CREWE HOME BIRTH SUPPORT GROUP

In the context of a falling home birth rate, three local women have set up a Home Birth Support Group in Crewe.

In the 12 months to July 2021, the monthly average Home Birth rate within the Leighton Maternity Hospital catchment, was 6.1% or 14 births a month, and in the most recent 12 months (the year ending February 2024) this average is now 3.3% of total births or an average of 7 births a month. 

Joy, one of the founders of the Crewe Home Birth Support Group is also the Chair for the Central Cheshire Maternity Voices Partnership, she says: 

“We know that the national Maternity staffing issues of recent years have not left Leighton unscathed, but we have been told via the MVP that staffing is now up to the levels required to effectively run the Home Birth team. As a doula, and the chair of the MVP, I know from listening to women, that Home Birth is an important element of providing safe, effective care for all the expectant families in the area, and I’m happy to volunteer my time to our group to support the NHS in raising the number of Home Births again to a level that accurately reflects the needs of the local maternity service user group. 

Home Birth is proven to be at least as safe if not safer than birthing in hospital, and there is evidence to suggest that even planning a Home Birth can reduce the chances of a birth ending in instrumental or surgical support even if a transfer to hospital is necessary. 

Melanie the facilitator behind the number crunching says: 

“It’s a common misconception that Home Birth is for families with larger houses and plenty of money. Part of the reason behind setting up Crewe Home Birth Support Group is to bust that myth and provide information and support for ALL families in the area who think they might benefit from a Home Birth or even just planning one. The group is free to attend, and we hope to foster a community of Home Birthers who will not only share their experiences but also equipment to loan or pass on. 

Our area is incredibly fortunate to still have a Home Birth service, from Leighton Hospital and we also welcome Oak Team midwives to the group as and when their workloads allow.”

Clemence, the third member of this trio of Home Birth cheerleaders says:

“Safety and reduced physical and mental trauma are the outcomes we all want to see for our Mums and pregnant people in the area. Our group will provide connection, information and communication about Home Birth for those families considering a Home Birth or who just want to find out more before they make a decision either way. 

We know that Home Birth isn’t for everyone, but we want to make sure that the families in our area have all the information they need to make that decision for themselves.”

The group is free to attend, and is held on the second Tuesday of every month at The Haven on North Street, Crewe, CW1 4NJ 6pm to 7.30pm. All the family is welcome. 

You can contact the team by email to: 

crewehomebirth@gmail.com

on their instagram:

@crewehomebirth

...or calling Melanie on:

07776251515

If you’d like to talk to someone about any birth or perinatal experiences to the Maternity Voices Partnership, you can email Joy on:

centralcheshiremvp@gmail.com

Pictured - Crewe Home Birth Support Group team at recent A Statue for Ada fundraiser quiz. From left and clockwise Joy, Joy’s husband, Mel’s husband, Mel and Clem.