parents may dismiss the prospect of giving birth outside the safe haven of hospitals. However, the Government offers mothers-to-be the choice of giving birth in hospital, at a birth clinic or at home.

Leading parenting charity The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) say that planned home births are just as safe as hospital births, providing that the mother is healthy and there are no birth complications. In fact, Britain has seen a rise in the amount of women choosing to give birth at home – in 2007, over 20,000 women had home births.  

Every woman has the right to choose how to give birth, and home births can be a very special experience for parents.  If you are thinking about having a home birth, here are some things you might consider:

Who can have a home birth?
Generally speaking, any woman can. Home births make up 3% of all births but women who live in areas where they are well supported are more likely to have home births.

Mothers-to-be with normal, healthy pregnancies and one baby who is head-down make up the majority of home births. If you fall into a higher-risk category, you may still be able to have a home birth, but you need to check with a specialist.

Unfortunately, if your baby is lying sideways in your womb, if you have a full placenta praevia (placenta covering the cervix) or if you have severe birth complications that require your baby to need medical attention after birth, a home birth will not be an option.

Why might you consider having a home birth?
Bringing your baby into the world from the comfort of your own home can be very special. You may want to consider a home birth if you;

• want be a familiar, relaxing environment (this can benefit the progress of your labour)
• can stay put without rushing off to hospital once you go into labour
• feel safer or more in control at home
• want to avoid interventions such as electronic monitoring or drips
• want to be with your older children or do not want to be separated from your partner overnight
• you want to be able to get into your own bed and your bath once your baby’s born

The main differences with hospital births is that women have the option of an epidural, some may feel safer in a hospital, want to be around other women having babies or think that their homes will be too messy after a birth.

What special equipment will I need?
Your midwife(s) will make sure your house is warm enough, and bring along plastic sheets to protect your bed or carpet, and large absorbent pads protect surfaces, plus they will clean up after the birth.  

If you need a transfer to hospital, you will need a packed overnight bag. Don’t worry if this happens – many women say spending time at home before needing to go to hospital was worthwhile.

What happens if I need to go to hospital?
Your midwife will be trained in dealing with any complications that may or may not arise during your home birth, and can refer you to hospital if needs be.  She will discuss this with both you and your partner, and accompany you to the hospital.

How do I arrange a home birth?
It’s easy – you can book a home birth through your family doctor or through your midwife. To book with a midwife, simply write a letter to the Supervisor of Midwives at your local hospital   explaining you would like a home birth.

You can also hire an independent midwife through Independent Midwives UK, which can cost between £1500 to £4000.

For more information regarding parenting, pregnancy and home births, please visit the NCT.

Picture kindly from here