The list of UK homebirth support groups is kept as a collaborative document. This means that group coordinators can add and edit their own details as regularly as they want. Please follow this link to view any recent changes list of UK Homebirth Support Groups .
( http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ds95d3n_3cbrvzr72 )
The document was copied below on 7 June 2009.
Before booking a home birth, or if you are not sure whether you would prefer a home birth, you might find it helpful to talk to other people who have had home births in your area. They can tell you how easy or difficult it is to arrange a home birth there, and direct you towards any particularly helpful midwives. Talking to other people who have given birth at home can be a great confidence boost - it helps to know that there are lots of other women, just like you, who have done it. The sources listed below can help.
Some of the contacts below run home birth support groups which hold regular meetings, whilst others will offer telephone information and support, or may arrange informal meetings according to demand. Some will have books and videos available for loan. I'm afraid my geographical categories are a bit sketchy, so you may need to browse through several areas!
Please note that this is not a complete list of Home Birth Support contacts in the UK. If you can't see one in your area here, contact your local NCT branch to find out if they have a homebirth group or contact.
*** Note that some of the email addresses below have been altered to stop their owners receiving junk email from programs which trawl the web looking for addresses to put on mailing lists. This means that you can't just click on the email addresses below. You'll have to copy and paste the address into your email's 'To' box, and than follow the instructions given for each contact to get the correct address. More help with antispam email addresses here.
You might also find the Homebirth UK email group helpful. It's a homebirth support group by email - an informal email chat group for anyone interested in home birth in the UK. It's a great place for getting lots of views and experiences, and you may be able to make contact with somebody in your area, or someone who has experience of a similar situation to your own.
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homebirthuk)
This page is based on a collaborative document, which enables homebirth group coordinators to add and edit their own entries. I upload the updated documents approximately weekly. You can see the collaborative document at http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=ds95d3n_3cbrvzr72&hl=en . If you need an invitation to allow you to edit it, please contact me on mastweiler@gmail.com .
Wirral Home Birth Support Group
We meet in West Kirby between 8pm & 10pm on the first Sunday of each month. We try to cover one of the following topics each time: dads/birth partners/siblings, what's normal - attitudes to homebirth, attitudes to pain and practicalities / birth plans. Anyone is welcome along with partners, friends and children. We often have local NHS or Independent Midwives present. Please see www.wirralhomebirth.co.uk for contact details or email abc_jackie.rickman@gmail.com (remove the four characters abc_ to get the real email address - need help?)
Lancaster
Contact Julie on abc_lucasjm@cwcom.net (remove the four characters abc_ to get the real email address - need help?)
Selby Rural/ Leeds
Julie - abc_julielouisecurran@btopenworld.com (remove abc_ to get the real email address)
Sheffield
- new group launched in 2006. All are welcome including partners/ children. Email for info: lfbunn @ yahoo.com or mmmbarnes @ blueyonder.co.uk
Barnsley NHS Trust area (South Yorkshire) - Mandy hopes to establish a local support group. Please contact her on abc_rundlecat @ hotmail.com (remove abc_ to get the real email address)
Calderdale Home Birth Support Group (Halifax - Brighouse - Todmorden)
Offering a forum for informed discussion with like-minded parents, midwives and parents-to-be on all choices for childbirth, including homeopathy in pregnancy and birth, water birth, active birth, yoga during pregnancy, and home birth. We meet monthly in Hebden Bridge, Ripponden or Elland, and everyone is invited to attend. We have a small library of literature and lots of people willing to offer help and support.
Ring Annie on 01422 844309 or Jill on 01422 824223, or email _homebirth_antispam_emailjillb@lineone.net (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Southport, Formby and Ormskirk, North Sefton and West Lancs: Southport Formby and Ormskirk NCT Birth Choices group is held on the first Monday of every month at 7.30pm (unless it is a bank holiday when it will be the Monday after). Monthly discussions include Homebirth, VBAC, Waterbirth and "Am I allowed?". Venue is Bishop David Sheppard Primary School, Devonshire Road, Southport, PR9 7BZ. All welcome. For further information call Annette on 01704 830473 or email Chelle on michellebeacock(antispam)@dsl.pipex.com (delete the antispam bit in brackets in the middle to email.
Greater Manchester: Group meets monthly in members' houses. Meetings are very informal. Mums, mums to be, partners, midwives and student midwives are welcome. We provide information and support to parents planning or thinking about a home birth, and continue to provide support post-natally wherever the baby was born.
Meeting venue changes each month (but mainly tends to be around South Manchester/Stockport). Lifts can sometimes be arranged. We cover mums all around our area, so you're welcome from further afield if you have no local group. Website www.homebirth-manchester.org gives meeting dates and locations, email us for host's full address and telephone number email_homebirth_antispam_homebirth @ homebirth-manchester.org (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address). Tel 0845 330 6339
Preston, Fylde and District Birth Choice Support Group
Group meets last Tuesday evening of each month. Informal chats, some facilitated if people want to. Resources including DVDs, books and magazines available.
Call Sarah on 08704211812 or email sarahharrison74antispam@talktalk.net (remove the antispam) for further info.
Bumps 2 Babies (formerly Leigh, Atherton & Tyldesley Homebirth Group and not linked to the NCT's Bumps to babies groups)
- anyone is invited from the Lancashire and Greater Manchester regions too. We meet on the 1st Tuesday of every month at The Children's Centre, 18 Market Street in Leigh from 10.30am until 12pm. The meeting is very informal and informative and children are welcome too. It's free to come and Midwives/Health professionals are also welcome. Organised by Kate Lamb, who is a doula and a member of the local Association of Radical Midwives. Tel: 07870 125082 www.birthangel.co.uk email: abc_kate@birthangel.co.uk (remove abc_ to get the real address)
Liverpool
Group meets the first tuesday of each month, 7.30-9.30pm, St Michaels Community Center, Lark Lane, Aigburth, Liverpool 17. Call Selina on 0151 2817775 or 07951 402441 or email abc.selinawallis @ hotmail.com for advice or info. (remove abc. to get the real email address )
Shropshire
Contact Julie for information about homebirth in Shropshire - 01743 861004 _homebirth_antispam_sjtpadean@talktalk.net (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Darlington
Catherine - _homebirth_antispam_CAHydeWesson@aol.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Lincoln
Home Birth Support Group meets monthly - with books and videos for loan. Contact Heather on 01522 850655.
Spalding/Lincolnshire
Independent telephone support, with books and articles available for loan. Contact Kirsten - 01406 330898, _homebirth_antispam_Kirsten_millinson@hotmail.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Oxford
Contact Oddny on _abc_ob @ darval.com (remove _abc_ to get the real email address - need help?).
South Oxfordshire Home Birth Support group
It meets monthly in home of local mothers, times available on request from info at purplewalnutmidwife.co.uk or mobile 07986 493 454. Run by Liz Nightingale, Independent Midwife.
Banbury
Contact Kedi on kedisimpson_homebirth_antispam_ @ googlemail.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?)or tel. 01869 349711
Derby & District
Group meets regularly and has its own email discussion group; please see the Derby Homebirth Yahoogroup for contact details (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/derbyhomebirth/)
Coventry
Information and support from Jennifer on abc_jennifer@vaudin.net (remove abc_ to get the real email address - need help?)
South Warwickshire
Group meets every other month in Warwick. Contact Diane (07771586095) or Marie (07906143611) or email abc_diane_menage @ hotmail.co.uk (remove abc_ to get the real email address)
Birmingham
Amy runs the NCT Homebirth Support Group for Birmingham. Please contact her to find out the next quarterly Homebirth Support Group date where people planning or who have had a homebirth can get together to share experiences and support. We are often joined by local midwives, as well. Contact Amy on amy @ 123themacleans.org.
- (remove 123 to get the real email address - need help?).
Bromsgrove Group meets monthly. All are welcome! Meet those who have recently had a home birth or are planning/considering one. Midwives will also be available for information and support. Contact helen.odonnell @ talktalk.net
Worcester
We are an informal group meeting every other month set up by mums who have had home births to share their experiences. We offer information and support to women and their partners planning or considering a homebirth. For more details contact Harriet at nct.homebirth123@googlemail.com (remove 123 to get the real email address - need help?)
Woverhampton - See www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/extorgs/wins0636.htm
Loughborough
Caroline - _homebirth_antispam_caroline.keen@ntlworld.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?) or tel 01509 235338
"We meet monthly, sometimes more often if needed, and I am very happy to support women who are not sure about home birth, but feel they would like support to get the kind of birth they want eg waterbirths - either at home or in hospital."
Norwich, Norfolk - Antenatal classes specifically for those planning home births, and monthly support group are provided by Norwich Birth Group doulas. Contact Shawn on 01603 629853 or norwichbirthgroup at phonecoop.coop)
West Norfolk - homebirth support and information from Louise, who is a birth doula and NCT trainee antenatal teacher. If there is a demand she will organise meetings. See www.naturalbirthworks.co.uk or call 01366 502039.
Woodbridge, Suffolk - telephone information and support from Sue on 01278 723012
East Suffolk
Sue - 01278 723012
Bexley and Bromley NCT Homebirth Support Group meets in Eltham, London SE9. Members from Greenwich, Bexley and Bromley boroughs. For details call Jan on 020 8859 1397.
Camden, North West London: Support group led by independent midwife June Pembroke-Hajjaj. Informal and friendly homebirth support group meets once a month at a flexible time and place. A good way to meet others interested in homebirth or to get free advice and information. June also runs homebirth and home waterbirth workshops on a regular basis. For more information or to join our group, call June on: 07876795179 or e-mail clan@hajjaj.fsnet.co.uk
Chiswick NCT Home Birth Support Group co-ordinated by Sarah Johnson, doula and HypnoBirthing teacher. Meets on the SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH (except August and December) AT 8pm. Phone 0870 4239260 or email _homebirth_antispam_sarah@sarahjohnson.co.uk (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address) for meeting location.
Clapham Home Birth Support Group meets quarterly. Contact Liz - tel 0207 622 0495 _homebirth_antispam_liz@jonlongley.in2home.co.uk (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Dartford, Greenhithe & Gravesend NCT Homebirth Support Group meets in Greenhithe (nr Bluewater) on the third Thursday of every month (except August). Everyone welcome, for details call Alison on 01322 387655 or email alisonrgrills @ yahoo.co.uk
Hackney and Islington Meet on the first tuesday of each month, except January. contact homebirth at hinct.org.uk or call jane on 020 7263 2057.
North London - Muswell Hill.
New group starting 5 July 2007, run by independent midwives. Please contact for details of times and venue. See www.rubymidwife.co.uk for contact details.
Regent's Park, Central London: Support group led by Independent midwife Odette Abououf. Homebirth support group meets once a month at a time and place decided by the group, over coffee and biscuits! Anyone interested is welcome. Odette also runs a homebirth workshop and a home waterbirth workshop once a month. For more information or to join our group, call Odette on 07906 166 949 or e-mail midwifeodette@aol.com
Southwark, Lambeth, Croydon and Lewisham Homebirth Workshops run monthly by NCT antenatal teachers for Southwark, Lambeth, Croydon and Lewisham area. Please call Xenia on 0208 670 0832 or email maria@pinterandmartin.com
Tower Hamlets (East London) Meets 8pm to 10pm on the last Thursday of EVERY month except December at 31 Ridgdale Street, Bow, London E3 2TN. People can turn up; no need to book. All welcome. Free...Email Ceri on ceri . durham @ gmail . com for more info. (NB remove spaces from email address to get the real email address)
Twickenham Home birth support group, coordinated by Marie Coveney, an NCT antenatal teacher who also runs antenatal classes especially for people planning home births.
Contact _homebirth_antispam_marie@coveneyglebe.freeserve.co.uk (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Wimbledon and Wandsworth : Our aim is to increase awareness of the homebirth option which we achieve at present via our information pack and bumps and babies coffee mornings.
Contact ABC_josbie @ btopenworld.com OR abc_homebirth@nctwandw.org.uk
or phone: 020 8543 2531 (remove abc_ to get the real email address - need help?)
Sussex
Brighton and Hove NCT Homebirth Support Group
Home Birth: One Vision, One Voice
Inspirational speakers & the chance to Network and discuss some important issues.
Parents £30 Individual, Couples £40,
Early Bird £10 discount until 31st Dec 2008,
Contact Mandy Hawke 023 9246 2786 www.chichesterhomebirth.org.uk
Worthing Homebirth Group - new for 2007
Homebirth Support group for Worthing area (covering Shoreham, Littlehampton, Arundel, Pulborough, Steyning, Horsham etc) run by Kerry Taylor (independent midwife) and Jayn Stapleton (doula). Meetings held in Worthing every 3 weeks beginning July 2007. For more information, see www.worthinghomebirth.co.uk
Shoreham - local homebirth supporter Chris is happy to be contacted by anyone who would like more information - kepler_girl @ yahoo.co.uk
Mid-Sussex Home Birth Group meets monthly in Haywards Heath. We are a friendly group of Mums and Dads and parents-to-be who have experienced a home birth, or are considering having a baby at home. We meet up once a month to share experiences, information, advice and support. If you and your partner are thinking of birthing your baby at home come and join us, children welcome too! Visit www.midsussexhomebirth.co.uk for further information.
LEWES HOME BIRTH GROUP
- we meet monthly on the first Saturday of each month, from 10 am - 12pm. Informal and friendly gathering of expectant parents planning a home birth and mums and dads who have experienced a home birth. Anyone interested is welcome. Contact local midwife Maia for venue and details on lotus @ f2s.com or 01273 487553
Home Birth: One Vision, One Voice
Inspirational speakers & the chance to Network and discuss some important issues.
Parents £30 Individual, Couples £40,
Early Bird £10 discount until 31st Dec 2008,
Contact Mandy Hawke 023 9246 2786 www.chichesterhomebirth.org.uk
Southampton Area homebirth support group
We cover Southampton, New Forest and Romsey. We have monthly meetings, second thursday of the month, and a local email group, HomebirthSotArea@yahoogroups.com
Contact Barbara on Barbara4c_homebirth_antispam_@yahoo.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?)..
Basingstoke
Group meets monthly (alternating mornings and evenings) on the first Tuesday of the Month. For details of venues see http://www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/basingstoke/events or email homebirth_homebirth_antispam_@basingstokenct.org.uk (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?)
Farnham and Aldershot
Group meets monthly (alternating mornings and evenings) for anyone considering/planning a home birth or recently having had a home birth, to share experiences and support. For more information contact Sue Hambleton on suehambleton _homebirth_ @ ntlworld.com (remove _homebirth_ to get the real email address - need help?)
Newbury Homebirth Group
email charlotte at newburyhomebirth.co.uk
www.newburyhomebirth.co.uk
Reading
- New homebirth support group for Reading (in Berkshire) and surrounding areas. The aim is to provide a friendly and supportive forum for like-minded people to meet and share their concerns and to provide an opportunity for expectant parents considering homebirth to meet with experienced homebirthers. Everyone is welcome, including partners. The meetings will be held in Woodley (East Reading).
See also Reading Homebirth Support Group Website (www.readinghomebirth.org.uk) or contact:-
Katherine _homebirth_antispam_katherine711@btinternet.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Linda _homebirth_antispam_celticlindylou@yahoo.co.uk (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Thames Valley Independent Midwives
Hold home birth support group meetings open to all women, whether they are interested in booking independent midwives or not, in High Wycombe and Old Windsor - see their meetings programme.
Hertford, Ware and District
This informal group meets monthly and looks to offer information and support to those interested in or planning a home birth. All are welcome - partners, supporters and families (including nursing babies). For further information please call Sarah Gardiner on 01920 535390 or email abc_j.garder@ntlworld.com (remove abc_ to get the real email address - need help?). www.nct.org.uk/hertford/homebirth
Watford
A new group looking for parents who are interested in, planning or have had a homebirth. Support for your choice and experience and a chance to make new friends. Please contact Genevieve if you are interested. littleoops at hotmail.com
Leighton Buzzard and Aylesbury Vale homebirth support group
Sarah: sarah.calvert @ ntlworld_homebirth_antispam_.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?)
St Albans and District
Caroline - _homebirth_antispam_baileypearce@hotmail.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Quarterly coffee mornings to meet up with mums who have had home births, to offer support. Also has a list of people willing to give phone support - or some who will visit local mums for chats.
Bishop's Stortford and Sawbridgeworth (Covering East Herts/Essex border area)
This informal group meets on the second Wednesday of every month and consists of branch members with experience of Home Birth. They offer information and support to those interested in or planning a home birth. All are welcome - partners, supporters and families (including nursing babies). For further information please call Liz on 08707 65 62 86 or email abc_homebirthsupport@bigfoot.com (remove abc_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Dunstable and District (Also covers Luton)
This friendly NCT-backed group meets every month offering a chance to explore the home birth option with those who have had home births and to be with others who think you're sensible not irresponsible. A mixture of day and evening meetings; partners welcome too.
Contact Catherine: catherine.williams1 @ 1234_5virgin.net (remove 1234_5)
Radlett, Herts
Tamara - abc_tamara@donn.biz (remove abc_ to get the real email address).
Harpenden and District
Kath - kath@abc_condell.co.uk
(remove abc_ to get the real email address - need help?).
This warm and friendly group meets on a monthly basis for a coffee and a chat. Further details can be found on our Harpenden and District NCT website (www.harpenden-and-district-nct.org.uk) ( Branch Services)
Harrow
New group with regular, well-attended meetings - contact Julia on _homebirth_antispam_deLucchi@ukgateway.net (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Colchester and District NCT Homebirth Support Group
Meetings once a month
Contact Ruth on 01206 393076 or email _homebirth_antispam_ruth.clark@tesco.net (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Chelmsford
Jenny - 01245 355683, _homebirth_antispam_jenny@jlvass.freeserve.co.uk
Brentwood:
Janina - _homebirth_antispam_janina.rooney@btinternet.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Basildon, Billericay and Wickford:
Liz - abc_liz @ lsaward.freeserve.co.uk (remove abc_ to get the real email address.
Havering
Tracey - 01708 703180
Saffron Walden (covering Stansted to Cambridge)
Sarah - 0845 094 0075 or email: hypnobirthinganglia@yahoo.co.uk
Bexley and Bromley NCT Homebirth Support Group meets in Eltham, London SE9. Members from Greenwich, Bexley and Bromley boroughs. For details call Jan on 020 8859 1397.
Lewisham - telephone support and information from Susan on 020 7639 3762
Tunbridge Wells
Valerie Goedkoop (who is also a doula) runs a home birth support group - contact details on www.nurturingbirth.co.uk.
Maidstone Homebirth Support Group
Meets on the second Saturday of the month at The Pippin, 78 London Road, ME16 0DR, from 10am to 12 noon. All welcome. For more details, see our website, join our facebook group or contact Helen: helen at mhbsg.co.uk, tel 01622 751014 / 07944 028393.
West Wickham and Hayes - monthly meetings in West Wickham. Contact Pippa on 020 8777 7438 or email 123pip @ biblelog.net
(remove 123 to get the real email address - need help?)
Canterbury and district
Meets Last Thursday in the month 7.30-9.30pm (except August and December)
Please phone or email for venue
Mandy 01227 277462 or Debbie 01227 830880
homeopathy-mm@123tiscali.co.uk (remove 123 to get the real email address - need help?)
Chertsey
Meetings usually held on the third Thursday of every month, 8pm - 10pm. Email: abc_homebirth@friedonions.net (remove abc_ to get the real email address) or contact Sarah on 01932 567244
Godalming area
We have a monthly informal meeting. Contact Julie on homebirth@abc_acer.clara.net or tel Katie on 01483 419311. (remove abc_ to get the real email address - need help?)
Hastings and Rother
Helen - tel 01424 756839 _homebirth_antispam_helen@azande.demon.co.uk (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Redhill Anne - _homebirth_antispam_anne.homebirth@bigfoot.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Camberley, Surrey
Ruth - tel 01276 21528 _homebirth_antispam_Ruth.Bowes@tesco.net (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Croydon and Coulsdon
Samanatha - _homebirth_antispam_jandec44@aol.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?)
Croydon - new group being formed in 2008. Contact Shelley on shelleycox at myway.com
Redbridge NCT Homebirth Group
We meet every 4-6 weeks. Contact Sinead on lengsinead123 @ yahoo.com (remove 123 to get the real email address - need help?)
Woking NCT Home Birth Support Group
We meet every 8 weeks. Please contact Paula for more information on _homebirth_antispam_paula.windsor@ntlworld.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
Plymouth/West Devon
Thinking about a home birth or already determined to have one? Our informal support group offers advice to mums and dads 'to be' on everything to do with home birth from safety to coping strategies and pain relief. For venue and timings please email nicky1234@dcim.co.uk (take out the 1234) or call 01752 721505
Taunton Home Birth Group
We meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 7pm-9pm in the Upper Room at St Mary Magdalene Church in central Taunton. Please come and bring your birth stories or your birth questions. All welcome! Phone Tessa on 01823 275045 or email abc.tessadean@hotmail.com (remove abc. to get the real email address)
Somerset (nr Bridgwater) - Mendip Homebirth Support Group.
Contact Jessica on 1234.homebirth.somerset @ tesco.net (remove 1234 to get the correct email address) - Run by the Mendip NCT Branch but we're open to everyone, including non-members or from other areas.
Frome (and surrounding areas in Somerset and Wiltshire)
Meets monthly. Our informal group offers support for familes who are thinking of birthing at home and offers information on topics including attitudes to pain and coping strategies, Active Birth, partners and children's roles at birth, water birth, birth stories, cloth nappies and complementary therapies. Also available to borrow are books and DVD's on pregnancy and birthing. Contact Fynn and Kym at: frome_homebirth@yahoo.co.uk or join frome_homebirth yahoo group (http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/frome_homebirth/)
Bristol Homebirth Support Group - www.bristolhomebirth.co.uk
Bath Home Birth Group is held on the last Sunday of each month at New Oriel Hall, Larkhall, Bath. BA1 6RA. This is a voluntary NCT support group where you can get information on homebirths, borrow books and leaflets from the three women who run the group. We cover four different areas of homebirth on a four month rotation, so more than one meeting would be useful to gain knowledge.
For more information please see www.borninwater.co.uk news section, or call Rachel on 01225 868961 or e-mail on abcde.bathhomebirth @ aol.co.uk
(remove abcde. to get the real email address)
Swindon/Malmesbury
Juliana - tel 01666 824945 _homebirth_antispam_beardsmore@easynet.co.uk (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
West Cornwall Homebirth Support Group will be meeting once a month at the Redruth Children's Centre, Drump Road, Redruth. It's an informal group which aims to provide information and support when thinking about having a homebirth. Prospective Dads and birth partners especially welcome. Why? How? What about the mess?!! Answers to all these..and a free cup of tea! Look forward to seeing you!
Contact Evony on 07806967260 Email birthlove17@yahoo.co.uk or go to www.cornwallhomebirth.btik.com for details of meetings.
Dorset Home Birth Group
Interested in finding out more about Homebirth? Pregnant or thinking about having a baby and wondering what your options are? Perhaps you have had a hospital birth and want to find out how things could be different next time? or have you had a homebirth and could share your experiences with others? Come along and meet other mums and dads who have had a homebirth, and the midwives who support it. Everyone welcome - mums, dads, mums to be, partners, birth partners, children........... we look forward to seeing you all.
Resources available - books, leaflets, journal articles, homebirth stories, birth videos and dvds, Midwife advice from local midwives, birth pool, birth ball, tens machine and more....
Next meeting Sunday 3 August 2008 at 2pm and then monthly - alternate Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Please call Claire on 01305 268096 or Daisy 01305 853905 or Julie 07828 125416 for more details and venues. Email us on dorsethomebirthgroup @ googlemail.com.
For more information see Dorset Home Birth Group at http://dorsethomebirthgroup.googlepages.com
Homebirth Wales - national homebirth support group. We plan to have monthly meetings, and create regional groups as new members join.
Homebirth Wales Email group(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homebirthwales)
Contact: Catrin123 @ breathe.com (remove '123' to get the correct email) or tel. Catrin on 01656 720596
Carmarthenshire NCT home birth support group takes place monthly in Pencader and is open to all interested in discussions about homebirth. For details please contact Bridget at bridget @ purple.bigongreen.co.uk (remove 'purple.' to get correct address) or ring 01559 389093
.
Edinburgh Birth Resource Centre
Nadine Edwards, AIMS vice-chair
Tel. 0131 229 6259 _homebirth_antispam_NadineEdw@aol.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ - need help?).
Lothian Homebirth Group - meets at the Edinburgh Birth Resource centre. Contact homebirth at postmaster dot co dot uk or phone Nicola on 0131 478 0533 or Kim on 0131 554 6620.
Glasgow Birth Choices Group - Regular meetings where you can discuss your choices with midwives and mothers, eg:
Glasgow's Maternity Services - what's on offer? Where can I give birth? Who will attend me in labour? What can I expect antenatally? What can I expect postnatally? What sort of support can I access? Who do I complain to if I don't like something about the service or I've had a bad experience?
Glasgow Birth Choices Website (www.birthchoices.co.uk )
Glasgow Natural Birth and Home Birth Support Group
Contact Louise on (0141) 429 1352 or email abc_loo_b02 @ yahoo.co.uk (remove the first four characters, ie abc_ to get the real email address - need help?)
Glasgow Home Birth Group Website (http://homepage.virgin.net/home.birth)
Lanarkshire Homebirth Support - Just started: regular monthly meetings held in Motherwell for the NHS Lanarkshire area. Click on the link for the yahoo group and more details (http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/Lanarkshirehomebirthsupport/)
Grampian Home Birth Support Group
We meet monthly at Peterhead Hospital, and hope to expand to meeting in Aberdeen regularly as well. For more information see our Bebo page below or contact Amber on ambyuk@gmail.com or Charlie on charlene.paris@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.bebo.com/grampianhomebirth
Belfast Homebirth Support Group
Just started. Meeting Quarterly. Anyone with an interest in homebirth welcome to attend.
Contact Oonagh on _homebirth_antispam_oonagh95@aol.com or Claire _homebirth_antispam_claire.oflaherty@btopenworld.com (remove _homebirth_antispam_ - need help?)
Advice and help arranging home births is available from a network of women who are involved with AIMS and the NCT. Contact Deborah on _homebirth_antispam_debiam@bigfoot.com for more details. (remove _homebirth_antispam_ to get the real email address - need help?).
AIMS fights for informed choice for parents, and for good practice in the maternity services. If you have trouble booking a home birth, or run into any sort of conflict with your local health authority on maternity issues, AIMS can give you expert advice on handling the situation, and on your rights; it also keeps a list of home birth support groups nationwide. Contact details are on the AIMS website at www.aims.org.uk
Has Home Birth Support Groups in many areas - some are listed above. Contact your local branch via NCT head office via the NCT Website or tel 020 8992 8637 to ask for details. If there is no support group near you, local NCT members may be able to put you in touch with mothers who have had home births.
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Home Birth Reference Page
Site Contents
www.homebirth.org.uk