In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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Is homebirth safe?

Evidence suggests that a planned homebirth with a qualified midwife for women who have a low risk of childbirth complications delivers high satisfaction rates and good outcomes for both mum and baby.

Our midwives continually assess and monitor you during your pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. Women at low risk of birthing complications have the same outcomes, regardless of whether they deliver at a hospital or at home, when cared for by a qualified midwife.

Is homebirth for you?

Homebirth is delivered through the Centenary Midwifery Program (CMP). Throughout your labour, you are cared for and supported by two highly qualified midwives. If you are interested in participating in the trial, please check the self-assessment criteria and read the FAQs.

Eligibility and self-assessment criteria

To be eligible for the homebirth service, you must meet the criteria below:

  • Be aged between the ages of 18 and 40 years.
  • Live within the ACT.
  • Have current ambulance cover, and
  • Live in a safe working environment for birthing that has:
    • adequate lighting
    • electricity
    • access to clean hot water
    • pets that can be secured out of the birthing area
    • easy access to the home for emergency vehicles
    • parking availability for two midwives, and
    • reliable phone access at all times.
  • Have one or more birth supporters from family/friends who:
    • Support your decision to have a homebirth.
    • Are available to be present throughout your labour, the birth and the recovery period to provide support to you and your baby, and
    • Are available to care for your other children if necessary.
  • Be healthy and have a Body Mass Index no greater than 35 at the 36 week pregnancy check.
  • Have regular antenatal care within the CMP program.
  • Have a current uncomplicated pregnancy progressing normally.
  • Be more than 37 and not more than 42 weeks pregnant at the time labour begins.
  • Have a single pregnancy with the baby in a head down position before labour starts.
  • Wish to labour naturally and:
    • Plan to use only natural remedies for pain relief during labour. Pain relief medications including epidural and nitrous oxide will not be offered.
    • Understand that water immersion in labour and waterbirth are options.
    • Have active management of the third stage of labour.

Eligibility screening continues up until and including when you go into labour. If any issues are identified, you may need to be transferred to Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, in Garran, or North Canberra Hospital, in Bruce, to give birth.

Express your interest in homebirth

If you think a homebirth might be right for you, or if you are interested in learning more, please:

  1. Read the eligibility and self-assessment criteria
  2. Read the FAQs to learn more about homebirth in general
  3. Let the midwife know you are interested in homebirth when you meet with them between 10-14 weeks of pregnancy.

If you decide later in your pregnancy that you would like a homebirth, please discuss this with your midwife.

Group information session

We hold free group homebirth information sessions every second month at Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Birth Centre (Building 11, Level 3).

These sessions are an opportunity to hear from recent homebirth families, meet the homebirth midwives, view equipment used and have all your questions answered. Please let your midwife know if you would like to come along.

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week