However, depending on what's available in their area, the vast majority of women do have a choice. That choice for most women is between giving birth at home, in a midwife-led birth centre, or in hospital. For hospital births, although midwives deliver most of the babies where there are no complications, consultants and other doctors are available if they are needed. This can be reassuring to many women.

Choosing where to have your baby is an important decision and obviously the main factor to consider is that of safety - both for you and your baby. However you may also want to consider where you will feel more comfortable, more relaxed, and more in control. You need to choose too who will be with you and the type of care you and your baby will receive while you are in labour.

Advantages of Home Birth

Less likely to have a caesarean section (even if transfer to hospital is needed)

Less likely to have a baby being born in poor condition and needing resuscitation

Less likely to have a forceps or ventouse delivery

Less likely to need intervention in general

Much less likely to need an episiotomy

Likely to require less pain relief

Likely to feel less hurried

More likely to have continuity and contact with the midwife during labour

Possibly feeling less inhibited and more in control and relaxed in own environment

Able to choose only the people you want to be surrounded by

You and your baby are less likely to pick up a hospital acquired infection

Having home comforts such as own bed, toilet, bath, and kitchen

Able to eat and drink when you want

More likely to have a satisfying and positive birth experience

No restrictions on visiting hours

Able to interact with your baby immediately

Disadvantages of Home Birth

You can't have an epidural at home

You may have to transfer to a consultant unit within hospital if any complications occur. The most common reasons for transferring to hospital are where labour doesn't seem to be progressing or for needing pain relief that is not available at home.

Risks of Home Birth

Everyone assumes that homebirth is a

lot more risky than hospital birth but The National Birthday Trust Study followed women booked for homebirths in the UK in 1994. They recorded the outcomes for 5971 women booked for homebirths and compared the results with similar women who were booked to deliver in hospital. The authors concluded, 'In essence it seems that a woman who is appropriately selected and screened for a homebirth is putting herself and her baby at no greater risk than a mother of a similar low-risk profile who is hospital booked and delivered.' When homebirths are planned, and the pregnancies are uncomplicated, there is evidence that the physical wellbeing of mothers and babies is better than in hospital births. However, supporters of homebirth do recognise that when there is a serious complication, for example a low lying placenta, then the best place for you and your baby is hospital.

Is a homebirth messy?

Childbirth is not generally a blood-soaked drama like on TV! Midwives carry absorbent pads which they place strategically under you which soak up almost everything, and with waterproof sheets and towels here and there, there really isn't that much mess at all.

Arranging a homebirth

Your booking in appointment is the perfect opportunity to discuss with your midwife if you want a home birth.You can however decide and arrange a homebirth at any point during your pregnancy and you just need to tell your midwife and make arrangements with her.

It is important to remember you are completly within your rights to have a homebirth if you want to and you do not need permission.You will need to be assertive though as some women encounter opposition to their plans from health professionals and worried family. Read up on home birth and have all the important facts (as above) in support of homebirth to counter any arguments you may hear. If you are having problems booking your homebirth , you can contact the Association for Improvements in Maternity Services (AIMS) for information about your choices and rights.

Birth Centre/Midwifery Unit

The advantages and disadvantages of having a baby in a midwife-led unit, where these facilities are separate from a consultant unit, are similar to those of homebirth.

Hospital Consultant Unit

Only you know what will make you feel relaxed, some women may feel safer in hospital and feel reassured by having experts on hand to help them if needed.