If you read a piece in the media recently, you might have some questions about homebirth care in Lothian and what this might mean for you.

The piece talked about changes to the structure of our Home Birth team and in particular how workforce challenges mean that we are currently unable to continue providing a team which supports only homebirths.

You should not experience any impact of this change in the way our teams are organised. It will not affect your choice about where to have your baby or your care, and I’m keen to reassure you that you can discuss any questions or concerns with your community midwife at your regular, routine appointments, just as you would normally.

All midwives in NHS Lothian are trained to exactly the same high standards, irrespective of where they are based. They are passionate about providing safe, high quality and woman centred-care, whether the care is provided at home or in hospital.

It is important to highlight that during the time the Home Birth team has been in operation, home births have been supported collaboratively between this team and the rest of the community midwives.

Indeed, last year, most of the home births in Lothian were attended by community midwives or a combination of both Home Birth midwives and community midwives.

We are currently reviewing the home service provision to identify and shape the best future model of care. We are incorporating feedback from women, midwives and other stakeholders and we are working at pace to identify what the future model will look like.

Mercedes Perez-Botella

Director of Midwifery, Gynaecology and Neonates