Trust's Home birth team celebrate fifth year of the service

The Southern Trust's home birth team has marked International Home Birth Day earlier this month with a celebration event for families who have used the service. The team, now in its fifth year, has supported the birth of 152 babies in the relaxed surroundings of their own homes.

A number of mums and babies attended the event, where they had the opportunity to reconnect with staff and share their personal home birth experiences. Ruby said: "I felt so safe and loved by the midwives throughout the whole experience, it all felt very calm". Jemma added: "I couldn't speak highly enough of the Southern Trust Birth at Home Team. The whole journey felt calm and safe. I would do this again and recommend it to everyone." Eimear said: "The care we received was incredible, it was so special to be able to give birth in a pool in our home."

Team Leader Paula Murray said supporting women's birth preferences was a priority for the service. "Supporting women's birth preferences is a priority for us as midwives and for many mums-to-be, giving birth at home offers a calm and familiar environment." Team Leader Cherry Conway added: "It is always such a privilege to be part of these special moments and to see so many babies being born safely at home."

Michelle Harrison, Assistant Director of Integrated Maternity and Women's Health services, paid tribute to the team. "This event was a lovely opportunity for women and families to come together and share their homebirth experiences. It is really important as a maternity service, to offer a range of birthing options and support women in choosing what is best for them, depending on their clinical needs."

She added that the Trust was committed to offering care as close to home as possible, with both Daisy Hill Hospital and Craigavon Hospital providing consultant led care for women considered higher risk. Both hospitals also have dedicated Midwifery led units for women who can safely choose a more home from home environment, where natural labour is promoted. "Our home birth team provides a community-based option, supporting lower risk women to have their baby in their own surroundings. Whatever your needs, our midwifery and obstetric teams will advise and support you to ensure the safest care for you and your baby."

Expectant mothers can find out more about their options, including home birth, at their first antenatal booking visit.