Formal home birth services temporarily suspended in Cheshire and Merseyside to protect women and their babies

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Cheshire and Merseyside Local Maternity System (LMS) has been working to ensure that women and their families have access to the same high-quality care, support and information and choice of birth as in normal time. We strongly advocate for supporting every individual woman’s choice of birth and are committed to providing safe and personal maternity care.

In line with national guidance, we are temporarily suspending formal homebirth services in maternity providers across Cheshire and Merseyside based on individual agreement from each trust Executive Board. This will ensure that women and their babies continue to receive the best care and a positive experience.

The decision was not taken lightly, the impact of Covid-19 has presented numerous challenges relating to the availability of midwives, as well as availability of ambulances when they are needed. To continue home births during this time could also put additional pressure on local NHS partner organisations, if women and home birth teams required their support in an emergency. Additionally, each service has undertaken an individual risks assessment with each woman and in the majority of cases they have now chosen to attend the Midwifery-Led Unit.

All providers have been asked to review the national guidance, set out by The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and undertake individual risk assessments with women booked for a home birth. All women will be fully informed of the potential additional risks via an ‘Enhanced Home Birth Risk Assessment’ (which includes COVID specific information which may adversely affect the experience, outcome or choice of the woman) and be encouraged to make an informed choice with their midwife regarding their place of birth.

This temporary suspension will be kept under review on a regular basis. Any Trust that changes their position will communicate this to the LMS immediately. All other maternity services remain unchanged.

Women who are affected by this change will be contacted by their maternity provider to discuss their options, agree an individualised care plan and receive ongoing support.

We encourage all women to work closely with their maternity team to maintain their continuity of care during these difficult times.