Homebirth Information

 

If you have had a normal, healthy pregnancy then you are deemed ‘suitable’ for a home birth by the nhs. It may still be an option if you fall into a higher risk category, but seek specialist advice to make sure it is viable for your individual situation. If you need to, make sure you read about your options, such as VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) or if you are GBP positive, twins pregnancy, IVF, there may be some things you will need to build into your birth plan but there’s no reason it shouldn’t be possible. Perhaps an independent midwife with training and one to one care would be best to support you with a homebirth with higher risk conditions.  

 

Below are just some of the reasons that you might choose to have a homebirth:

 

·         Many women feel safer and in control in the privacy of their own home.

·         You might have other children whom you would like to involve.

·         Home births are a good way to avoid interventions such as electronic monitoring, an episiotomy and induction drips.

·         You might have had a previous positive birth experience in hospital, and now feel confident about having a home birth.

·         There is an increased risk of infection for mother and baby in hospital, something mums often want to avoid.

·         A birth pool is not always available at hospital, but you can make sure you have all the equipment you want at home.

·         You can be certain of having a midwife with you throughout labour at home.

 

After her positive first birth in hospital, Sarah decided to try home birthing, to great success:

 

 

 

Despite its slump in the last decade, the number of women planning to have a home birth is now rising. An average of less than 3% of expecting mums in the UK choose this option, but figures can vary across the country.

 

Over the last twenty years it has been concluded that for women at low risk of complications, homebirths are less likely to require medical intervention. One study showed:

 

·         Women who planned a hospital birth were twice as likely to have a forceps delivery, or a caesarean delivery, as those who planned a home birth.

·         Women who planned a home birth were much less likely to use drugs during labour than women planning a hospital birth.

·         3% of women planning a home birth had an epidural (all transferred to hospital) compared to 11% for planned hospital birth.*

 

Kirsty had two positive home births after a traumatic hospital delivery:

 

 

 

The majority of women book a home birth either directly through their local midwives or family doctor. Either have a chat with your doctor or contact the Supervisor of Midwives at your local hospital, stating that you are planning a home birth and would like her support. Sometimes at your booking in appointment in early pregnancy your midwife will ask you which hospital you are planning to have your baby at. If you haven’t even considered it or would like to look into homebirth and decide at a later date, say you dot know. Or say you would like a homebirth unless things change at a later date.

 

“My midwife suggested a homebirth and it was extremely easy to organise. I did need to be seen by a consultant first as I’d had pre eclampsia in my first pregnancy, but she had no objection” Kirsty.

 

Independent midwives are fully qualified midwives who specialise in home births, and will accompany you to an NHS hospital if you need to transfer. Have a look at our online directory to find an independent midwife, or phone the independent midwives association on 01483 821104 to see if there is one in your area.

 

Managing labour pain is the main concern for many women. Epidurals and spinal blocks are only available in a hospital, since they have to be administered by an anaesthetist. If you decide during a homebirth labour that you want an epidural, you can be transferred to your local hospital. The medical help you can use at home include gas and air and Pethidine injection.

 

However, keep in mind that there are many other techniques you can use at home to help you cope with contractions and the birth, including:

 

·         Using a birth pool. If you don’t have a birth pool, a warm bath or shower can be very effective, especially if the head of the shower is aimed at your lower back.

·         Making the most of all the different distractions available at home, such as watching TV and listening to music.

·         Using complementary therapy (or have a therapist come to your home) such as HypnoBirthing, Massage, Reflexology, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy and Acupuncture. Check out our other articles on the different therapies you can use to prepare for the birth.

·         You are also free at home to labour in whatever position is most comfortable. You can try different movements, such as swaying, walking, dancing and circling your hips.

·         Tens machine (make sure ou have enough batteries in the house)

·         Eat what food or drink you want, when you want it.

·         Use the birth ball to make circles with your hips

 

Women give birth in homes of all shapes and sizes, but make sure you discuss access concerns with your midwife in case of an emergency. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your surroundings.

 

If you decide to have your other children around for your birth, make sure you prepare them for what they might see and hear if they come into the birth room; perhaps look at books and videos about birth together.

 

Ensure you have the phone numbers of your midwifery team to hand and a birth/postnatal bag in case you transfer to hospital. Your midwife will be able to give you an extensive list of all the things you might need, you can also use the articles on our website for things that can make a big difference – like straws!

 

“My midwife gave my all the information I needed. She advised me about floor coverings etc, there was very little preparation needed (except for bacon sarnies all round afterwards!)” Kirsty.

 

Whilst your midwife will be trained and equipped to deal with most problems, make sure you discuss what arrangements are in place in case of an emergency. The most common reason for transfer is a long labour, where the mother or baby gets tired; your midwife will suggest transferring to hospital, it’s up to you if you go or stay.

 

Kirsty felt completely comfortable with the service she received during her two home births:

 

 

Most importantly, don’t feel like you’ve failed if you do need to transfer to the hospital. If you need emotional support after the birth, make sure you make an appointment with your midwife or doctor to chat about how you are feeling.

Louise says “Even though we had everything ready for a homebirth I had boxes of the things I might want or need in so people could find it easily. When we transferred to hospital (my baby was coming quickly, 3 weeks early, baby was breech (planned) and my midwives backup was on holiday!!) my doula tipped all the boxes into a suitcase and I had everything I needed in hospital!) I had a natural breech birth in hospital – just in case. Everything was fine and I felt quite happy with the decision. I’ll be confident to birth the next one at home, even without two midwives!”

 

* Statistics from http://www.birthchoiceuk.com/