I was asked to comment on Dr Gannon’s comments that hospital births were safer for low risk women and that women who choose hospital births are selfish.
Here is the interview :
I only had a few minutes to make my point and actually I am all about informed decision making, rather than “homebirth for all”.
I think women should be able to birth where ever they want to and be supported in that decision.
I also think that the place of birth should be an informed decision, so couples need to understand the system they are birthing in.
I am not saying don’t birth in a private hospital, I am saying understand the system you are birthing in.
I passionately believe women can get the birth they want in any setting, they just need to educate themselves, so they know what to ask for. I had a great birth with a private OB because I took control and told him exactly how it was going to be.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Royal College of Midwives Joint Position Statement on Homebirth
“The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) support home birth for women with uncomplicated pregnancies. There is no reason why home birth should not be offered to women at low risk of complications and it may confer considerable benefits for them and their families. There is ample evidence showing that labouring at home increases a woman’s likelihood of a birth that is both satisfying and safe, with implications for her health and that of her baby.”
Plus the NICE guidelines I refer to in the radio interview..