Home birth 'a right' for Guernsey mothers

Pregnant women in Guernsey are being reassured they can choose to give birth at home if they want to, after fears over a shortage of midwives in the UK.

The UK's maternity services are "near breaking point", according to the head of the Royal College of Midwives.

Guernsey's Health and Social Services Department said it was a woman's right to make an informed choice about the place of birth.

It said the safety of the mother and baby "were always paramount".

The department was unable to provide statistics on the number of home births in the island but said its services focused on "individualised care".

It said: "All women are given an opportunity to discuss their wishes with regard to the place of birth and receive unbiased information about the options available to them.

"If the woman requests a home birth, she receives information regarding the services available, including emergency services and their limitations.

"The community midwife makes home visits during the antenatal period to discuss the plan of care."