Birth at Home

Evidence has shown that giving birth at home is a very safe option, particularly for women who have previously experienced an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth.

The advantages of giving birth at home include:

• being in familiar surroundings where you may feel more relaxed and able to cope
• less chance of interventions during the labour process
• you don’t have to interrupt your labour to go into hospital
• you will not need to leave your other children, if you have any
• you will not have to be separated from your partner after the birth
• no limit to the amount of birth partners you can have for support
• you are more likely to be looked after by a midwife who you have got to know during your pregnancy

There are some things you should think about if you’re considering a home birth:

• you may need to transfer to a hospital if there are complications
• epidurals are not available at home
• your doctor or midwife may recommend that you give birth in hospital; for example if you are expecting twins, or if your baby is breech – your midwife or doctor will explain why they think a hospital birth is safer for you and your baby
   

Ask your midwife whether or not a home birth is suitable for you and your baby, or available to you. If it is, your midwife will arrange for members of the homebirth midwifery team to support and help you.