Homebirth, Hospital, and the Power of Being Heard

When it comes to birth, choice matters. But for many mums in the UK, that choice is quietly taken away before the conversation even begins.

In this episode of the Mumma Matters mini-series, I’m joined by the lovely Esther to talk about our experiences with homebirth, and how those experiences were shaped not just by our bodies or our babies, but by the systems around us.

We both had hospital births with our first children, and both of those experiences were totally different. Mine led me to want something different second time around. I wanted the calm, the control, and the comfort of being in my own space. I wanted to plan a homebirth. Esther felt the same.

But here’s the thing... neither of us were ever really offered that option.

It was just assumed that we’d do what everyone else does, go back to hospital, follow the tick-box system, and hope for the best. That feeling of being unheard or overlooked in your own birth plan? It’s more common than you think.

In fact, more than two-thirds of NHS trusts in the UK are currently suspending or restricting homebirth services, making it even harder for mums to make the choice that feels right for them. Add to that the negative spin we so often see in the media, and it’s no wonder homebirth is misunderstood and undervalued.

That’s why this conversation matters.

In this episode, Esther and I share:

• Why we each chose homebirth the second time around

• How our experiences with support teams (or lack of them) affected the outcome

• What it felt like to go against the grain in a system that expects you to stay in line

• And why we need to keep normalising positive, informed conversations around birth, so every mum can feel safe, seen and supported.

This episode isn’t about telling you what to do. It’s about showing you that you do have choices, and you deserve to know them.

 If you’re a mum thinking about your birth options...

We hope this chat gives you a sense of connection, courage, and clarity. Remember every mumma's birth is unique and so it is important to talk to your medical professionals before making your choice.