NICE recommends home births for some mums

Conclusion NICE concludes that for low-risk women, whether having their first or subsequent baby, birth is generally very safe for both mother and baby, and they should be free to choose any of the four birth settings and be supported in their choice. As their findings suggest, it is important that the woman is able to make a fully informed decision, by being given all the relevant information about birth in the different settings – including, as Professor Mark Baker of NICE states: “Where and how a woman gives birth to her baby can be hugely important to her. Although women with complicated pregnancies will still need a doctor, there is no reason why women at low risk of complications during labour should not have their baby in an environment in which they feel most comfortable.” He suggests that the new guidance “will encourage greater choice in these decisions and ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby”. As Susan Bewley, Professor of Complex Obstetrics at King’s College London, importantly highlights, women should not feel pressured into giving birth outside of a hospital if this is not their preference: “If a woman would prefer to have her baby in a hospital because it makes her feel ‘safer’, that is also her right. Giving birth is a highly personal experience and there is no ‘one size fits all’ model that suits all women. “What’s important is that women and their families are given the most up-to-date information based on the best av...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Pregnancy/child QA articles Source Type: news