23 May 2008
The maternity departments at Epsom and St Helier hospitals are running a number of open days to make mums-to-be and their partners aware of the different options for where and how to give birth, in particular having their baby at home. Community midwives, as well as parents who have experienced home births, will also be available for prospective parents to speak to.
Maria Mills Shaw is the community and home birth lead for the Trust. She said: "The Trust is keen to make sure mothers-to-be know of all the different options for where and how they can give birth. Mothers can be put off the idea of having a home birth as they are unsure what to expect and what support they will receive. We can assure women who are fit and healthy with uncomplicated pregnancies that giving birth at home is just as safe as giving birth in a hospital and that every precaution is taken to make sure the mother and the baby are safe at all times.
Maria added: "Having a baby at home is a very positive experience for women and their partners as staying at home helps them to relax in a safe and familiar environment with midwives they know."
This is borne out by the experience of Ruth Hunter, a mother from Raynes Park. She said giving birth to their two children at home was the best experience of her life. Ruth, who is married to Richard, decided on giving birth at home after reading about it and hearing others discuss their experiences.
Prior to the birth of their two children, Millie aged 3 and Alfie who was born last September, the pair decided that a home birth would be for them. "My husband was dubious about home births before my first baby was born, but now encourages anyone without pregnancy complications to consider it. Both of my home births are up there as two of the best experiences in my life."
Ruth added: "Letting a labour progress naturally at home without a mad dash for the hospital, certainly makes for a calm and peaceful environment and a stress free labour. Our experience has been that we have had two of the most natural and trouble free births anyone could wish for. We believe this is due to the excellent care of the two to one midwife/mother relationship, and the absence of unnecessary interventions at home."
Ruth and Richard are not alone when it comes to opting for a home birth delivery. Approximately two in every hundred women across the country choose to give birth in their domestic surroundings according to figures from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Epsom and St Helier hospitals currently delivers approximately 100 babies at home per year and this number is rising thanks to the Trust's team of community midwives.
For more information about home births, contact the midwifery department (see numbers below) or visit one of the home birth open days:
- 13 July - Epsom Hospital
- 28 September - St Helier Hospital
- 23 November - Epsom Hospital
To book a place, please call the antenatal clinic at St Helier Hospital on 0208 296 2571 or at Epsom Hospital on 01372 735 367.
