Northern Ireland

13 babies born at home after new service set up in Southern Trust

Paula Murray, Sadie Porter and Andrea Prichard from the Southern Trust Birth at Home Team
Paula Murray, Sadie Porter and Andrea Prichard from the Southern Trust Birth at Home Team Paula Murray, Sadie Porter and Andrea Prichard from the Southern Trust Birth at Home Team

A TOTAL of 13 babies have been born at home over the last few months after a dedicated service was set up by the southern trust.

Since November, midwives have helped women who want to give birth in their own home.

The team is managed by Paula Murray who returned to Northern Ireland to take up the post after many years with birth at home in Scotland.

Paula Boyle, the trust's lead midwife for community, said the home birthing service was suspended during the pandemic.

But she said the service returned after more women asked to give birth at home.

"We were absolutely delighted to offer specialist training to our community team and upgrade our equipment so that those women who choose to birth their babies in the familiarity of their own home can receive a much improved service," she said.

Expectant mothers interested in birthing at home can email birth.athome@southerntrust.hscni.net or discuss your plans with your midwife.