Having a baby in Gloucestershire? Do you know where you want to give birth?

Where you choose to give birth significantly influences the course of labour. Research indicates that people with uncomplicated pregnancies are more likely to experience a spontaneous vaginal birth when opting for home birth or a midwife-led unit, particularly a 'standalone' unit. Given that the statistics show that less than half of births in Gloucestershire are currently straightforward, it is important to weigh all factors that can increase the likelihood of things remaining uncomplicated for you!

1. Home birth - don’t dismiss this idea just because you might not know many people who’ve had their baby at home (it’s still relatively unusual despite evidence of its safety and a big thumbs up from those who’ve done it)! You can have all your home comforts around you: your own bed, sofa, garden, blankets, candles, music, fireplace, pets and the contents of your fridge… as many birth partners as you want (or as few) and a midwife in attendance once you’re in established labour. Or you can choose to ‘free birth’ - that is, go it alone with no medical help - just your chosen birth partner/s.

   
   

   Check out https://stroudbirthpools.wixsite.com/home for free birth pool hire.

1. Stroud Maternity - our local ‘stand-alone’ midwife-led unit. With a great reputation, Stroud’s little maternity unit has been serving the local community for over 70 years. If you are considered ‘low risk’ you’d be welcome to give birth there, so take a look at the facilities there on one of the tours on Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings. Tragically the postnatal ward there has been closed for two years now (although staff continue to offer support to postnatal families during the daytime) - to sign the petition to get it fully operational again, go to https://www.change.org/p/keep-stroud-maternity-unit-fully-operational.

3. Gloucester Birth Unit - the local ‘alongside’ midwife-led unit. Officially run along the same lines as Stroud Maternity but on the same site as the main hospital. Beware: if you plan to go here, it’s not unusual for it to be closed due to staff shortages. When this happens, the midwives are relocated to the Delivery Suite and you’d be directed to go straight there in labour. Statistically, you’re also slightly more likely to transfer to Delivery from the Birth Unit than from Stroud or a home birth… perhaps just because it’s very nearby.

4. Gloucester Delivery Suite - this is our local consultant-led unit: it’s a big busy unit where 85% of babies are born in the county, so it’s a good idea to do a test drive to the ‘maternity emergency’ entrance just in case it’s where you find yourself, even if it wasn’t your original plan. It’s where you’d be recommended to go in labour if there’s any concern about your health or your baby’s, you are having an induction or you’ve chosen to have an epidural. Doctors, midwives and anaesthetists work there so you may come into contact with many different health care professionals.

Where you are going to have your baby is a really important decision! It’s worth spending time considering your options and visiting the local maternity units to get a feel for them. As with so many decisions in pregnancy and birth, trust your instinct! Stand in the rooms (including at home) and imagine being in labour there. You’ll know when something feels right for you.