Letters to the Editor: Lift HSE ban on birthing in water at home

There is a HSE ban on birthing in water for women availing of the homebirth service. Labouring in water is allowed but mothers are supposed to exit the pool for the birth

The suspension of HSE home births occurred in November 2020, following two adverse incidences and before conducting a formal investigation.

The idea of birth and pregnancy used to terrify me. I never wanted to have a birth that involved an epidural, gas, an induction, or any tools. It just frightened me, and for years put me off having a baby. Plus I’d heard so many horror stories. Until someone I knew had a home birth. This changed my perspective on everything.

Our baby was due on November 24 and I went over. I was advised to be induced but, based on my midwife’s checks and reports, my body, and after reading Sara Wickham’s books on induction, I declined.