Homebirth on the CMP
Frequently Asked Questions
- About home birth on the CMP
- Who is eligible for a home birth?
- How do I find out more about the CMP?
- Why do I need a back-up hospital?
- What pain relief can I have?
- Is my house suitable for a home birth?
- What happens if there is a problem in labour or immediately after?
- How many midwives will be at my birth?
- What is the role of my midwife when I am in labour?
- What will my midwife bring to the birth?
- What happens after the birth?
About home birth on the CMP
You can have a home birth on the CMP, with care from a known midwife throughout your pregnancy. The CMP midwife will provide you with care during your pregnancy within the community. When you go into labour she/he will come to your home to attend you through your labour and birth. After the birth CMP midwife will continue to care for you for up to 4 weeks postnatal.
Who is eligible for a home birth?
All clients booked onto the CMP and who fit the inclusion criteria would be suitable for a home birth.
How do I find out more about the CMP?
For information about eligibility for the CMP, how to apply, when you meet your midwife, antenatal appointments and postnatal support, see the About the CMP FAQ.
Why do I need a back-up hospital?
The majority of women on the CMP are required to attend at least one antenatal appointment with an obstetrician at their chosen back-up hospital. This is usually midway through your pregnancy and your midwife will arrange this appointment for you. This collaborative approach helps ensure the best possible care for you and your baby. The obstetrician will explain his/her role should you require transfer to hospital care at any stage and may also discuss relevant tests with you at this appointment.
What pain relief can I have?
Most women choose to use water therapy and hire or purchase a birthing pool (see reference list for further information on water birth). A TENS machine may also be useful. Others will also use alternative therapies to assist them in labour such as aromatherapy, homeopathy and hypnobirthing; CMP midwives do not carry and are unable to administer these therapies. You and your partner will need to speak with a complementary therapist prior to your labour to ensure you are fully informed on the use of such therapies and their safety. Pharmacological methods of pain relief such as ‘gas and air’, pethidine and epidurals are not available at home.
Is my house suitable for a home birth?
Most people’s homes are suitable for birthing in. You need access to a toilet, running water, electricity and a phone. Heaters in the winter months are essential and fans/air conditioning for the very hot summer months will help ensure you and your baby maintain a comfortable temperature. It is also worth considering access to your house for vehicles and an ambulance if required. Please discuss your individual needs with your midwife.
What happens if there is a problem in labour or immediately after?
All CMP midwives have the appropriate training and experience to identify a potential problem and manage emergencies and, if needed, can quickly arrange a calm transfer to hospital. In the unlikely event of an emergency, your midwife has the necessary skills and training to provide immediate response to the situation whilst waiting for an ambulance to transfer you to hospital. The CMP had a 14% transfer rate in 2010-11. The most common reasons for the need to transfer to hospital in labour or immediately after birth weredelay in labour progress (38%), and need for pain relief (12%) (see disadvantages and possible risks above).
How many midwives will be at my birth?
You will have two midwives present at your birth. Your primary midwife will attend and support you throughout your labour and he/she will call a support midwife (whom you most likely will have already met) just before your baby is about to be born. The midwives work in small groups. In the event that your primary midwife is unavailable to attend, the on-call midwife will attend in her place (again whom you most likely will have already met). The CMP also support midwifery students and you may have a student involved during your pregnancy. You may choose to invite his/her to participate in your labour and birth.
What is the role of my midwife when I am in labour?
Once your labour has established, your midwife will provide continuous one-to-one professional and emotional support and ongoing assessment of you and your baby’s condition throughout the birth process. This will include regularly listening to your baby’s heart beat and monitoring your blood pressure, temperature, pulse and progress of labour. It is the midwife’s role to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both yourself and your baby, so they may be required to discuss alternative options such as transfer to hospital. Any changes to your plan of care will be discussed openly with you and your partner so that you can make a fully informed decision. However, it is important to remain flexible and be guided by your midwife’s expertise.
What will my midwife bring to the birth?
- a homebirth bag with all the equipment he/she will need for the birth
- medication for the management of the birth of your placenta and to help control any bleeding (if required)
- resuscitation equipment, including oxygen.
Your midwife will require some assistance from other members of your support team to carry the equipment into your home.
What happens after the birth?
Your midwife will usually stay approximately two hours after the birth. They usually return within 12 hrs and will continue to provide postnatal support at regular intervals until your baby is 4 weeks old.