Is it safe to have a home birth?

I feel like there's a growing interest and push (pun intended!) from women wanting to go back to basics, to avoid medical interventions as much as possible and to birth their baby in the comforts of their own home.

So I thought I'd give you a few of the benefits to having a home birth...and this list is most certainly not exhaustive!

Increased chances of a vaginal birth

Research shows that approximately 90-95% of home births result in a natural, vaginal delivery, compared to some medical facilities where less than 50%* of births are natural, vaginal!

Average Hospital Birth Type rates in the UK in 2022-23*:

C-Section -  39%

Instrumental -  11% (some hospitals can be as high as 30%)

Comfort and Familiarity

Being in a familiar, comfortable setting can help reduce stress and anxiety during labour, which in turn can help achieve the right hormone balance to allow your labour to progress without hindrance

Personal Touch

You can personalise your space with your own pillows, music, lighting, anything that makes you feel safe, cosy and happy

Control and Autonomy

You have more (well ... ultimate!) control over your birthing experience, including who is present (which might include your other children), where you position yourself, how you manage pain, when you eat/sleep/go to the bathroom ... the possibilities are endless

No Pressure

There's no pressure to use medications, no one's putting you 'on the clock' or pushing interventions unless there's any real concerns

Reduced Infection Risk

There's a lower chance of infection compared to hospital births and your baby is born into an environment which their immune system is already familiar with, the microbiome of your home is a far safer place you for you and your baby

Less Intervention

Fewer interventions like medications, instrumental or operative births, which can be painful, traumatic and have increased recovery time, as well as implications for future births

Immediate Bonding

Early skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding can help with bonding as well as offering health benefits for you and your baby, you can have all the time you want skin-to-skin with your baby, without the pressures of the hospital ward

Individualised Care

You often receive more personalised care and support from midwives, whether they be NHS appointed or privately hired

Continuous Support

Having continuous support from a midwife can make a big difference in your birthing experience, helping you to feel more at ease in their company, confident in their skills and truly heard

Positive Birth Experience

Many women report a more positive birth experience at home, which can have long-lasting emotional benefits

*Method of childbirth delivery in England 2023 | Statista