Our maternity team has worked closely with the Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) to develop a suite of resources to help you to make that decision. Find out more below.
Where can I give birth?
In the North East and North Cumbria, there are eight NHS trusts. In each trust, you can choose to give birth:
- At home
- At a birth centre (midwifery-led unit)
- At a labour ward (obstetric unit) in a hospital
Choosing your place of birth booklet
This booklet will give you information on where you can give birth to your baby. You can use it to help you talk to your midwife or doctor about your choices.
Giving birth with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Giving birth at University Hospitals Tees
Home birth
A home birth may just be the most special moment if your life, your midwife will discuss the option with you to ensure a home birth is suitable for you.
Having your baby at home video
Benefits of a home birth
Giving birth in familiar surroundings where you can feel more relaxed
You can choose who is present during and after the birth
It encourages freedom and comfort
You will be more in control of your delivery
You do not have to worry about when to go to hospital, or how to get there
Research has show that those who have a home birth are less likely to need pain relief
Your hormones work more effectively in a relaxed, natural and familiar environment
Although rare, complications can happen. If any complications develop during your labour or delivery you may need to be transferred to hospital.
What plans will be made for a home birth
Your midwife will discuss this as part of your birth plan and will:
- Visit you around the 36th week of your pregnancy to develop your plan of care and to prepare both you, your family and home for your labour and delivery
- Arrange delivery of equipment to your home, for example, a delivery pack and entonox (gas and air)
- Discuss the types of pain relief available and how you can get a prescription for diamorphine, if needed
- Your midwife will advise you on the safe storage of any medication
Who will deliver my baby?
There will be two midwives at your delivery, however we cannot guarantee you will know them.
Our midwives will monitor the wellbeing of both you and baby throughout the labour and delivery.
How to book a home birth
Your community midwife will visit you at home to discuss this. If you do not meet the above criteria and still wish to have a home birth we will continue to support your choice.
A professional midwifery advocate will contact you further to discuss your options.