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  |  Pregnancy  |  Concerns  |  Home Births.
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Home Births.

by Christine Hill

question
I’ve just found out I’m expecting my second child and I really want to have the baby at home where I can feel relaxed and have family around. I had a perfectly normal delivery with my first child and no complications, but my GP isn’t keen on home births. What can I do?

answer
It's diffcult to opt for a home birth without the backing of your GP. If your present GP will not change his mind, and he can’t persuade you to change yours, you will need to try and find another GP who is prepared to let you have your baby at home, and see if you can transfer to his practice.

Failing this, why don’t you talk to the hospital midwife and ask her if there are any other options she could suggest. In some hospitals, they run what is called a domino or community care scheme. This type of care generally means a midwife comes to your home when you are in labour. She takes you into hospital at the end of your labour, and you deliver your baby in hospital – where everything is on hand in case of an unexpected problem. If all is well, you only stay in hospital for a few hours before returning home.

The other option is to find an independent midwife who will look after you through pregnancy and then deliver your baby at home.The Independent Midwives Association can give you details of independent midwives working in your area.

For more information - see the Maternity Alliance article about having a home birth.

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