What about pain relief?
Women giving birth at home often require less pain relief than if they were in hospital due to the continuous support by a midwife in familiar
surroundings. Pain relief can be provided by the midwife, however an epidural is only available when in hospital.
What about the mess?
Generally there is not too much mess to worry about. Midwives always provide absorbent sheets. Newspaper, an old shower curtain, old sheets and towels also come in handy. The midwives clear up, change any bedding and take rubbish away with them, leaving you to enjoy your baby without any distractions.
Birth Centre or Midwife-Led Unit
These ‘home from home’ centres may
be separate from, next to, or part of
a hospital. They are staffed by
midwives and offer many of the
same benefits as home birth.
Midwives working in birth
centres are experts in
supporting women through
straightforward births and
have great belief in a
woman’s ability to give
birth without medical
intervention. However,
there are often strict
criteria about a
mother’s suitability,
and there may not
be a centre within
your area.
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Consultant-Led Unit
Hospital-based units cater for a large number of women, cared for by both midwives and obstetricians. Obstetricians are surgeons trained in birth. If your pregnancy develops complications your midwife will recommend that you give birth under consultant-led care in hospital. You will still be cared for by a midwife, but with added input from an obstetrician.
Some consultant-led units recognise that not all women giving birth there have complications, but have chosen to be there due to the close medical backup, that provides them with a feeling of safety. As these units care for large numbers of women you may be cared for by more than one midwife because of shift changes or the number of women in labour on that day. Visit your local unit and find out how you will be cared for.
So where is the best place for me to give birth?
> This answer is very personal and only you can
decide after considering the available options
> Discuss these options with your midwife,
who will be able to help you.
> Women, who feel safe, secure and
relaxed, supported by people that
they know and trust, are most
likely to experience successful,
uncomplicated birth
Useful websites
www.birthchoiceuk.org
www.homebirth.org.uk
www.royalcollegeofmidwives.org.uk
www.independentmidwives.org.uk
www.nct.org.uk
any questions? feel free to email me: andrea@thirtysomethingmums.com
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