What makes homebirth different?

Picture this: you’re in labour, and instead of bright hospital lights, you have soft lighting that feels right. Instead of unfamiliar sounds, there’s your own music (or lovely silence). You can have a bath in your own bathroom, grab snacks from your own kitchen, and move around however feels good–without anyone asking you to get back into bed.

When you’re at home, your body often feels safer to do what it knows how to do. The hormones that help labour progress work better when you’re relaxed and undisturbed. Many people find they need fewer medical interventions, and research backs this up–for straightforward pregnancies, planned homebirths are just as safe as hospital births, often with better experiences for mums and babies.

But here’s what I want you to know: choosing homebirth isn’t about being a hero or proving anything to anyone. It’s simply about choosing the environment where you feel most like yourself.

Is homebirth right for you?

You might find yourself drawn to homebirth if you:

• Feel most relaxed in your own space
• Want to avoid the rush to hospital during labour
• Prefer a quieter, more intimate atmosphere
• Hope to have more control over your experience
• Trust your body’s ability to give birth
• Want your partner or children nearby in familiar surroundings

There’s no single “type” of person who chooses homebirth. I’ve supported first-time mums and those having their fourth baby, people who love planning every detail and others who prefer to go with the flow. What they often share is a desire for birth to feel more personal and less medical.

How I can support you

My job isn’t to convince you one way or another–it’s to help you feel confident about whatever you choose. If homebirth feels right for you, I’ll be there to support you every step of the way.

Together, we might:

• Talk through what homebirth could look like for your specific situation
• Help you prepare your space (it’s simpler than you might think!)
• Discuss what to expect and when to call your midwife
• Practice comfort techniques that work well at home
• Chat about any worries or excitement you’re feeling
• Support you during labour itself, from those early twinges right through to meeting your baby

I work with families whose situations don’t always fit the standard guidelines too. If you’re hoping for a VBAC at home, or if you’re considering declining certain procedures, I’ll support you in making informed decisions that feel right for your family.

Working alongside your midwifery team

One thing that often surprises people is how well doulas and NHS midwives work together. I see myself as part of your support team, never competing with your midwives but complementing their medical expertise with continuous emotional and practical support.

Your NHS midwives bring clinical skills and medical oversight–they’ll monitor you and baby’s wellbeing, manage any medical aspects of your labour, and make clinical decisions. I bring continuity, comfort techniques, and advocacy support. Together, we create a strong circle of care around you.

I’ve worked with midwives across Surrey and South West London for years, and most appreciate having an experienced doula as part of the team. We communicate respectfully, share the same goal of supporting you, and each bring different strengths to your birth experience.

What if plans need to change?

Let’s talk about something that might be on your mind: what happens if you need to transfer to hospital during labour? It’s natural to wonder about this, and it’s actually one of the reasons having both a doula and midwives is so valuable.

Hospital transfers during planned homebirths aren’t emergency dashes–they’re usually calm, planned moves when your midwives feel additional support would be helpful. This might be for pain relief you can’t get at home, if labour is taking longer than expected, or if they want a doctor to take a look at something.

If a transfer becomes necessary, I’ll come with you. I’ll help you navigate the change of environment, communicate with hospital staff about your preferences where possible, and provide the same emotional support you’d have had at home. Your midwife will hand over your care professionally, ensuring continuity of information.

The beauty of having planned a homebirth is that you’ll have been cared for by midwives who know you and your preferences. Even if you end up in hospital, that relationship and knowledge travels with you.

Homebirth in Surrey and South West London

Every NHS trust has slightly different approaches to homebirth support, and I know the local landscape well. I can help you understand what’s available in your area and connect you with resources that might be helpful.

Whether you’re planning to work with an NHS homebirth team, considering independent midwifery care, or exploring other options, I can provide continuity and support that’s tailored to your particular situation.

Let’s have a chat

Homebirth might feel like a big decision, or it might feel like the most natural thing in the world–both reactions are completely normal. If you’re curious, even a little bit, I’d love to hear from you.

We could start with a simple conversation about what you’re hoping for and what questions you have. There’s no pressure, no judgment, just honest chat about your options.

Your birth experience matters, and you deserve to feel heard, supported, and confident in whatever path feels right for your family.