Birthing Options, Pain Relief and Breathing Techniques

Home birthing service paused - 4 March 2026

We have made the decision to pause our home birth services, operating from Kettering General Hospital. The decision follows a review of our home birth services across University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, which highlighted some challenges for the service. 

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire Chief Nurse Julie Hogg said: “This has been a difficult decision, and we apologise for any disappointment it may cause. However, our priority is the safety of the women, families and babies using our services, and supporting our colleagues to provide this care.

“We plan to pause the services until late spring to enable us to safely build a robust and strengthened service. We will keep you informed of our progress.”

Women and families using the services will continue to be offered a personalised plan of care. 

We appreciate your support. Our community midwives are contacting those who were due to have a homebirth. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact your community midwife, who will be able to speak to you about your options.

Choosing where to have your baby

When the time comes for you to have your baby, you will want to be in a place where you feel relaxed, comfortable, confident and secure, and for everything to go smoothly.
 
Where you have your baby will be an individual choice for you, so it's important to talk it through with your midwife or doctor.
 
The safety of you and your baby is always the top priority. For some women, particularly those who have had problems in previous pregnancies, or who have medical conditions that may affect them or their baby during labour, we would recommend birth in our obstetrician-led Unit. This is because of the additional facilities available there. However if this applies to you and you would like to explore other options please ask your Midwife to discuss this with you. If necessary she can signpost you to access additional support.
 
We have an active Midwifery Advocacy service that is also available to support you.
 
Mothers-to-be who have straightforward pregnancies can opt for any of the choices described below. Remember, it is your choice and you can change your mind at any time.

Caesarean Sections

What is a caesarean section?

A caesarean section, or C-section, is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb. The cut is usually made across your tummy, just below your bikini line.
A caesarean is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it's usually only done if it's the safest option for you and your baby.
Around 1 in 4 pregnant women in the UK has a caesarean birth.

Asking for a caesarean

Some women choose to have a caesarean for non-medical reasons. If you ask your midwife or doctor for a caesarean when there are not medical reasons, they'll explain the overall benefits and risks of a caesarean to you and your baby compared with a vaginal birth.
 
If you're anxious about giving birth, you should be offered the chance to discuss your anxiety with a healthcare professional who can offer support during your pregnancy and labour.
 
If after discussing all the risks and hearing about all the support on offer you still feel that a vaginal birth is not an acceptable option, you should be offered a planned caesarean. If your doctor is unwilling to perform the operation, they should refer you to a doctor who will. More information about choosing to have a caesarean section is available by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.