Mums urged to give birth at home

NHS Warrington is calling for more mums-to-be to consider giving birth at home.
Expectant mothers in the borough have various options where they can give birth, including home births or hospital. During the first visit with a midwife, pregnant women are advised about birthing options and given information to ensure they feel confident in making informed choices about the care they will receive.
Emma Dunkin, NHS Warrington’s commissioning development manager for women and children’s services said: “The majority of pregnancies and deliveries happen without complications, so most women are able to have a home birth supported by their family and a highly trained midwifery team.
“An increasing number of women throughout Warrington are opting to give birth in this way. However if it is likely that medical support will be needed during the delivery, the option of a hospital birth may be more suitable. This is discussed fully with mums-to-be to ensure they are confident in their choices.”
Usually a home delivery reduces the need for pain relief, although some women opt to hire a pool for delivery. Midwives are able to provide some forms of pain relief if required such as Entonox (gas and air).
Melanie Hudson, head of midwifery at Warrington and Halton Hospitals said:
“Giving birth at home can reduce anxiety and makes women feel more comfortable. Other benefits include continuing labour without the interruption of going into hospital; women and partners remaining together rather than being separated after birth and women are more likely to be looked after by a midwife who they have got to know during pregnancy.
“Home birth also has an increased success in establishing breastfeeding and a woman is less likely to require medical procedures. Although women are carefully assessed for their individual ability to have a home birth, where a medical risk arises, women will be immediately transferred to hospital for medical support. ”