06 — Service
Homebirth Services
If you are hoping for an empowering birth experience where you feel safe, respected, and fully in control of your environment, surrounded by your loved ones in the comfort and privacy of your own home, then a homebirth may be the right choice for you.
Supporting families through homebirth is a true privilege. As a midwife, it allows me to fully embrace the essence of midwifery: the art of “being with woman.” Having also supported many women in hospital settings, I have seen just how incredible the body is when birth unfolds naturally, without unnecessary interruptions, and at its own pace.
At home, we create a calm, nurturing environment where your body can do what it is designed to do. Using tools such as hypnobirthing techniques, aromatherapy, reflexology, and other comfort measures, most women can experience a safe, positive, and deeply empowering birth.
One of the most special aspects of homebirth care is the opportunity to truly get to know each family throughout pregnancy — their preferences, dynamics, hopes, and fears. Through antenatal visits and ongoing support, we build a strong, trusting relationship. By the time labour begins, you feel safe, supported, and confident. This sense of safety plays an important role in birth, helping to reduce stress hormones and allowing oxytocin to flow, supporting the natural progression of labour.
The two weeks of postnatal care in your own home are often a highlight of the entire journey, especially for first-time parents.
As a lactation consultant, I provide hands-on support with breastfeeding, helping you understand your baby and build confidence in those early days. Having this level of personalised support can make a significant difference, setting the foundation for a positive and sustainable breastfeeding experience.
Following additional specialist training, I can also carry out your baby's Day 2 Neonatal Examination at home, avoiding the need for you to travel back to the hospital. The Neonatal Bloodspot Screening (commonly known as the heel prick test) is also completed in the comfort of your home.
If you're dreaming of a homebirth, you deserve the right support to feel informed, prepared, and confident in your choice. I provide midwifery care through the Health Service Executive Homebirth Service for families living within approximately one hour of Kilkenny City, including areas of County Kilkenny, County Carlow, South Tipperary, and Portlaoise.
What is the HSE Homebirth Service?
The Health Service Executive (HSE) offers a free homebirth service for women who have a low-risk pregnancy and wish to give birth in their own home rather than in a hospital.
The HSE Homebirth Service is a publicly funded maternity care option in Ireland that supports women to give birth at home under the care of qualified midwives.
Care is provided by specially trained Self-Employed Community Midwives (SECMs), who support you throughout pregnancy, attend your homebirth, and continue care after your baby is born.
Who Is It For?
You can have a homebirth if you:
- Have a low-risk pregnancy
- Are generally healthy with no significant medical complications
- Have had a straightforward previous pregnancy/birth (if not a first baby)
Some specific health conditions may need further evaluation by an Obstetric Consultant before homebirth approval. Each application is assessed individually by the SECM and by the Designated Midwifery Officer (DMO) of your local hospital.
How Does It Work?
You contact the SECM and inquire about availability for your estimated due date
Your midwife will meet you and assess your suitability and complete the National HSE Homebirth application
Your obstetric consultant may need to see you to confirm your suitability
If accepted, you receive a mix of hospital/GP care and home-based midwifery care. You will have all your blood tests and scans performed at your local maternity hospital, with continuous communication between the hospital-based care and the homebirth midwife.
What Care Can I Expect?
Antenatal Care
- 5 antenatal visits in your home for a full check of maternal and fetal wellbeing
- Preparation for birth
- Breastfeeding education
- Discussion of birth preferences and support developing birth plan
- Available by phone for support throughout the pregnancy
Homebirth Attendance
- On-call for homebirth from 37 weeks up to 42 weeks
- All technical equipment including emergency medication
- Attendance from time labour is established up to when mum and baby are safely resting
- 2nd midwife in attendance for birth for support and in case of emergency
- Immediate care if an emergency occurs followed by prompt transfer to hospital
Postnatal Care at Home
- 5 postnatal visits up to 2 weeks after birth
- Physical check of mother and baby
- Support and education for postnatal recovery
- Support with breastfeeding and newborn care
- Referral to Public Health Nurse, Hearing screening, GP and Registration Officer
Tracey, Aemen & baby Cushla
First-time Parents & Homebirth, Thurles
“Deciding to have Anabela as your home birth midwife will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. I was nervous going down the home birth route as a first time mother given I didn't know what to expect but from the very first meeting Anabela was so attentive, compassionate and reassuring. Beyond checking everything with my pregnancy and baby was as it should be, Anabela was also a listening ear, a knowledgeable guide and open to any questions I had. My prenatal check ups with her were such a gorgeous space for me to build confidence about birth.”
“For the birth itself, Anabela was incredible. She was communicative, intuitive and completely on the ball. From producing a lavender soaked cloth at the perfect moment to ensuring a completely safe and calm delivery of my baby, she was a masterclass in adapting to the needs of our family. Having her there was so reassuring and a big reason why I had such a positive experience of birth. Having her continue to visit for the post natal appointments was a complete blessing, especially having that continuity of care when you're so vulnerable. Her experience as a lactation consultant was also pivotal in me establishing a great start to breastfeeding. No question was too small and being able to WhatsApp her with any worries as a new parent was amazing.”
“She really is such an incredible woman and I can't recommend a home birth experience with Anabela enough.”
Blume Logar & Baby Lyra
Homebirth Client
“I had the most wonderful experience with Anabela during my home birth. She brought such calm confidence, gentle care, and deep knowledge that helped me feel safe and empowered throughout every moment!”
“I can highly recommend Anabela to any expecting mama or new parent ♥”
FAQs
Is it safe to have a homebirth?
For women with low-risk pregnancies, a planned homebirth with a qualified midwife is considered a safe option, with outcomes comparable to hospital births. The HSE homebirth service has clear protocols to ensure safety for both mother and baby, including:
- Mandatory 2-yearly training to deal with emergencies in the homebirth setting
- Presence at the birth of neonatal resuscitation equipment including oxygen, emergency medication, and IV access
- At 36 weeks the national ambulance service is notified of client's location and is contacted to stand by as soon as labour is established
- A 2nd midwife is in attendance at time of birth to deal with any emergencies
What if I change my mind after booking a homebirth?
Homebirth is about having choices. If you change your mind and decide to move your care to hospital during pregnancy, or decide to transfer to hospital during birth, you will be fully supported by your SECM. You can transfer at any time.
Can I have any pain relief during a homebirth?
Your midwife will support you during your birth to use the non-pharmacological pain relief techniques of your choice, such as TENS machine, hypnobirthing, aromatherapy or reflexology. Water immersion in a birthing pool or bath is also highly effective in increasing comfort during birth. Entonox (gas and air) is also available and is a highly effective method of pain relief.
Who can be present at my homebirth?
You can choose to have the support of anyone you wish — from your birth partner, to your extended family or even your children. You have full control of who is at your birth.