Maternity services

Home birth

Women booked for Midwifery Led Care can also choose to have their baby at home. The evidence shows that a planned home birth is safe for healthy women having a normal pregnancy.

If you are having a home birth, you will be looked after by community midwives who are employed by the Trust. Once you are in established labour your midwife will stay with you until your baby is born.

Advantages:

• You can labour and give birth in a familiar setting, with your family.

• Women who labour at home are more likely to feel relaxed which can help your labour to progress.

• You are less likely to need pain relieving drugs.

• You are less likely to need a caesarean section.

Considerations:

• You will need to be transferred by ambulance to hospital if you require an epidural or if there are any complications.

Further information

For further information please talk to your community midwife who will provide you with more information on having your baby at home.