We attend births at home for clients who have no medical or pregnancy problems

We support the choice of planned home birth as an option for healthy parents. There is a lot of research that supports the safety of home birth. People who birth at home benefit from increased convenience, privacy and feelings of being in control, as well as a decreased risk of infection and the need for interventions like c-sections. Read more.

Comprehensive prenatal care and careful monitoring in labour by a known caregiver are important factors in preventing, detecting and managing any complications which might arise. Sometimes, difficulties can occur during labour and birth. If this occurs, we will move in to hospital and consult with a doctor if necessary. Click to hide.

When you have a home birth, we stay for at least 3 hours after the birth, and will be back to check on you within 24 hours. Our postpartum clients have access to 24hr on-call paging in case issues arise. ​

Frequently asked questions about home birth

What options for pain relief will I have at home?

The main thing to remember is that being in the comfort of your own home will decrease the pain, fear and tension that you experience in labour, so you will be less likely to need medications to help you with the pain. Read more.

The Hamilton Midwives is pleased to offer their home birthing clients the use of Alnox – a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen also known as Laughing Gas for pain relief in labour. If you find that you need or want other pain medicines, we will go to the hospital and you can have them.

Preparation and realistic expectations are invaluable for clients planning a natural birth. Most expectant parents find labour to be both physically and emotionally challenging. It is one of the most powerful and intense times in a person's life. Midwives offer lots of support like massage, counter pressure and continuous presence to help you through the challenge of labour. We also offer suggestions on how your support person can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable. The main thing to remember is that being in the comfort of your own home will decrease the pain, fear and tension that you experience in labour, so you will be less likely to need medications to help you manage the pain. Taking prenatal classes to know what is happening in your body, what to expect, ways to cope and ways to help your body get on with its work is very useful indeed. Click to hide.

What supplies will I need for a home birth?

We will supply you with all of the medical supplies that you will need and bring all of the equipment that would be available for a normal birth at a small community hospital. We will ask you to provide a few items like paper towels, garbage bags and something to cover your bed with.  If you will struggle to afford the items that you do not have on hand, please let us know.  

What about the mess of a home birth?

Birth at home is surprisingly tidy.  We will leave you with one bag of garbage and one bag of laundry.  

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