Homebirth in Belgium

For some mums-to-be, giving birth in their own familiar environment, accompanied by a midwife, feel like the safest and most obvious option.

Homebirths (‘accouchement à domicile’ / ‘thuisbevalling’) currently account for around 1% of births in Belgium. Your care for a home birth would be provided by an Independent Midwife

To be able to give birth at home, you would need to meet certain criteria:

• live within 30 minutes drive of a hospital – this is in case you need to be transferred to hospital if your midwife feels it’s safer for you and your baby

• homebirth is not recommended if you are expecting more than one baby, or for a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)

A home birth may be possible if, by the end of your pregnancy:

• your pregnancy has gone well and both you and your baby are healthy

• you are between 37 and 42 weeks

• your baby is in a head-down position.

Antenatal care for a planned homebirth

If you plan to give birth at home, your midwife will handle most of your care during pregnancy. However, it's important to have some check-ups with a gynaecologist. Discuss this with your midwife. You should also select a hospital in case a homebirth isn't possible, or if you need to go to the hospital during labour. Near the end of your pregnancy, your midwife will determine with if a homebirth is still the best option for you and your baby.

What will the midwife bring with her to the birth?

Your midwife will bring a homebirth kit with items similar to those in a hospital, such as sterile tools, a doppler for listening to your baby’s heartbeat, a bulb for clearing mucus from your baby’s nose after birth, equipment for IVs and local anesthesia, and resuscitation tools. She will also ask you to gather some items that might be needed during labour and birth.

What do I have to prepare myself?

Your midwife will give you a list of items to prepare for the birth. This includes a mattress protector, plastic sheeting (a new shower curtain works well), a portable heater with an extension cord, and items for your baby. Check the list (Dutch)from the Bolle Buik midwives for what you need for both you and your baby. Even if you're having a home birth, be ready for a possible transfer to the hospital if needed. Prepare a hospital bag with items for both you and your baby, and ask your midwife for a packing list.

What happens when?

When labour is strong, call your midwife to come to your home. When the baby is about to be born, a second midwife arrives, and they both support you during the birth. After the birth, a midwife will stay for about two hours (or longer if needed) to ensure you and your baby are okay and that breastfeeding begins, before leaving you to enjoy your new family.

What if things turn out differently?

When complications occur during labour or delivery, the midwives will take no risks. With a suitcase full of materials and medication, they can provide the necessary assistance at home. But, if necessary, they will arrange transfer to hospital and continue their care their.