You may want to consider choosing a home birth. A home birth is recommended for low-risk pregnancies. If you give birth at home, you'll be supported by two of our midwifes who will be with you during labour and the initial post-natal period.
Midwives are experts in helping you throughout labour and birth and they are trained to quickly identify any complications that may influence the need to change your chosen place of birth. All our midwives support homebirth and would be happy to discuss this option with you.
Benefits of a homebirth
- Comfortable, familiar surroundings that will help you feel in control and relaxed
- Personalised and uninterrupted one-to-one care with our midwives
- Birthing partner and siblings can meet baby straight away and enjoy the first moments of family life together
- Water birth options are available
- Decreased risk of infection
- Increased chances of having a normal birth with less intervention
Key considerations
- Pain relief options for homebirth are: TENS (transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation), Entonox (gas and air) and, sometimes, pain relieving injections. You will not be able to have an epidural at home.
- If problems arise before or during your labour, you will be transferred to our Consultant-Led Maternity Unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital in an ambulance and your midwife will come along to support you.
- Medical intervention at home is limited, but our midwives are trained to deal with any emergency situations
Birthing Partners
Your partner, friend or relative can support you during labour, but don’t worry if you don’t have a partner – your midwife will give you all the support you need. As this is your home environment you can choose your birthing partners. We would recommend up to three birthing partners.
