Giving birth at home
Deciding to give birth in your home can be a liberating choice. You can consciously create an environment and atmosphere to best enhance your experience and welcome your baby.
It is vital to consider all angles of the homebirth debate to make an informed decision that is right for you.
homebirthkits.com offers notes for the mum-to-be and her birth partner.
Eventually we hope to place here stories of women's personal homebirth experiences. If you'd like to encourage other people by sharing your home birth story then please contact us.
We trust you will find this information helpful. It includes the birth story of our founder, Charmaine.
Links to other websites...
- Active Birth Centre
Excellent resource to support the benefits of an active birth - Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services
AIMS Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services - BirthChoiceUK
Useful statistics on homebirth rates throughout the UK - birthlight
Focuses on a holistic approach to pregnancy and birth through a series of pre and post natal yoga classes throughout the UK - Doula UK
Doulas are women who offer fantastic support throughout your pregnancy, birth and beyond - Home Birth Reference Site
The UK reference site on the topic of homebirth, extremely useful - Independent Midwives Association
The Association of Independent Midwives, the place to find a private midwife to assist with your homebirth - Joint Statement about Home Births by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists/Royal College of Midwives (pdf, 84KB, from the website of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, reproduced with permission by the Nurses and Midwifery Council [MNC])
- National Childbirth Trust
The National Childbirth Trusts website allows you to identify local homebirth support groups and antenatal classes - Home Birth - Sheila Kitzinger
Sheila Kitzinger campaigns for women to have the information they need to make choices about childbirth. She is a strong believer in the benefits of home birth for women who are not at especially high risk.
Why homebirth?
Giving birth is one of the most natural experiences a woman will ever encounter, and the perception that 'hospitals are for sick people' can create a feeling of unease which can in turn slow down labour.
Women choose homebirths to...
- promote relaxation and calm
- be in a familiar place where they feel safe
- reduce stresses that may inhibit labour
- enjoy individual care from a dedicated midwife
Remember that if you are located within a reasonable distance, you can change your mind at any time during labour and be transferred to your hospital.