Midwives report rise in number of home births

Midwives in the town say an increasing number of mums are opting for the latter with a ‘homely environment’ the key appeal for prospective parents.

Great Sankey mum Rose Brookes, aged 21, gave birth to Thomas last month at her home on Winchester Avenue.

The mum-of-two said it was something she wanted from the start after giving birth to her first child Emma, now aged three, in Warrington Hospital and believing she would have got a better night’s sleep if she had been at home.

Rose, who is married to Ben, aged 26, said: “I had the normal worries about things going wrong but Emma’s was a straightforward birth so I hoped for the same.

“It went really well and afterwards I felt really relaxed being in my own home.

“I could have a bath when I wanted and a cup of tea.

“It was what I wanted from the beginning and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.”

Weighing 7lbs 11ozs, baby Thomas was born in Rose and Ben’s living room while Emma played upstairs.

Rose added: “It was nice to ring my mum and say I had the baby rather than I’m going into labour.

“I want to thank everyone as I felt really looked after throughout the whole pregnancy.”

Gill Parsonage, who has been a midwife for 26 years, said: “Ladies are often a lot more relaxed and therefore need less pain relief when they’re at home.

“You don’t have to get your other children out of bed, there’s continuity having the same midwife and you can choose wherever you want to deliver the baby in the house.”

Research has found there is no added risk to having a baby at home but it depends on the pregnancy staying ‘normal’.

High blood pressure, the baby not growing or any bleeding would lead midwives to recommend a hospital birth.

Jean Maloney, who has been a midwife for 33 years, added: “One of the main worries is the mess but we bring everything with us including mats and take it all away.”

Call the community midwife office on 662092 for more details.