Conference 2009 (Chichester)

Notes from the conference are now available in Powerpoint format: The Way Forward - Voicing the Vision

Calling all midwives . . . Did you choose to have a home birth? We would like some quotes to put on a display board at our 2009 conference, under the heading 'Why do midwives choose home birth?'. Please email quotes or stories to info@chichesterhomebirth.org.uk. Many thanks – we'll display as many as we can.

Home Birth: One Vision, One Voice
Chichester Medical Education Centre, St Richard's Hospital, Chichester
Saturday 21 March 2009

We invite you to join us at our conference on 21 March 2009 in Chichester. Do you feel that the business of giving birth today falls short of what it could be for mothers and midwives? What is the best way forward? What do we need to concentrate on in order to give parents and midwives confidence that it is both safe and sensible for babies to be born at home?

This is a conference for all those who would like to get involved and try to make a difference. We want to raise the issue of home birth on the political agenda, to find the way forward. And this means one vision and one voice. How can we all - health professionals, parents, families, antenatal teachers and doulas - work together to support home birth? Where do we begin?

We've lined up some inspirational speakers, but we're also providing an opportunity for you to meet and network with other 'movers and shakers' and to discuss in small groups some important issues.

Is normal birth in hospital the same as normal birth at home? Are the current medical guidelines on who is suitable for a home birth appropriate? Are birth centres and midwifery led units a distraction for women who are unsure about home birth?

How does home birth fit into the lives of midwives with other commitments? Who supports them to provide a safe and sustainable home birth service? Can they trust their instincts and skills when there is no emergency button?

What information and support do women need to feel confident to give birth at home, and indeed, could the NHS cope if more women choose to do so? Should we be encouraging home birth as the norm, and how can we address prejudices against it - pain, mess and safety? Does home birth need a media make over?

There will be plenty for everyone to get their teeth into, followed by a summary of what other groups come up with. From this we hope we can voice our vision - the issues we should focus on when searching for the way forward. It's a tall order, but exciting, too.

At the end of the day we hope you'll feel that you have networked with interesting and dedicated people, helped to shape the vision that could lead to a new culture around home birth and gleaned practical ideas to use in your own area. We'll finish with 'Pass it On', a session of inspirational stories to share.

Programme

Chichester Home Birth Charity Appeal 2009: Ethiopiaid