Local mums praise home births team
More mums are choosing to have their babies at home and they are singing the praises of the maternity team who supported and assisted them.
Last month saw a nearly 7% homebirth rate for the Jubilee Team, a dedicated team of midwives, with a particular interest in supporting women to give birth at home, who provide our home birth service.
Since 2012, the Jubilee Team have been actively developing the home birth service by following a caseloading model. The midwives are responsible for providing one to one care for a defined group of mums-to-be throughout their pregnancy, labour and afterwards, including mums-to-be who choose to have a home birth.
Earlier this month, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued updated guidance, which said that home births are safe, if not safer, for appropriately assessed, low-risk, mums.
On the same day as the NICE guidance was issued, one of the Jubilee Team midwives was at a home birth with mum Jo who fitted the criteria that the new NICE guidelines are targeting.
Jo enjoyed a normal, low-risk pregnancy and had had a previous uncomplicated birth.
Jubilee Team Midwife, Nicky Flynn, describes: “Jo’s labour lasted approximately six hours, thanks to the tens machine she was calm and relaxed and so was baby Alice when she was born. Jo was supported by her husband, sister and mum and less than five minutes after the birth Jo’s dad brought in her son to meet his new baby sister so it was a real family affair with lots of joy, laughter and tears of happiness.”
Afterwards Jo wrote: “A fantastic experience. I can’t think of a better way to welcome our baby into the world. Thanks so much Nicky and Isabel [from the Jubilee Team]. A surreal but wonderful experience.”
And Jo’s not alone, a number of mums have shared their stories, experiences and commented about their home birthing experience. Comments include:
“I would recommend 100% the Jubilee Service to anybody. My own personal experience was pleasurable (as it can be) and very personal.”
“Homebirth midwives were amazing, wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them in the future.”
“My husband and I are extremely pleased with the Jubilee Team and all their help and support throughout my pregnancy. The home birth and postnatal care has been commendable in all areas, very happy, thank you.”
“I had the most amazing maternity care throughout my pregnancy. Both Amanda and Mandy gave us all the support and care that we needed. I felt like I was in safe hands! Having all my appointments at home was amazing and I couldn't have asked for more from my birthing experience.”
“I couldn't have asked for better care than that from the Jubilee Team. They were kind, caring and considerate. They helped me all the way through and made the birth of my baby a really memorable event.
There was one moment of stress when I thought that my baby was not breathing but the team were cool and unhurried and ensured that my baby was alright. It was the most memorable day of my life and I cannot thank all the staff enough.”
“It was lovely to build up a relationship with my midwife at antenatal appointments and that she was also then able to deliver my baby at home. I would definitely recommend the Jubilee Team to other pregnant friends.”
Nicky continued: “Some people have a perception that home birth is riskier than hospital. However, for mums who are healthy, well and are experiencing a normal ‘low-risk’ pregnancy, the evidence shows that having a baby at home is a safe option. As midwives, we are fully qualified to help mums in making this assessment.”
You can read more about the Jubilee Team on our website, click here. In addition, you can read about the ‘day in the life of’ a Jubilee Midwife and read the experiences of parents who have chosen to have a homebirth by clicking here.
Before the advent of the team the homebirth rate averaged 2.5%.
