There is a review of maternity services in Australia, and soon private indemnity insurance will not be available to homebirth midwives, and the Government has decided not to cover them.
Essentially, this rules out homebirth as an option for Australian women.
Now, you might think, “who would want a homebirth, it’s dangerous!”, but in European countries where homebirth is routine (about 30%), maternal and infant mortality is the same (or lower) than it is here.
I would not have been able to give birth to Inigo at home, and if I ever had another child, I don’t think that homebirth would necessarily be the right choice for that birth, but I definitely want that choice to be available to other women. Birthing in a hospital definitely makes you appreciate “what could have been”.
So if you have a minute, please sign the petition here.
Thanks to Big Green Coat for reminding me to post about this.
Disco Knitter 
Thanks for this one, i signed the petition – i agree – all choices should be available.
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This is just such a disaster. I don’t know what my middie will do. She may have to move back to NZ to practice. I would still birth at home but I would probably end up freebirthing if I couldn’t have her with me. So many women will miss out on the homebirth option if this goes ahead. It will be a tragedy.
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Oh yes, i gave birth at home two times of three births.
and i will never ever choose another place, only when medical circumstances takes this option.
this is the best thing i ever decided!!!!
but in germany it’s not quiet usual, just a little bit. in netherland you go when pregnant, not to your gyn-doc, you are going to your midwife….
and you have the option after sectio to give birth spontaneous, stay at home…but don`t think, this is an easy way to go for pregnant woman in germany/europe. you have always to fight for your right, against doctors, against dangerous in minds. you always have to declare yourself. there is still a lot to do!!
i am the “coloured dog” in our quarter: homebirth, long breastfeeding, carrying the children. but i still going the way of “hearing inside MY voice”.
lg eva
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Thanks for your support Eva! Sooner or later, I think your choices will be more mainstream – babywearing is definitely on the rise, as is breastfeeding. And hopefully the World Health Organisation recommendation of BF for 2 years and beyond will start to be taken seriously.
Unfortunately, it looks like homebirth might be going the other way, and the only option available to women will be freebirth 😦
Your kids are a wonderful advertisement for your “instinctive” parenting 🙂
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