Self assessment criteria

To be eligible for the homebirth service you need to:

• be aged between the ages of 18 and 40 years
• live within the homebirth catchment area
• have current ambulance cover, and
• live in a safe working environment for birthing that has:
  • adequate lighting
  • electricity
  • access to clean hot water
  • pets that can be secured out of the birthing area
  • easy access to the home for emergency vehicles
  • parking availability for two midwives, and
  • reliable phone access at all times.
• have one or more birth supporters from family/friends who:
  • support your decision to have a homebirth
  • are available to be present throughout your labour, the birth and the recovery period to provide support to you and your baby, and
  • are available to care for your other children if necessary.
• have had at least one, and not more than four, previous healthy pregnancies and uncomplicated births and recovery periods
• be healthy and have a Body Mass Index no greater than 35 at the 36 week pregnancy check
• have regular antenatal care with a health professional
• have a current uncomplicated pregnancy progressing normally, and be less than 8 months pregnant at the time of enrolling in the trial
• attend a 'suitability for homebirth assessment' appointment with your midwife on or before the 36th completed week of this pregnancy
• be more than 37 and not more than 42 weeks pregnant at the time labour begins
• have a single pregnancy with the baby in a head down position  before labour starts
• wish to labour naturally and:
  • plan to use only natural remedies for pain relief during labour. Pain relief medications including epidural and nitrous oxide will not be offered.
  • understand that you will be able to labour in water if you wish i.e. a bath, but the service does not offer water birth (the baby being born under water).
  • agree to receiving medication via an injection to assist with the delivery of the placenta once you have given birth.