 News
5th April 2006
Homebirths on the increase
The number of women having their babies at home is on the
increase, according to latest figures.
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed there were 15,198 home
births in 2004, up 7 per cent on the 14,204 in 2003.
Wales saw the biggest increase, with 3.06 per cent of births taking place
at home in 2004, up from 2.70 per cent in the previous year.
In Scotland, the rate went up from 1.03 to 1.12 per cent, in Northern
Ireland the increase was from 0.34 to 0.38 per cent and in England, the
rate went from 2.18 in 2003 to 2.25 per cent.
Devon had the highest home birth rate, at 5.4 per cent, while Merseyside
and Northumberland had rates of just 0.7 and 0.9 per cent respectively.
Miranda Dodwell, of BirthChoiceUK, said, "It is important that birth
statistics are available to the public so they can see how services vary
from one area to another.
"All NHS trusts, especially those in areas with low rates, need to consider
whether they are providing a good home birth service and whether women
are getting the necessary information and support in order to be able
to use it."
Mary Newburn, head of policy research at the National Childbirth Trust
(NCT) said women still faced a "postcode lottery" on where and how they
gave birth.
"The modest increase in home births is a move in the right direction,
but not a sufficient change to mean that government policy is being implemented,"
she said.
"Women in many areas of the UK still find it difficult to choose a home
birth, as there is often a succession of barriers in their way."
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said the government was committed
to offering all women choice of how and where they give birth, and what
pain relief is available.
She said, "All these services will be offered within the context of what
is safe and clinically appropriate care for each individual woman."
She added there were 2,500 more midwives now, compared to 1997, as well
as a 41 per cent increase in midwifery students.
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