Parents' can opt to have newborn at home in Northampton again as home birth service restarts

The 'popular' service, provided by the midwifery team at Northampton General Hospital, gives home birth care and support for women in Northampton.

Earlier this year the service was suspended due to Covid-19 to ensure staff could support safe maternity care in the hospital.

By suspending the service the team were able to continue to offer women 'midwifery-led care' and 'continuity of carer', where possible, in the Barratt Birth Centre.

The team will gradually reinstate the home birth service, starting with women who have previously had a baby and who were already booked to have a home birth.

It’s anticipated that the full service will resume for all women in the summer, a spokeswoman for the hospital today (Wednesday) said.

All pregnant women registered with NGH will continue to receive information and guidance on how to access services during Covid-19.

The decision to reinstate services comes following guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and Royal College of Midwives (RCM).

The service is being reinstated in accordance to the latest guidance and the hospital has tailored their service in line with national guidance to ensure safe care for families.

This is being regularly reviewed and the team are also working in conjunction with the East Midlands Ambulance Service to ensure there is paramedic support available if required.

Women who have already booked for a home birth who want to speak to a home birth team midwife should contact the Barratt Birth Centre on 01604 545434.