How do I request a home birth?
At the beginning of your pregnancy, your GP can note your request for a home birth on the referral letter to Epsom Hospital or St Helier Hospital. You can also tell your midwife that you are interested in having a home birth at any time during your pregnancy.
What happens next?
A community midwife will go through a home birth risk assessment with you. Reasons why a home birth may be inadvisable (for example, medical problems, current or previous pregnancy or labour complications) will be discussed, as will reasons for transfer to hospital during the home birth. If there are any factors that could endanger your health or the health of your baby, you will be advised to accept a referral to hospital for a consultant obstetrician's opinion, and possibly a hospital delivery. A compromise of midwifery led delivery in hospital with early transfer home from the labour ward could be suggested.
Which requirements does my home need to fulfil?
Your home needs to be accessible for emergency vehicles, well lit and heated, and childcare arrangements for any older children need to be in place.
A delivery bag containing sterile equipment packs for the midwife will either be delivered to your house or given to you at a clinic at 36 weeks.
