New Government plans are said to allow more freedom for mothers-to-be in the decision of how they wish to give birth. Not only has the Government promised that “by the end of next year, all women will be able to choose where and how they give birth”, but this is despite the fact that “a midwifery staffing crisis means many believe it will fail to keep its pledge.” Mervi Jokinen of The Royal College of Midwives even goes as far to say "We just can't see it happening" Although the powers that be may think home birth in particular is hugely beneficial, this could be fuelled by the crippling NHS costs dedicated to births every year. According to an NHS Blog Doctor, celebrities are encouraging the change.
“Of course the government is all in favour. Home births are cheaper than hospital births. A collection of “B” list celebrities are always promoting home births.”
The Independent also argues this point using Charlotte Church, Davina McCall, Thandie Newton and Maggie Gyllenhaal as “inspiring celebrities” adding to the “record number of mums-to-be having their babies at home.”
But the NHS blogger also adds that those in the spotlight are not necessarily ones to be looked up to.“Davina found it “empowering, beautiful and spiritual” to have a home birth just as earlier in her life she probably found it “empowering, beautiful and spiritual” to take heroin, cocaine and ecstasy.”
Of course, it is the woman’s decision at the end of the day and many childbirth websites are available for advice and information. A Childbirth Consultation website shows graphic images of a woman giving birth to her child in her own home. The narrator added encouraging commentary underneath the main image despite it’s real and graphic nature that may scare some expecting women:
“This picture is my favorite picture of all time. Not that it is really clear, or that the colour is perfect, or that you can see the baby's head; it is perfect because this mother was able, and wanted to, deliver her own baby. She was so much in control of the birth of the head, her breathing so perfect, the tiny moist head just gently slid through her tissues into her hands. She knew when to slow down the push because her tissues felt too stretched, she knew what areas needed some support or massage, she attended to opening herself. This was her desire, her ultimate goal for her reproductive life. She was dependent on herself and no one else - her body, her choice, and her knowledge of her natural bodily process. This one act gave her awareness of her potential; anything was possible for her after this accomplishment.”
Baby blogs, although on board with the idea of increasing home births, have said that the Government’s plans are unfortunately just too far-fetched.
The Baby Bump Project said:
“Alongside new legislation promising that by the end of 2009 all women in the UK will be able to choose how they give birth, including at home, there has been a greater willingness for women to explore their birth options with knowledgeable midwives. However, as fantastic as these new plans seem, there is still an increasing shortage of trained midwives (as in Australia) so the feasability of the scheme is significantly in jeopardy.”
Babyccino Blog says that “This whole unique system of home birth and after-care at home is rooted in the belief that birth is seen as a natural process rather than an illness.” but if birth is no longer seen as something that needs assistance, perhaps the plans will not happen as soon as we would hope.
Of course, it is the woman’s decision at the end of the day and many childbirth websites are available for advice and information. A Childbirth Consultation website shows graphic images of a woman giving birth to her child in her own home. The narrator added encouraging commentary underneath the main image despite it’s real and graphic nature that may scare some expecting women:
“This picture is my favorite picture of all time. Not that it is really clear, or that the colour is perfect, or that you can see the baby's head; it is perfect because this mother was able, and wanted to, deliver her own baby. She was so much in control of the birth of the head, her breathing so perfect, the tiny moist head just gently slid through her tissues into her hands. She knew when to slow down the push because her tissues felt too stretched, she knew what areas needed some support or massage, she attended to opening herself. This was her desire, her ultimate goal for her reproductive life. She was dependent on herself and no one else - her body, her choice, and her knowledge of her natural bodily process. This one act gave her awareness of her potential; anything was possible for her after this accomplishment.”
Baby blogs, although on board with the idea of increasing home births, have said that the Government’s plans are unfortunately just too far-fetched.
The Baby Bump Project said:
“Alongside new legislation promising that by the end of 2009 all women in the UK will be able to choose how they give birth, including at home, there has been a greater willingness for women to explore their birth options with knowledgeable midwives. However, as fantastic as these new plans seem, there is still an increasing shortage of trained midwives (as in Australia) so the feasability of the scheme is significantly in jeopardy.”
Babyccino Blog says that “This whole unique system of home birth and after-care at home is rooted in the belief that birth is seen as a natural process rather than an illness.” but if birth is no longer seen as something that needs assistance, perhaps the plans will not happen as soon as we would hope.
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