In most of europe, a women with a healthy pregnancy and no complications can choose to have a home birth. However in the uk, some doctors prefer you to have had a previous straight forward labour before having a home birth. This is becoming less often though, as with good midwife care it is a safe option.
What to expect at a home birth
Once you are in labour, you will be joined by a idwife at your home, who will stay there to care for you. The midwife will monitor the baby very carefully, around between 15-30 mins, checking her heartbeat, unless she feels she shold check more regularly, until she is born. You will be able to have gas and air, but pethedine may need to be arranged prior to your home birth.
Advantages of a home birth
- Familiar surroundings
- Involving others (eg your other children)
- Avoiding medical intervention
- Same midwife throughout labour
- Low infection risk
Disasvantages
- Not as much pain relief available
- If you need intervention you will need to transfer to hospital
Your rights
It is always the womans right to have a home birth.