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Cancelled home birth

Posted By Homebirther

"Cancelled home birth"

About: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / Maternity care

(as a service user),

I am 36 weeks pregnant and my home birth was cancelled 5 weeks ago. Midwives are unable to attend due to shortages following covid 19, ambulance services are reported to be stretched and a lack of oxygen canisters. This has really affected me mentally in terms of my confidence to birth. I have been advised to go to hospital to birth but this was never my plan and I feel more at risk of catching corona virus. I also need the support of my partner at all times. I feel it’s my right to birth at home and be supported. I just want a nice, peaceful uninterrupted birth during this highly stressful time.  

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Responses

Response from Frances McGuire, Chief Midwife, NHS Lothian 4 years ago
Frances McGuire
Chief Midwife,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 30/04/2020 at 11:29
Published on Care Opinion at 11:29

Dear Homebirther

I am really very sorry that at this time we are unable to support your request for a homebirth. Covid-19 has meant that we have had to review the services we provide and adapt these services are provided.

The safety of you and your baby are most important to us and Maternity Services have implemented the guidance issued by the Scottish Government. Staff wear PPE for all patient and inline with the guidance we have reduced the footfall in our hospitals by reducing the number of people attending clinics and stopping visiting except in the most difficult of circumstances.

I do appreciate that this isn't what you had planned for the birth of your baby but I will reinstate the homebirth service as soon as I can.

In the meantime the Lothian Birth Centre is available and staff there always aim to provide a calm and peaceful birth experience.

Regards

Frances

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