Home birth stories
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Every mother is entitled to request a home birth and those that have experienced this have been delighted with the naturalness and ease of bringing their baby straight into their own home. Ask your midwife to talk it through with you.
If she isn't keen, and you really want to pursue it, ask for another midwife or you can arrange an independent midwife (which you will have to pay for). Here are the real life home birth stories from over 100 Netmums members. You can also speak to other mums to be about homebirth in our birth & labour forum.
Lucy Burns comments: Homebirths definitely. Much safer than any hospital or birthing unit. You're in your own surroundings and can dictate your own conditions - and nobody is going to be telling me to push while lying like a stranded beetle. Can't recommend it enough.
Noleen comments: Having a baby at home is such an incredible feeling, I would most definitely have another baby at home and recommend it to all who can! I was soo much more relaxed, comfortable and felt more in control of my labour - which I did not need any pain relief for, which I believe was due to the calm atmosphere. I could then relax in my own home after having my baby! Perfect!!
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Angharad comments: I would strongly recommend home births for anyone with a healthy pregnancy as this is the most relaxing and natural way. I gave birth to my first child at home in a birthing pool (by the way I'm not a hippy type) and it was amazing, I felt in control the whole time. Do some research you will be surprised at how safe it is!!!
Kelly comments: Your bedroom or front room is the best maternity unit in the world! Relaxed, reassuring environment, surrounded by those you want there - no other option as far as I'm concerned!
Anita comments: Sophie is my first baby so some people were sceptical when I said I was having a home birth, but I was so glad I went through with it. The midwives were excellent and I'd recommend it for the following reasons:
- I was far more relaxed at home.
- When the waters broke a midwife visited me, no trip into hospital to then be sent home.
- I didn't have to make the horrid journey to hospital 4. I had the devoted attention of 2 midwives throughout - no sharing and no shift changes.
- Less likely to have unnecessary medical intervention to speed things up.
- Afterwards the midwives tidied everything away and left my husband and I in our own bed - he didn't have to go home alone while I stayed in an alien environment. Highly recommended if the birth looks straight-forward.
Caroline comments: I would thoroughly recommend a home birth. I also hired a birthing pool which helped tremendously with the pain, in fact I only ended up having 30 minutes of gas and air. Another benefit was that I had two midwives with me throughout the last part of my labour.
Sian comments: I would highly recommend a home birth. i had my second child in a birthing pool at home. being able to get into my own bed after the birth was wonderful and i didn't have to leave my toddler at all when the new baby arrived. i was lucky with the midwifery teams who were marvelous both during and after the birth.
Adela comments: I was attended by midwives from Dumfries & Galloway maternity services at home in a cottage in the hills. I had a beautiful gentle waterbirth - the midwives were absolutely wonderful and so was my husband. I felt totally safe and supported, my baby was born alert and healthy.
Sara comments: I had my baby at home in a birthing pool. She was my first baby. It was a great experience. No pain relief and the recovery time was very quick. Was great to go to sleep in my own bed, use my own bathroom and have something to eat & drink whenever I wanted. Would recommend this to anyone especially if you have supportive midwives which I had and a great partner who helped me focus.
Jacqueline comments: My son was born at home. When I called the hospital (King Georges), I was told there were no hospital beds so I decided to have a bath & relax @ home. If my baby was not born at home, I would have given birth on the A12 as the hospital instructed me to go to Harold Wood hospital (NB: Friday 5pm - rush hour - never been to this hospital before and 1 hour drive away). We were not impressed with the verbal assistance rec'ved but normally the maternity dept. at this hospital is usually quite good.
Karobi comments: I would whole heartedly recommend having your baby at home, it was such a wonderful experience. You may have to dig your heels in and find a supportive midwife, but it's worth it!
Rachel comments: Although it was a really painful labour I would recommend having a baby at home. I was totally in control all the time, the nurses didn't tell me when to push or what position to be in (unlike at hospital with my first) but left it completely up to me. The only downside was that I didn't request pethidine (which you had to ask for when phoning the midwife originally) and the gas ran out in the tank (of course they only bring one so ouch!). it was lovely afterwards to have a bath in my own bath (with more than 2 inches of water) and have my family with me. (think twice however if you live in a terraced house as I did rather a lot of shouting!).
Alison comments: Home birth is fantastic! Do your research - it's not "being brave" or foolhardy, then tell the midwife what you want and why. Usually when they see you are firm they are happy to go along with it. You get continuity of care, no MRSA, do and eat what you want. My first was in hospital, other 3 at home with lovely midwives.
Tracy comments: My eldest child was born in hospital, and whilst it was a wonderful experience it just seemed so clinical and impersonal, so when I had my son, the midwife recommended a home birth. What a difference! I felt completely relaxed, the midwives were wonderful and within an hour I was pottering around the house, I didn't need any pain relief (although my husband did have quite badly bruised arms for a while afterwards) it is something I would absolutely do again if I had the chance.
Ann comments: A home birth is the best experience ever! (I had to have my first in hospital as he arrived at 36 weeks, so I have had both.) Just being able to do your own thing when, where and how you would like to makes all the difference. There is nothing nicer than being able to get into your own bed once it is all over. Highly recommended.
Heidi Taylor comments: My home birth was a fantastic experience and I urge more mums to consider it. My daughter was born in the middle of the night with no intervention and jut a tens machine for pain relief. I had one to one care from a fantastic midwife and just my husband present. Our eldest daughter awoke the next morning to meet her new baby sister with no issues about childcare. I was able to rest in my own bed with no noisy ward and with my own home comforts around me.
Karen comments: If the home birth option is available to you, then it's definitely worth considering. It's your home, you're in charge.
Kate comments: Would recommend a home birth to anyone. it was the best experience for both me and my partner.
Donna comments: I had my 3rd baby in the comfort of my own bedroom, I wouldn't recommend it for a 1st time mum but any other mums should give it a go or at least approach your midwife about it. It was a wonderful experience and I would definitely do it again.
Michelle comments: I would recommend a home birth if possible, what a great experience, it was my 3rd child. Doctor was not happy as disagreed with home births and if I didn't know better she would of made me change my mind, she said that it was dangerous and if I was happy to risk my child then that was up to me. I work as a Maternity Care Assistant for my local hospital and it is very very under staffed politics and all that. I think it's a great place but more and more often it is too busy for the amount of staff. Bring back the community midwife to the community so they can do what they love doing which is home births... sorry for waffling on.
Rachel comments: I have had one baby at Gravesend hospital and had my second baby at my home in Derby - it was fantastic such a relaxed and surreal experience can fully recommend it.
Sara comments: I used the midwife team from the Birth Centre in Tooting - I had intended to go to the Birth Centre itself, but ended up having a home birth, which was great. Fantastic care throughout.
Sam comments: Having my son at home was magical - I had two dedicated midwives that were with me throughout the labour. There were no interruptions, no noise and I was able to have a bath in my own bathroom and sleep in my own bed. Would highly recommend.
Emma comments: After having a fairly relaxed uncomplicated pregnancy and labour I had my first child in hospital: although the staff at the hospital were friendly and helpful, I couldn't wait to get home. So with my second baby I opted for a home birth. It was a great experience. I had the privacy of my own bedroom. Friends and relatives weren't restricted by visiting times. If I have anymore children I will definitely have a home birth again.
Jax comments: I would always recommend a home birth, you can do things your way in familiar surroundings, stress levels are lower, and you are way more likely to get some sleep after the birth! (And yes, I've tried it in a hospital too, my daughter was born in hospital in 2000).
Jesmond comments: Would totally recommend a home birth. Relaxed and calm, no unwanted medical interventions. Not scary at all. Just natural and utterly right. Our bodies really do cope admirably with the pain...
Leigh comments: I would recommend giving birth at home to other mums definitely. I had my last 2 children at home and it was by far more relaxed than being in the hospital environment.
Lora comments: Thoroughly recommend a home birth with an independent midwife (ie private). I had a bad experience in a hospital with my firstborn, so opted for a home birth once I'd done my research. Fabulous experience - she knew things you don't even read about anywhere and which helped my child into the world relatively painless WITHOUT ANY DRUGS (and I don't like pain and was 41 when I had her). Had her standing up in my bedroom and straight into bed afterwards with cup of tea!
Lynne comments: This is just the best way to give birth. You're in total control, but have the help of 2 midwives all to yourself. My son got a bit stuck, but with the help of 2 experienced midwives he was soon helped to move. I had a few problems during pregnancy and my midwife ensured that all necessary tests were carried out to ensure that the birth was as safe as possible. I would recommend a home birth to anyone who hasn't got complications.
Paula comments: This was my second pregnancy and certainly was not planning a home birth but having looked back on it it was much much quicker I stayed here with my 2 year old so didn't have to leave her with a stranger (parents live 100 miles away). My midwifes were with me 100% of the time where in a hospital they go between mums to be. It wasn't as messy as I thought it would be, I had a bath and got into my own bed and an hour after the birth I was having a glass of wine with my lunch and my two kids!!! Now that's perfect! No stitches this time much better recovery. Would recommend this as a really nice birth!!
Jennifer comments: I had my first child James at home (am pregnant with no 2) as I knew what kind of birth experience I wanted. I didn't feel this would have been an option in hospital as the types of midwives are so different. Also labour is painful and if drugs are on offer it is likely you will succumb, however at home there are no drugs so you have to use other coping strategies like screaming! I also had a waterbirth which was fantastic the water was very effective, in hospital sometimes the pool might not be available or there might not be a midwife trained in waterbirths etc etc all chances I was not willing to take. It was a great experience, afterwards I cuddled my son on my sofa, had a shower in my bathroom and got into my own bed, no plastic mattresses for me thank you. I had friends and family to visit without restriction, and wasn't disturbed by other women's visitors etc.
Sarah comments: As long as you have had a healthy pregnancy, home birth is a must experience. Complete control of your environment, the care you receive and most of all your baby's first surroundings.
Sam comments: In so many ways it was fantastic being at home, and you get the care of 2 midwives, who aren't distracted by any other births! However, it's not for everyone, and would only suit you if it would make you more relaxed being at home, rather than more anxious. You also need to take into account the limits to pain relief available!
Suzanne comments: My first child was born in hospital, my second at home and the experiences couldn't have been more different. My second labour was wonderful, chilled out, calm, even fun in places! And the birth was amazing, two midwives completely focused on me and the baby. Within two hours I was tucked up in my own bed breastfeeding my daughter texting the news of her birth to my friends and family. Fantastic.
Sarah comments: My son was born at home (he is my second baby). I would definitely recommend this to other mums. I was so relaxed through the whole experience. I was able to spend most of my labour in my own bath and get out just in time to give birth on my own bed. The midwives then cleaned up and were out of the house 45 mins later and I was able to relax and enjoy time with my husband, daughter and new baby.
Dawn Daniels comments: Having your baby at home is so lovely, I had 2 midwives, they monitor you closely so if there is any sign of trouble they call an ambulance. The midwives become like friends as it is a very close, intimate experience. You can get into your own bath after, then your own bed, it's fab! I had my first son in hospital and had a terrible experience, I then had my next three children at home and it was the best decision I ever made!!
Fiona comments: I had baby no. 2 at home and would recommend it to anyone. It was lovely - so different to the whole hospital experience. I felt really in control. It is also easier to distract yourself from the pain. My daughter was born shortly after 9pm and my son was back with me, the midwives gone, everything clean and tidy by 10.30pm. If she had been born in hospital visiting hours would have meant not seeing my son until next morning. I felt it really minimised the disruption for him and avoided fostering resentment towards his new sister because the first night spent away from him was down to her.
Gemma comments: I would recommend a home birth for a second birth if your first went smoothly. Also I can recommend using a birthing pool at home as it was very easy to use and very good to use for pain relief I managed to give birth without pain relief. I think the pool I used was from www.naturalbabies.co.uk but i can check that out if you need it.
Helen comments: A truly wonderful experience. I didn't have the confidence to have my first baby at home, but this more than made up for it. The support from the midwives at Stroud Maternity was fantastic.
Ines comments: I would recommend a homebirth to any woman who wishes to have a positive birth experience. Giving birth at home is so liberating, I could almost say enjoyable and it was definitely a fantastic experience. I only wish I would have thought of it with my first!
Jane comments: After a less than satisfactory experience at Northwick Park with my first child, I was adamant I wouldn't return for the delivery of a second baby, hence my decision to have him at home. It was a really positive experience & even though I had not met the midwife who was 'on call ' that night & who delivered my son before, I can definitely recommend the homebirth services available through Harrow GP surgeries.
Janice Malschuk comments: After a fantastic but unplanned home birth I was transferred to Southmead as I was technically premature - by 2 days. The home birth was great due to my excellent midwife Marcia. Southmead was fine although I only stayed a few hours in the quick turnaround ward. It was nicer than the main ward. I was glad I took my own pillow as they are rather rare in the hospital. When my son was born there I had a private room which I would definitely recommend.
Jennifer comments: Homebirth, first baby, would highly recommend it.
Jane comments: At home with my second labour was a fantastic experience. It was relaxing, quick and relatively painless. I needed no pain relief (this was not planned, but it just happened that way.) It was the most memorable day of my life... more so than the birth of my first child... in hospital under the influence of drugs, with lots of stitches. I would highly recommend a home birth to anyone second time around!
Karen Robinson comments: I would recommend homebirths to all. It was a fantastic experience and the second time I have done it. It's nice to be surrounded by your own things (including your own germs), birth relatively in your own time and snuggle in your own bed afterwards.
Laura comments: Being at home is the most wonderful experience. Getting into your own bed with your partner and newborn after giving birth and snuggling up together is better than chocolate! Homebirth is a safe option (read the evidence and see for yourself!) I fully recommend it, after all you cannot contract MRSA, have your baby muddled up with another one or have to put up with everyone else's crying baby at home! You also don`t have to share your midwife with 3 or 4 labouring women!!
Lisa comments: I had a waterbirth with gas and air. It was as comfortable as it could have been and I was much more relaxed being at home. I felt in control of what was happening. It was good to be able to relax with my partner afterwards. The midwives were lovely and tidied up afterwards and made us breakfast in bed!
Sheena comments: My baby was born at home. My husband is terrified of hospital and as it was my third I thought why not. The community midwives were brilliant and 2 were present thoughout the delivery. I was also worried about my two older children as all my family members were away on the day the baby arrived so we were able to stay at home in familiar surroundings.
Rachel comments: Having had my first 2 children in hospital which I found very non personal and restrictive, I opted for a planned home delivery for my 3rd child. It was such a fantastic experience I am almost tempted to 'go' again! The midwife was the same one I had seen at all my antenatal appointments, also a student midwife who had been present at most of the appointments. I think the best thing was afterwards getting into my own bed with baby, my partner and two other children !
Rachel comments: I would highly recommend home birth as you are more in control of the environment and you do not interrupt the flow of labour with unnecessary and stressful travel.
Sally comments: Had a home birth and would recommend this to anyone also interested in having their baby at home. It was my first birth and everything went so smoothly and was very relaxed. The midwives were lovely, and would have taken me to hospital at anytime if they felt it was necessary. I can see that a homebirth would not suit everyone, but for me it was fab. Eva never had to leave the comfort of home for her first few days.
Sam comments: Yes, my home birth was wonderful, I felt completely safe, I had midwives that I knew and trusted, I was able to move around and give birth in the way that felt right to me, I had a bath in my own bath afterwards and could sleep in my own bed without having to 'fit in' to the way hospitals do things.
Sara comments: I used an independent midwife, and had the most fantastic water birth at home for DD 2.
Laura comments: I had my son at home in a birthing pool and it was a truly wonderful experience - everyone I know who went into hospital was interfered with and ended up with forceps, ventouse, or even caesarians. I had a peaceful natural labour and he was born when he was ready, not when a doctor decided it was time to interfere! I would absolutely recommend home birth to everyone.
Trish comments: I had my first baby (boy) in Pontefract maternity unit and the experience was horrible. I had my second baby (girl) at home and it was wonderful. My midwife suggested it as it was not something I thought about. I was worried about the mess, complications etc but I was so relaxed everything went wonderfully. I saw no mess and the midwives changed my bed and put everything in the washing machine for me!! I really recommend it.
Tania comments: I would recommend home delivery as it was so relaxed, I could move where ever I wanted, I could take a bath any time and I could have a snack whenever I liked. Also every body comes to you. No hanging around waiting for doctor to see you loads of personal attention.
Joe comments: Accidental home birth - 2nd baby came a lot quicker than expected!! Scary at time - would recommend that all 2nd timers think a little bit about what they might do if it's quicker than expected. Luckily for us we had a clean unused plastic decorating sheet (still in its packet) & lots of clean old towels that were about to be used to clean up decorating messes otherwise when my waters went in the living room a few minutes before our dd appeared we'd still be trying to sort out the floorboards!! Would have felt a lot happier about the whole process if knew what provision there is for homebirths (& if my OH had had a clue - he asked about getting hot water!!) but end result was a perfect little girl & a smiling Mum!!
Amy comments: After having my first child at hospital, I decided to have my second at home. There was nothing wrong with the hospital birth but I just felt a lot more relaxed in my own home environment. I was able to do as I wanted and walk around more freely.
Angela comments: I had reservations about a home birth beforehand, but now I wholeheartedly recommend it. It was truly beautiful.
Anna comments: Having my baby at home was a beautiful experience. If you're confident about giving birth and have had a low risk pregnancy, I can fully recommend having your baby at home. You can stay in your own comfy bed with your partner getting to know your baby. No shared wards, bright lights, other people's crying babies, uncomfortable beds etc etc..
Barbara comments: I had a water birth at home and it was a wonderful completely relaxed experience. I would recommend a home birth to anyone.
Emma comments: I had my second son at home in January of this year and would highly recommend it to expectant mums. I had my first son in hospital which definitely a completely different experience. With my first son I had an epidural and gas and air, I wasn't relaxed, I wasn't comfortable, I couldn't move off the bed because of the epidural and he ended up being delivered by forceps, yet at home, although the pain and the labour was just as painful and long I could cope with it a lot better as the atmosphere was more relaxed. All I had was gas and air, I didn't need as much and the whole experience was much better. I even got over the birth a lot quicker, I was out shopping when he was four days old even though I had needed stitches this time as well. Home births are fantastic.
Deirdre comments: At St Thomas's Hospital I would have had to share one midwife with many other birthing mothers whereas at home I gave birth under the care of 2 community midwives. If I have another baby I would certainly choose a home birth again. It was a wonderful experience that has filled my home with memories and attachments and a much nicer environment to welcome new life than the impersonal austerity of a hospital.
Esther comments: Having my second child at home meant that my first child could come back from Grandma's house the same afternoon that her brother was born. I was more in control and it was so wonderful after it was all over to be at home, alone with my husband and new baby.
Lasare comments: We all had the most beautiful, calm, supportive experience we could have desired. I deeply recommend this to any woman who has a sense of trust in her own body, birthing and her communication with her midwife. I was lucky enough to be cared for by a midwife from St Georges continuous care unit, so I knew who would be with me. Fantastic!
Lucy comments: Having had my first son at Guys (now closed for maternity services, all now at Tommy's) I never wanted to go near a hospital again ever. 2nd time, I felt huge importance to know the midwives, and to trust them with my life. Found the Brierley Team, an NHS practice attached to King's College Hospital. Fab mix of low-tech, non-invasive care from them, and hi-tech, intelligent care from King's when we needed it (we had dodgy early scan followed by CVS, all fine). Wonderful home birth experience, though more pain relief would have been good!
Julie comments: I would recommend anyone brave enough to have their baby at home! My daughter was my third child and the best birth, it was a wonderful experience. I got by on a Tens machine only, it was relaxing to be at home and not have to go anywhere. When she was born I got my bed freshly made, a hot bath, tea and whatever food I wanted, and the community midwife was fantastic!
Natalie comments: I had a home waterbirth in a pool in my conservatory. I was determined to keep the birth as natural as possible and knew that having my baby at home would help me to be calmer and more relaxed. I was also desperate to avoid having to climb into a car halfway through my labour. I reasoned that if I wanted an epidural the thought of getting out of the pool and into an ambulance would be enough to put me off - I was right! It was a wonderful experience, particularly for my husband who was able to feel completely involved and in his own words 'useful' (dads in hospitals can end up feeling like spectators). I was able to curl up in bed a few hours after the birth with my son without the distractions of buzzers going off and other babies crying. I had everything around me that I needed (particularly my husband). Family and friends were able to come to see us without the limitation of visiting hours and 'maximum numbers allowed around a bed' (using the telephone was a lot cheaper too). I was very nervous before the birth as it was my first child and I didn't know what to expect. But, my husband and I both agreed that neither of us would have changed a thing. The best bit of advice I can give you is - do your research and be really prepared. If I have another baby I plan to do exactly the same again!
Rachel comments:This was my second child and his birth was tranquil and I was in control and as a result very relaxed. My son was 8lb 9oz born, coming out with his fist and head together and I had only gas & air. My son was chilled out at birth and 13 weeks later is a very content happy little baby and I look back on his birth with pleasure. Highly recommend home birth to all mothers
Hayley comments: I was supported in my decision to have my baby at home by Stroud maternity hospital, where I have already 2 other babies. They are always wonderful whatever your decision is.
Rebecca comments: Both children born at home using Independent Midwives. The quality of care was superb before, during and after the birth, we all had and still have a lovely relationship with 'our' midwives. People say 'you were lucky to have a good birth at home' but in fact I say people are lucky if they have a 'good' hospital birth as amongst my healthy intelligent friends there is no such thing!
Alissa comments: It was wonderful having two home births and I would recommend it to anyone: - I was more relaxed at home so it hurt less. I was OK with just gas and air. - I had two midwives with me all the time, plus a trainee midwife. If I had had to transfer to hospital they would have gone with me. I wouldn't have been left alone. - My husband didn't have to leave after the birth. The first time, we went to bed with the baby asleep between us and rang everyone up. It was great. - No hospital food. - No infections or MRSA. No dirty wards. - No noise keeping me awake. - One of my midwives came in every day for 11 days. Both births are happy memories, and that's even though my second baby was back-to-back and took a lot of work to deliver.
Diane Godwin comments: Both my babies were born at home - and the same midwife delivered them both. I count myself extremely lucky. Both experiences were extremely positive, though quite different. I truly believe that being at home surrounded by those I love and my own things helped me to have natural, complication-free births. They also contributed enormously to my success with breastfeeding and generally bonding with my babies. As did my ante-natal yoga classes. Sheila Kitzinger has written a good book which helps with weighing up the pros and cons of the different options- "Birth your way".
Rebecca comments: Fabulous - well, as fabulous as birth can be(!) I had both of mine in water at home and it was so lovely to be in my own environment. The water was very relaxing and great pain-relief. It was so nice to be able to crawl (really!) up to bed an hour or so after the birth and cuddle up with baby!
Zan comments: I had both girls at home with Sandra from the homebirth (now a community m/w) team at North Middlesex. I had great experiences and really enjoyed my births. I highly recommend homebirth (esp water birth) and Sandra in particular.
Jeni comments: 1st & 2nd baby both born at home with water & independent midwives - very long first labour but relaxed/ uncomplicated. Definite Caeser if in hospital. Fantastic to have breakfast and get into own duvet with baby afterwards. Worried about mess before hand - really there is very little and midwives clear any away. Not experienced hospital but would really recommend home birth.
Julia comments: Being at home was absolutely fantastic. First time I had a long hard 20 hour labour which was exhausting but had fantastic support from my independent midwives and ended up with my son born gently into water where I got to cuddle him for several minutes before the cord was cut, the placenta arrived and we all trouped off to our own bed. Second time was fast and furious and baby arrived minutes before my midwife but the first birth had given me so much confidence I wasn't phased at all just pleased my body was working so efficiently this time. My husband has loved feeling part of the whole experience and that he wasn't separated from us for a minute.
Gail comments: I had both my babies at home. This meant I had midwives with me all the time (3 on the first occasion and 2 on the second), my bath available, could eat and drink what I wanted, and get comfortable however I chose (the bath was great!) I know it's not everyone's choice, but comparing my 2 trauma and intervention free births with those of my friends who went into hospital (not one had a natural not-intervention birth) it was definitely the right thing to do. No mess on my beige carpets either!
Liz comments: I would absolutely recommend a home birth to anyone, but both they and their partner have to be fully committed to the idea & be prepared to change plans if it became necessary. After my second child was born, I was eating pizza & drinking champagne in bed within half an hour!!!
Lisa comments: I would recommend a home birth, as it means that you as the mum are in control. You decide where your baby is to be born, who you want with you, what position you are in etc, etc. My midwives were brilliant and very supportive. They offered their advice and opinion rather than 'telling' me what I should do. I also received continuity of care as my community midwives delivered my babies. There's nothing like being together as a family in your own bed, once the midwives have left. You can all get to know each other and you have time and space to bond with your new baby :-)
Alison comments: Very highly recommended. Fantastic midwives made it a wonderful, happy and close experience. I was relaxed and confident in my own surroundings and I had the undivided attention of 2 experienced midwives.
Angie comments: Both of my children were born at home (planned). The very best experiences of my life - so relaxed I was in complete control and had no pain relief both children have been so content and relaxed - I believe because of their birth. My community midwifes were really supportive.
Sarah comments: Felt in control and less medicalised at home.
Lisa comments: My case was the once in a blue moon when the midwives were already at another birth. They told me to go in but baby had decided otherwise. The paramedics arrived just as he was crowning...
Natalie comments: I hired an Independant Midwife called Melody Weig who was to help me with the home birth of my son. Unfortunately I got transferred to hospital because he got stuck. St Georges was fantastic, but I couldn't have done it without Melody, her help and support through the huge experience was really invaluable.
Sarah comments: This was my fourth baby and it was the best birth. The other three were born in hospital, and with them it was awful having a car journey in labour. When you're at home you can do what you like (sit, kneel, move about, eat or drink, sit on the loo), without an audience. In the hospital I hated the hard narrow high bench that they like you to lie on - I was afraid of falling off. I had a highly experienced midwife for the home birth which made me feel very safe.
Sandra comments: Home birth was excellent. Thus no pressure from hospital staff. Furthermore, we would have had to find someone to mind our toddler (no local family support), else my husband would have to look after her and not me at a birth centre / hospital! Our son's birth was carried out in a water pool, very relaxed...
Gill comments: I would NEVER have chosen a home birth - far too scared of something going wrong, but it happened and I'm happy it did. The midwives were really wonderful. It was lovely afterwards to have my own bath and bed. I did complain to my mates that I missed out on the button behind my bed to call for help, but they all (to a woman) assured me that I hadn't missed anything. I think I was lucky, but felt I was in good hands.
Deborah comments: I would recommend the relaxed and self controlled environment of having your baby at home any day. We are strong, strong, strong and do not need interference or to be made to lie down or drugs, unless there is truly a significant issue. Most birth problems are created by hospitals. Having my baby at home was the most treasured experience I will ever have.
Jane Birks comments: I was under the care of the Women's Hospital. This was my second baby and far more relaxed than my first hospital birth. For most of the day it was just like a normal Sunday and a midwife kept in touch by phone for the first few hours and came to look after me when I felt that I needed to use the gas and air for pain relief. It was so much nicer not to have bright hospital lights, strangers popping in an out and machines and equipment all around. Another midwife came to assist in the final stages. My husband also said it was more enjoyable for him to be at home. The labour and delivery went really well. The only slight hiccup was that I had a retained placenta and so I ended up going to hospital immediately after the birth for this to be removed. I can recommend a home birth though.
Aukje comments: The midwives from the Crookes Practice were very supportive of home births. They let people borrow birthing pools for free (if available), which was great. A definite recommendation!
Naomi comments: I gave birth to my son at home and was attended by 2 midwives from the Leith Team in Edinburgh who were fantastic.
Mel comments: I had both my children at home, William was born at home in 2001 in the bath! and Harriet in a pool Feb this year, both births were gorgeous I had two midwives who were fab! and my hubby and best friend there, there is nothing better than after giving birth to get in your snuggly jarmies and get in your own bed with tea and toast, I would recommend home births for all low risk women x good luck!
Kaya comments: I would definitely recommend giving birth at home. Hopefully the food is much better, one has a private room, and one can have as many people for as long as one likes. For me there was no other choice. I don't like being touched, I'm very sensitive to noise, I won't eat if food is bad, and I wanted my friends around me. I was a first time mum at the ripe old age of 38, just recovering from a chest infection. I told the doctor he was with me, or I was doing it alone!
Julie comments: I recommend a home birth, where possible, as I was totally relaxed and in a safe, familiar environment. I had Samuel within 6 hours, in water with no pain relief and he was my first baby. Fabulous !!
Jo comments: Would recommend to anyone trying to have your baby at home. The best part was afterwards when you're at home with your family instead of being stuck on a ward by yourself. Also, the choice that automatically comes with having a home birth should not be underestimated. The support was excellent. Also having a natural birth with just gas and air felt right for my baby's health, and although painful, better for me too in the long term.
Iona Martin comments: I had my 2nd and 3rd baby at home. It felt a lot calmer and more in control being at home without the medicalisation of being in hospital. The Midwives were great, had all the equipment they needed and did not have to keep popping into another room to attend to another woman in labour as they often do in hospital.
Emma comments: I would most definitely recommend a home water birth. It was the most amazing experience. I was in the comfort of my own home and my baby was born when she wanted to be born not to meet hospital deadlines. My husband also thought it was great as he could make himself very useful. By 4am we were all sitting around drinking tea and eating biscuits and then I was safely tucked up in my own bed with my baby. What more could you ask for.
Katherine comments: No problems about having a home birth - the hospital has a high rate of them. First class care from the midwives, and no need to get a baby sitter for my other children!
Tanya comments: Thoroughly recommend a home birth - you just need the support and knowledge to feel confident in yourself and your abilities.
Miranda comments: I would recommend having a baby at home to anyone who is able to. The atmosphere was amazingly calm and peaceful, I had the same midwife from just after the start of the process until the end and she was wonderful. I had no pain relief and my baby was born gently underwater with no complications whatsoever. My partner and mum were there the whole time, and after the baby came we were able to go to bed in our own home straight away.
Alison comments: Having a home birth was a much more positive experience than hospital for me. It was so nice to be within your own environment and not having to disrupt my first born because I laboured overnight. I had the one to one care with my midwife and she stayed a good hour and half after giving birth helping me have a bath and getting me settled and new baby settled too. My husband said it was great too because he could do what he wanted when he wanted and the whole experience was relaxed. I didn't once worry that something may go wrong but I was fully prepared to go into hospital if the need arose, I hadn't even packed a bag to go!
Emma comments: Both our children were born at home with the wonderful support from our community midwives. Although I hadn't met either of the Midwives who delivered our babies before the event (due to cover being provided my members of other teams) they were both very supportive of home births and confident in my abilities which I am sure is why both births werepositive experiences.
Vivienne comments: My first son was born in Edinburgh royal infirmary, I felt ignored, inadequate, and imprisoned, I decided to have my second son at home for these reasons. My second birth was a wonderful experience, at home with really supportive midwives and my family able to visit at anytime.
Jacqueline comments: Fabulous Midwives - very supportive. Best Birth experience by far. Had Baby in water in my living room. My other 2 were in hospital and I needed pain relief for both. My third was at home and although there was pain relief on offer - I felt much more relaxed as I was at home and didn't need it.
Susanne comments: If you are thinking of a homebirth in the Edinburgh area (particularly South Central) you will find the NHS midwifery provision excellent - you get a chance to meet most of the team of 12 before the due date, two midwives go on call from 38 weeks and there is a good chance that the midwife who comes out on the day/night is someone who knows you well from your pregnancy. The benefits of being in your own home cannot be underestimated - I always knew it would be relaxing but in my case (a very long labour) it was such a relief to be in familiar surroundings. I also hired a HUGE birth pool from the Birth Resource Centre in London which was delivered at 37 weeks. Don't worry if its your first baby either - mine was - and it all went well!
Peta comments: I would recommend having your baby at home in Egham. Every one on the Ruby team of midwives seem lovely and when they are in your home they can really practice as the birth professionals they are. You have their undivided attention and you and they can relax and give the best.
Aileen comments: Enfield Chase Farm Hospital covers maternity care in my local area. The midwives that I had at my labour and Delivery were brilliant. I had met them all antenatally so I was very relaxed with them. The hospital also has a birth centre which is excellent. I would recommend a home birth to anyone, this was my first child and the experience of giving birth at home was very rewarding. My husband although anxious at first was very supportive and definitely more relaxed in his own environment. Hence why we will definitely be having No2 baby at home also.
Ann comments: It was much more relaxing having my baby at home in my own surroundings. I had two dedicated midwives at my side and they acted like my best friends. When the baby was born they ran me a bath and made me tea and toast and made and changed my bed for me. It made the whole experience much more pleasurable and memorable.
Nikola comments: It was not a planned home birth, it just happened very quickly. Midwives from my practice ( Paxton Green Group Practice) attended the birth and were brilliant. They were very unobtrusive but supportive. I only had a TENS machine for pain relief and had no stitches so I was very lucky. The whole process only took 3- 4 hours from start to finish and my baby was very calm when he came out. I put that down to the relaxed atmosphere and the expertise of the midwives.
Charlotte comments: I would recommend a home birth every time! I have had one hospital experience and two home birth experiences. A home birth allows you to be so much more in control. It's relaxing and takes away the anxiety of 'when should i go in', 'will i make it there in time' and gives you constant one on one care. It is so lovely to be able to curl up in your own bed afterwards, with your new bundle of joy!
Natalie comments: Having your baby at home is a fantastic experience. My first baby was born in hospital, which was fine but doesn't compare with being at home and in control!! Not bossed about by midwives (however lovely they may be!!) I would say give it a go, but think about how you will control visitors as that can be very tiring...
Amanda comments: Provided you have a healthy pregnancy I would thoroughly recommend trying for a home birth. Many people thought I was brave having my first baby at home, but all I can say it was the most amazing experience, and all the better for being in a safe and secure environment where I felt in control. After my daughter Olivia was born, she and I had a bath and within an hour we were tucked up in my bed with tea and toast. It was idyllic!
Sally comments: Yes. It was very relaxing, felt safe, natural. Needed no painkillers although halfway through I felt very tired and wished I could have had an epidural (for a rest). Independent midwife was very supportive and good, although not planning on using her for next baby because of cost, and postnatal care was possibly less good than 'in the system'.
Kate Richardson comments: I would recommend home birth every time. I have three children and both the younger two were born at home, one in the summer and my youngest in December. Community midwives are just the best support (and my husband wasn't too bad either!). The best bit was being able to introduce the older ones to the new baby less than half an hour after he was born. It was also great to be able to crawl into my own bed at the end.
Alison comments: Both children were born at home and I would thoroughly recommend this. You do not have to worry about whether the hospital is clean, what the state of the bed is etc.
Ginty comments: I gave birth to both of my children at home. This was planned and was a good experience for me. I was able to be comfortable in my own home and had my husband on hand. I avoided having any drugs for pain relief due to the relaxed environment and took a hot bath to ease the pain, as well as walking about and using a TENS. My husband massaged my back and talked to me throughout labour and birth. The midwives were fabulous both times and were very professional. I would recommend a home birth to anyone who has a straight-forward pregnancy!!
Lesley comments: I had my second baby at home in a birthing pool. It was a fantastic experience, very short labour, requiring very little extra pain relief (unlike my first experience). The pain relieving effects of warm water, together with the physical support it gives you to adopt easy birthing positions such as squatting, is amazing, and it is very relaxing and reassuring to have the baby in the comfort of your own home. I would recommend this to anyone who has already had one natural delivery, a straightforward pregnancy and has the support of their community midwife.
Eileen comments: I would recommend home birth. I chose home because I: • Wanted to avoid interventions like electronic monitoring and drips • Felt better cared for at home • Wanted privacy • Wanted to feel more in control • Did not want to leave my 2 year old son behind • Wanted to be certain of having a midwife with me throughout. My son had been born in 1999 in Ealing Hospital (a busy understaffed London hospital). The delivery had been full of interventions, was supervised by a stream of different midwives, the obstetricians sewing skills were so poor one of the midwives said she would give him some lessons, and after 48 hours without sleep and a 3am delivery I had just got to sleep on the ward afterwards when someone woke me for breakfast !!! If a medical emergency did develop during the home birth we were reassured by the fact that the midwives are trained and equipped to deal with most problems (the equipment & drugs arrived in 3 big boxes 2 weeks before due date). The midwives would liaise with the hospital specialists (not the GP) and if transfer to hospital did become necessary we are only a 10 minute fast ambulance drive from Stirling Infirmary Maternity unit. The research shows that about 30% of first time mothers transfer to hospital from a home birth but for women who have already had a baby the chance is much smaller - between 1 % and 12%. Everything was straightforward and there were no complications; as an experience it was so much better than my son's hospital delivery – for all of us. It's wonderful - do it.
Yael comments: Home birth worked really well for me - I was much more relaxed and had no problems. The first time (Jan 2004) the labour was about three hours. The second time (Nov 2005) was somewhat quicker and baby arrived before the midwife!
Katy comments: I would absolutely recommend having your baby at home. I wasn't brave enough to have my first daughter at home, but I was determined to have my second little girl at home. It was an amazing experience and wonderful to relax in my own bed afterwards!!
Vivienne Foster comments: I would wholeheartedly recommend St George's hospital for its community-based midwife approach. They have a 10% target rate for home births which is extremely forward thinking. I decided to have a home birth after reading about the physical process of labour and the importance of natural hormones such as oxcytocin, which are encouraged when you feel safe and can 'go with the flow'. Why would I want to labour under fluorescent lights attached to machines with changing faces around me? I hired a birthing pool, attended an active birth class (brilliant) and had a long (26 hr) but "comfortable" labour in my home surrounds. I had the same midwife throughout who was amazing. After Ben was born she and her colleague changed our sheets, ran me a bath, made us tea and toast, and then left the 3 of us snuggled up in our own bed. I plan to do exactly the same when our next baby is born next June.
Michelle comments: This was my 3rd home birth & definitely the most fun (if you can describe labour as fun hehehe). It was so nice being able to drink tea & watch MTV while we waited for baby to make an appearance. I felt much more in control being at home. I would recommend a home birth to anyone who's had a fairly uncomplicated pregnancy. It's wonderful being in your own environment & being able to snuggle up in your own bed with your brand new little person & other kids (if you have them). That's my view in a nut shell :)
Carol comments: I had my daughter at home and the community midwives in West Lothian were excellent. I got regular visits at home from the various members of the team. Any concerns were addressed prior to the birth and they made me feel very relaxed and confident in their abilities. Which when giving birth at home are very important.
Lucy comments: 2 babies at home after hospital for first child. Very relaxing and comfortable for mother and baby to be in home surroundings and higher level of midwife care given.
Cybèle comments: I was under the care of the midwives at the Swan Surgery in Bury St. Edmunds and they were fantastic at both births. The second birth was more complicated due to my baby being very large but they dealt with it in a very calm, experienced manner.
