Why more families are opting for home births during the pandemic
A growing number of women and families who fear they could be putting themselves at risk by attending hospital during the coronavirus pandemic are opting for an alternative birth plan.
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Victorian families have changed their birth plans and opted for home births at increasing rates amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Homebirth Australia has seen inquiries jump to as high as four times the pre-COVID-19 rates in recent months, with women and families fearing they could be putting themselves and their families at risk by attending hospital.
Co-ordinator for Homebirth Australia, Grace Sweeney, said the pandemic had caused many women to rethink their birth plans.
“On the ground we are absolutely seeing an increase in the number of women choosing a homebirth at the moment,” Ms Sweeney said.
“Homebirth midwives in Melbourne are reporting four times the number of inquiries they usually get, and their bookings have doubled.’’
Mum-of-two Catherine Hookey, 30, gave birth to baby Seraphin, 3 months, at the start of the pandemic.
She said while she had already planned an at-home birth, the possibility of having to go to hospital was still something she was concerned about. She said having a home birth made her feel comfortable and at ease.
In Victoria, there are only two public hospitals — Casey and Sunshine — that offer home birth programs.
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