Birth is not a medical procedure, but a normal physiological process that women have been doing and doing nicely for millions of years.  Whilst it is true that a small minority of women do have medical complications or require specialist care in pregnancy, many women can have a midwife as their primary care giver.

Birthing Babies Midwifery receives calls every day from women who had know ideal that home birth is an option for them.  The National Clinical of Excellence (N.I.C.E) is the independent organisation responsible for providing evidence-based guidance to health professionals.  The N.I.C.E guidelines clearly state that when women see their midwife for their booking appointment they should be offered a home birth and informed that they are more likely to have a normal birth at home, in a midwifery led unit or birth centre.  It is also important to point out, that if something does go unexpectedly seriously wrong during labour at home or in a midwife-led unit, the outcome for the woman and baby could be worse than if they were in the obstetric unit with access to specialised care.

Hospital vs. home birth safety has been thought provoking for not only pregnant women but also health professionals.  The recent Dutch study carried out from January 2000 to December 2006 conclude that home birth is as safe as hospital; This is not new news and not a surprise to many independent and NHS midwives, who already appreciated this.  It does however; raise awareness too many people who may not have considered the safety of home birth and assumed hospital is the best place to have their baby.  All midwives providing home births carry the necessary resuscitation equipment and emergency drugs.  The Nursing Midwifery Council clearly state that all midwives must keep their skills and knowledge up to date, this is the case for all practicing midwives whether they are hospital, community or independent midwives. 

Things can go wrong at home and in hospital.  One of the benefits of being at home is having a midwife with you the whole time during your labour and birth.  Therefore, if complications occur your midwife will pick up and act quickly as they are providing one to one care. It is unfortunate that many hospitals strive and work hard to provide women with one to one care; the reality is they are unable to fulfil this need due to staff shortages and a very large caseload of women. In April 2009, Louise Silverton from the Royal College of Midwives stated, “The NHS is not set up to meet the potential demands of homebirths.” 

A home birth is a far more relaxing experience for women, partners and family.  It is well documented that women feel safer and in control of their birth.  Partners feel more involved and calm.  The atmosphere instigated by the mother’s wishes, normally quiet with minimal talking, soothing music and dimly lit rooms.  She has the choice to go to any room where she feels comfortable and needs privacy.  Food and drink is available when she wishes.

Pain relief is available at home; this can be in the form of massage, homeopathy, hypnosis and other coping mechanisms.  Other well-known forms of pain relief are TENS machines, entonox (gas and air) and water, which can be used for the birth.   
The birth of your baby can be in a position that feels comfortable to you.  Your baby is given straight to you, allowing you to cuddle and comfort your baby with out being disturbed. 

When the placenta been birthed, and you have all been given a thorough check over, you are tucked up in bed with your baby by your side.  There are no concerns over unhygienic toilets, or risk of infections.  The midwives tidy up any mess so it looks like you have not even had a baby at home.  Your midwife stays for a couple of hours to make sure you and baby are well and to offer support and help with breast-feeding and that you have had something to eat and drink.  Women feel immense satisfaction with what they have achieved.

Whilst I am a great advocate in home birth, I passionately believe in women having a choice.  Women need to have a choice on who cares for them and a choice in where to have their baby.

With thanks to ANNA and here is the result of all her hard work.

Here are some useful websites:

www.homebirthorg.uk
www.aims.org.uk
www.niceorg.uk