Reviewing our Blossom Homebirth service at Bedford Hospital
Our Blossom Team provide the Homebirth service at Bedford Hospital and is an important part of our maternity services. However, due to staff changes within the team, we are required to review how the current service operates.
A comprehensive review of the homebirth service is being conducted to ensure a sustainable way of delivering safe, effective and responsive home birth services, equity in services offered to all our women and birthing people and the wellbeing of our staff
This review will be undertaken in collaboration with our Bedford Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) and with our midwifery colleagues to gain essential stakeholder feedback. We will then use the feedback received to inform how the homebirth service will operate moving forward.
The review is estimated to take until December 2024. Following the completion of the review, we will communicate any proposed changes to our stakeholders and service users.
We are aware of how much the local community values our homebirth service and therefore it is important to clarify that no decisions have yet been made. Whilst the review takes place, care will not be compromised as pregnant women / birthing people currently under the care of the Homebirth team will be supported by community midwives that are experienced in providing labour care within a home environment.
Q&A
Will I still be able to book for a homebirth?
Yes of course, when you meet with your midwife they will discuss recommended options for birth and as part of these options, including the hospital and midwife led unit they will also discuss options for homebirth providing your pregnancy is low risk.
What happens if I am not ‘low risk’?
The safety of you and your baby is paramount and we will always endeavour to ensure you are in the best possible place for your care. Your midwife will organise an appointment with our Consultant Obstetricians so an informed discussion can be held to ensure you are aware of any risks associated to place of birth for you and your baby and they will provide recommendations for place of birth, this information is so you can make an informed decision around your choices.
Are all midwives able to undertake a homebirth?
Yes absolutely, all midwives regardless of where they work, are trained to deliver labour care. Community midwives are able to provide labour care in a home environment, if your pregnancy has been low risk. All midwives receive yearly updates, including emergency skills, neonatal and maternal resuscitation and they carry all the necessary equipment needed.
Has service user input been considered surrounding the changes to homebirths?
This review will be undertaken in collaboration with our Bedford Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) and with our midwifery colleagues to gain essential stakeholder feedback. We will then use the feedback received to inform how the homebirth service will operate moving forward.
The review is estimated to take until December 2024. Following the completion of the review, we will communicate any proposed changes to our service users.