Charlotte (at one day old), born at
home in Lancaster earlier this year.

The first meeting of a new homebirth support group for Lancaster will take place next week.

The group is self-organised and open to all women (and their partners) so if you’re expecting your first, second, third… child, or even if you are not pregnant but simply want to talk about choices in childbirth: home birth; water birth; natural birth after caesarean; pain relief options, the Group will make you welcome.

There will be some toys for small children as well as tea, coffee, cold drinks and cake. Mums wishing to share their experiences either at the group or by providing testimonials to share with expectant parents are also welcome.

“The aim of the group is to give women information to help them make their own decisions about childbirth,” explains spokesperson Ruth Ainsworth, “and to share experiences in a relaxed and friendly environment.’

Currently just two per cent of babies in the UK are born at home, despite lots of evidence that giving birth in the home environment is both safe and normally calmer for both the mother and baby. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) support home birth for women with uncomplicated pregnancies.

The group will run monthly and will also have a website to share information about choices in childbirth and local women’s birth stories.

• The first meeting takes place on Tuesday 27th September at 6.30pm at the Friends Meeting House on Meeting House Lane, Lancaster. For more information, to be added to the group’s mailing list or to supply a
testimonial, please email birthingathome@gmail.com or call Ruth
(07887732547) or Nina (07868294638) Information from homebirth.org.uk