Hospital Birth Care

I support people’s informed choice to give birth wherever they feel most comfortable. Some people believe that hospital birth is safest for all women, but research does not support this. See the results of the Birth Place Study into place of birth here.  And a more recent study which found that people who planned a home birth even if they transferred to and gave birth in hospital had :

  • 40% less chance of having a caesarean
  • 50% less chance of having an instrumental birth
  • 55% less chance of having an episiotomy
  • 75% less chance of developing an infection than those who planned to give birth in hospital

Of course high risk medical or obstetric conditions may be best managed with access to surgical facilities, but most pregnancies are low risk, and as such, women and birthing people won’t usually need doctors whilst giving birth.

I can be on-call your birth as a Perinatal Consultant and advocate from 37 to 42 weeks of pregnancy for a 30 minute call during labour if booked in advance. 

I would always recommend women who give birth in hospital to have more than one birth supporter if possible. If your partner wishes to be present at this special time to witness this amazing event that’s wonderful, but also consider your needs. You need to have someone strong to accompany you throughout this journey. Your partner will need to take breaks to eat, rest and visit the toilet and you will still need support whilst they do this. It really helps to have at least one woman who has given birth successfully herself, and has a positive attitude towards birth.

I can provide support and information throughout the labour and birth process. Reminding you of your birth preferences, and encouraging you to ask questions about proposed care plans. Research has shown that a constant support from birth partners throughout labour results in:

  • 50% reduction in caesarean rates
  • 25% shorter labour
  • 60% reduction in epidural requests
  • 40% reduction in oxytocin use
  • 30% reduction in analgesia use
  • 40% reduction in forceps delivery

From ‘Mothering the Mother’ by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).

I can also accompany you to consultant appointments or scans in hospital in pregnancy if required.