VBAC at home

Homebirth

I decided to train as a midwife following the births of my three daughters, two of whom were born at home in water.



In common with most Independent Midwives, I believe that home is the safest place for most women to give birth. My belief is founded in my own experiences (both as a midwife and a mother) and in the latest research that shows that homebirth is as safe (if not safer than) hospital birth and that women who plan to give birth at home: 

I have experience in caring for 'high risk' women who have chosen homebirth, these include: homebirth after previous casarean section(s), homebirth with twins (including waterbirth), women who have given birth to more than 6 babies, women who are overweight, women who are over 40 years old.

Benefits of giving birth at home include:

• Require less pain relief
• Are less likely to have a caesarean section (even if they transfer to hospital)
• Are less likely to need an episiotomy
• Are less likely to have a baby that requires resuscitation
• Are more likely to have a positive birth experience

As a midwife, I am trained to deal with emergencies within the home and carry the necessary equipment to resuscitate both baby and mum, carry drugs to deal with heavy bleeding, provide suction and oxygen and can provide care until medical help arrives. I also choose to work with a second midwife at all the homebirths I attend, as I feel it is beneficial for my clients to have two midwives attend the birth.  I also attend regular update and refresher sessions on emergencies, to ensure that my practice is competent and up to date.