Why choose Sussex Homebirths for your independent midwifery care ?

Because when you engage my services you are guaranteed one to one continuity of care throughout your entire pregnancy, labour and post natal period. I will be on call for you 24 hours a day 7 days a week and I will come to your home at a time convenient to you. I will help you to achieve the birth that you want and am on hand to answer any questions using up to date research, allowing you to make informed choices at every step.

Will there be a second midwife at delivery ?

I will always ensure that a second midwife is on call as backup for when you go into labour. She will be on standby if I need her to attend, but if everything is going well she may not need to come out. You will normally meet her around 36 weeks so that you get to know her a bit.

What about pain relief ?

I will bring plenty of Entonox (gas and air) with me, which is included in your fee. Entonox is a drug comprised of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide. It is inhaled though a mouthpiece or face mask enters your system quickly and leaves your body just as quickly so there are no harmful to your baby. It is very good at "taking the edge off" painful contractions and gives you something to focus on when using breathing techniques.

Is homebirth safe for a first baby ?

Pregnancy and birth are normal life events. Following a healthy pregnancy, there is no reason why your first baby cannot be born at home. Every woman in Britain has the right to a home birth whatever the circumstances. Breaking with convention is always difficult, but there is a growing body of research that indicates that birth at home is safer than birth in hospital following a normal pregnancy.

What happens if there are complications ?

The idea that things are likely to suddenly go wrong or get complicated is a myth, mostly perpetuated by television dramas.

Labour and birth develop slowly in real life, and your own watchful midwife, who knows you well, will soon know if there is a problem. If there is a need to transfer you to hospital it is done in a timely, calm and professional manner, and you are provided with all the support that you had at home.

What about our other children ?

This is a matter of personal choice, and the children’s ages. If you feel more comfortable without your children present, or they don’t seem keen on the idea, you may want to make arrangements for them to stay with someone else during labour.

One advantage of homebirth, is that it is much easier to have your children around the home, but we should discuss this when we are planning the birth.

What about the father?

Many men are nervous about childbirth, mainly because they feel helpless. Ask any man who has been present at a birth, and he will tell you it was one of the most emotional moments of his life.

Hospital births can sideline partners, as the professionals take over. Homebirth on a man’s own territory, makes him feel more comfortable in participating. Women who give birth at home, often feel their partner was the most important person present.

Last but not least, the father does not have to go home to an empty house when the baby is born at home.