Home Births In UK Safe Say Midwives

Commenting on the research on ‘maternal and newborn outcomes in planned home birth versus planned hospital births’ in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mervi Jokinen, Practice and Standards Development Advisor at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “It is certainly a study that will generate discussion around home births, and is important in adding to the body of evidence around this.

“Whilst it is interesting, I do question the validity of its findings for the UK. Comparison of the results is difficult because the study’s authors are working with data collected differently in many countries.

“Here we have services delivered by midwives who are skilled and experienced at home births and resuscitating newborns. This is perhaps in contrast to many of the other countries this research covers.  It is not clear who or how these services are delivered in other countries and whether they are comparable to the UK, so comparing outcomes is not straightforward. The authors of the study refer to lack of appropriate training or equipment perhaps being associated with increased neonatal deaths.

“Other studies of midwifery led care and homebirth in other countries have so far indicated improved outcomes for mothers, and no increase in risk for the baby as long as the appropriate selection of women takes place. Also the numbers of homebirths are still very low, even in the UK, making meaningful and concrete conclusions about the results difficult. We are waiting for the results of a UK study* on place of birth which should give us statistically valid results.”

“We need to reassure people that for appropriately selected low risk women, with the right support services in place, home birth in the UK is a safe option for those who choose it.”