Practices... - Midwifery - Transfer From Home to Hospital During Labour

If you are having a home birth, it is important to be aware of reasons why you may have to transfer to the hospital during labour. Often it is the woman who makes this decision after being in labour for what she feels is too long, sometimes a couple of days. It may be that she feels exhausted or needs pain relief, or it is possible that she was not given an accurate explanation of what to expect.

The midwife in your home needs to feel confident with the birthing process so that you will feel this energy and know that you are safe. Reassurance and a calm manner will greatly help you, the birthing woman, in fearful times. Both you and your partner should eat when you are hungry and sleep when you feel tired. In the early stages of birth, the excitement can be overwhelming and your basic needs forgotten, leading to exhaustion in the later stages. Other reasons why hospital transfer may be advised include heavy bleeding, excessive pain, fetal heart abnormalities, and, in rare cases, for a placenta that is stuck after the birth or for difficult stitches. Every midwife is skilled in providing emergency care and if a move to the hospital is required, she will stay with you and continue to care for you in the hospital.